U.S. Milk Production Edges Higher for Third Consecutive Month
Source: DairyNews.today
U.S. milk production increased slightly in October, marking a third consecutive month of year-over-year growth. According to the USDA's preliminary report, milk output rose by 0.2% compared to the same month last year, totaling 18.69 billion pounds.
The USDA’s October 2024 Milk Production report, released on November 20, showed an increase of about 0.2% fr om October 2023, and a slight uptick from September 2024.
Key Highlights from the October 2024 USDA Report:
U.S. Milk Production: 18.69 billion pounds, up 0.2% from October 2023
U.S. Cow Numbers: 9.365 million, up 10,000 head
U.S. Average Milk per Cow: 1,996 pounds, up 3 pounds
24-State Milk Production: 17.955 billion pounds, up 0.4%
24-State Cow Numbers: 8.921 million, up 21,000 head
24-State Average Milk per Cow: 2,013 pounds, up 4 pounds
Cow Numbers and Regional Variations
October’s U.S. cow numbers were estimated at 9.365 million, a slight increase of 10,000 head from the previous year. Growth in cow numbers was concentrated in Texas and South Dakota, wh ere combined gains reached 57,000 head. However, New Mexico, Minnesota, and Arizona saw reductions totaling 35,000 head.
Milk Output per Cow Rises
Nationally, average monthly milk output per cow increased by 3 pounds from the previous year, reaching 1,996 pounds. Among major dairy-producing states, output per cow was up 4 pounds compared to October 2023. However, regional differences in milk production were notable due to varying weather conditions, feed costs, and income margins. Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas reported increases in milk output per cow ranging from 50 to 145 pounds. In contrast, California, Washington, and Florida saw declines in production per cow of 10 to 70 pounds.
State-Level Production Trends
Overall, 13 states reported year-over-year increases in milk production, contributing a combined 258 million pounds to the national total. Texas led production gains with an increase of 121 million pounds, followed by Idaho and South Dakota with gains of 39 million and 37 million pounds, respectively.
On the other hand, 11 states saw production declines, totaling a 183 million-pound reduction. Notably, California experienced the largest drop with a decrease of 127 million pounds, followed by New Mexico and Arizona with declines of 23 million and 14 million pounds, respectively.
Percentage Growth Leaders
South Dakota saw the highest percentage increase in milk production, up 9.56% from October 2023, while Texas followed closely with an 8.76% increase. Conversely, New Mexico, California, and Arizona experienced declines of 4.42%, 3.84%, and 3.55%, respectively.
Key Highlights from the October 2024 USDA Report:
U.S. Milk Production: 18.69 billion pounds, up 0.2% from October 2023
U.S. Cow Numbers: 9.365 million, up 10,000 head
U.S. Average Milk per Cow: 1,996 pounds, up 3 pounds
24-State Milk Production: 17.955 billion pounds, up 0.4%
24-State Cow Numbers: 8.921 million, up 21,000 head
24-State Average Milk per Cow: 2,013 pounds, up 4 pounds
Cow Numbers and Regional Variations
October’s U.S. cow numbers were estimated at 9.365 million, a slight increase of 10,000 head from the previous year. Growth in cow numbers was concentrated in Texas and South Dakota, wh ere combined gains reached 57,000 head. However, New Mexico, Minnesota, and Arizona saw reductions totaling 35,000 head.
Milk Output per Cow Rises
Nationally, average monthly milk output per cow increased by 3 pounds from the previous year, reaching 1,996 pounds. Among major dairy-producing states, output per cow was up 4 pounds compared to October 2023. However, regional differences in milk production were notable due to varying weather conditions, feed costs, and income margins. Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas reported increases in milk output per cow ranging from 50 to 145 pounds. In contrast, California, Washington, and Florida saw declines in production per cow of 10 to 70 pounds.
State-Level Production Trends
Overall, 13 states reported year-over-year increases in milk production, contributing a combined 258 million pounds to the national total. Texas led production gains with an increase of 121 million pounds, followed by Idaho and South Dakota with gains of 39 million and 37 million pounds, respectively.
On the other hand, 11 states saw production declines, totaling a 183 million-pound reduction. Notably, California experienced the largest drop with a decrease of 127 million pounds, followed by New Mexico and Arizona with declines of 23 million and 14 million pounds, respectively.
Percentage Growth Leaders
South Dakota saw the highest percentage increase in milk production, up 9.56% from October 2023, while Texas followed closely with an 8.76% increase. Conversely, New Mexico, California, and Arizona experienced declines of 4.42%, 3.84%, and 3.55%, respectively.
