September sees rise in milk production

By Scout Nelson

Milk production across the 24 major dairy-producing states showed a slight increase in September 2024, totaling 17.5 billion pounds. This marks a 0.2% rise compared to September 2023.

August's revised production figures were also higher than initially estimated, reaching 18.2 billion pounds, a 0.5% increase from the previous year. The revision added 85 million pounds to the original estimate, reflecting a gradual rise in output.

Key highlights from the report include production per cow, which averaged 1,966 pounds in September, an increase of 8 pounds compared to the same month in 2023. However, the total number of dairy cows in these states dropped by 20,000 from the previous year, remaining steady at 8.89 million head since August 2024.

Some states experienced notable increases in milk production, while others faced declines. For instance, South Dakota saw an increase of 16,000 cows, boosting production by 30 million pounds, or 7.9%. Similarly, Texas added 20,000 cows, with production rising by 65 million pounds, a 4.9% increase. In contrast, New Mexico lost 26,000 cows, leading to a 9.1% decrease in production, equivalent to a loss of 47 million pounds.

Other states like Kansas and Idaho also saw growth in milk output, while Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Arizona recorded declines. These changes highlight the varying trends in milk production across the country.

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