August Milk Production Up 2.8 Percent

Milk production in the 23 major States during August totaled 15.0 billion pounds, up 2.8 percent from August 2009. July production was unrevised at 15.3 billion pounds, and was up 3 percent from last year.

Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,796 pounds for August, 51 pounds above August 2009.

The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.36 million head, 10,000 head less than August 2009, and 8,000 head less than July 2010.

California production was up 4.9 percent from a year ago, with 37,000 fewer cows. However, output per cow gained 130 pounds. Wisconsin was up 0.5 percent, thanks to 6,000 more cows. New York was up 4.8 percent, on 7,000 fewer cows but output per cow was up 100 pounds. Idaho was up 7.8 percent, on 25,000 more cows and a 60 pound increase per cow. Pennsylvania was up 3.0 percent. Cow numbers were down 4,000 head but output per cow was up 60 pounds. Minnesota was down 0.8 percent, despite 1,000 more cows., however there was a 15 pound loss per cow.

The biggest increase was in Idaho, up 7.8 percent. Washington was next, up 7.4 percent, and Oregon was third highest in milk production, at 6.9 percent.

The biggest decline was in Missouri, down 8.8 percent, due to 7,000 fewer cows, and output per cow was down 30 pounds from a year ago. Illinois was next, down 5.2 percent with 3,000 fewer cows, and output per cow down 35 pounds. Iowa had the third biggest drop at 2.7 percent with 8,000 fewer cows, but output per cow was up 20 pounds.