Total number of milk cows declines as production per cow increases.

Krissa Welshans, Livestock Editor

December 18, 2019

1 Min Read
dairy cows being milked milking parlor milkers holstien
DOLLARS FOR DAIRY COMING: USDA announced $350 million as part of a broader $2 billion package under the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program.Toa55/iStock/Thinkstock

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its latest “Milk Production” report, showing that production in the 24 major states during November 2019 totaled 16.7 billion lb., up 0.9% from November 2018. USDA also revised October production down to 17.2 billion lb., which is 1.4% higher than October 2018. The October revision represented a decrease of 60 million lb., or 0.3%, from last month's preliminary production estimate, USDA said.

milk production 11.19.png

Production per cow in the 24 major states averaged 1,892 lb. for November, 16 lb. above November 2018. The number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major states was 8.81 million head, 8,000 head more than November 2018 but unchanged from October 2019.

Total November milk production rose 0.5% year over year to 17.4 billion lb. Production per cow in the U.S. averaged 1,869 lb. for November, just 15 lb. above November 2018. Additionally, USDA reported that the number of milk cows on farms in the U.S. was 9.33 million head, 27,000 head less than November 2018 but unchanged from October 2019.

About the Author(s)

Krissa Welshans

Livestock Editor

Krissa Welshans grew up on a crop farm and cow-calf operation in Marlette, Michigan. Welshans earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Michigan State University and master’s degree in public policy from New England College. She and her husband Brock run a show cattle operation in Henrietta, Texas, where they reside with their son, Wynn.

Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Feedstuffs is the news source for animal agriculture

You May Also Like