By Andi Anderson
Indiana farmers saw an increase in egg production while milk output remained stable, according to the latest data from the US Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
In December, Indiana’s egg-laying hens numbered 38 million, a 6% increase from the previous year. These hens produced 961 million eggs, marking a 7% rise from December 2023.
While Indiana’s egg production grew, national numbers told a different story. Across the U.S., egg production totaled 9.12 billion eggs, a 3% decrease from last year due to fewer hens raised nationwide.
Turkey egg production also saw a slight dip. As of January 1, there were 24.7 million turkey eggs in incubators, reflecting a 1% decline from the previous year.
Indiana’s dairy industry remained stable, with a minor increase in milk production. The state’s dairy herds produced 382 million pounds of milk in December, up nearly 1% from the same period in 2023.
The average Indiana cow produced 2,010 pounds of milk, 15 pounds more than in December 2023, while the herd size remained unchanged at 190,000 cows.
Nationally, milk production in the top 24 states experienced a slight decrease. The total production for December stood at 18 billion pounds, with fewer cows and lower output per cow contributing to the decline.
These changes highlight how Indiana farmers continue to see stable or increasing production, even as national trends show declines. The latest data provides valuable insights for farmers and industry stakeholders looking to navigate shifting agricultural trends.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-chubarovy
Categories: Indiana, Livestock, Dairy Cattle, Poultry