The United States Department of Agriculture reported this afternoon that August milk production climbed 1.9% over a year ago, and cow numbers were up an amazing 45,000 head over last. Cow numbers were also up 16,000 head over July.
The big gainer in the August report was Texas, up 11% on milk production with 25,000 more cows. Part of this increase in cow numbers may be residual catch-up from the blizzard last December, but there continues to be an increase in processing capacity in the state. That, too, is attracting more cows from other states such as California, says Mike North, with the Commodity Risk Management Group.
California was the big loser, with milk production down 1.7%. That’s the 19th consecutive month year-over-year milk production has declined in the Golden State. Cow numbers were down 11,000 head in California from a year ago, and milk per cow was down 20 lb.
The Number 2 dairy state, Wisconsin, saw milk production up 2.4% on the strength of 50 lb. more milk per cow. Cow numbers in Wisconsin were reported to be down 2,000 head. Idaho saw a 4.9% increase in production.