USA: Attention-Grabbing Milk Production Report Highlights a Surge in Cow Numbers
Source: dairynews.today
The latest U.S. Milk Production report reveals notable trends with a surge in cow numbers in February to 8.96 million head across 24 major states. This increase suggests potential growth for the U.S. dairy industry.
The February data from the U.S. Milk Production report shows an increase in the number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major states, now totaling 8.96 million head.
This represents a rise of 75,000 head from February 2024 and 13,000 head above January 2025 figures. Phil Plourd, president of Ever.Ag Insights, notes the importance of cow numbers, highlighting this as the largest milking herd since May 2023.
Meanwhile, Michael Dykes, CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, mentions, “Our farmers want to grow and so do our processors. If we aren’t growing, if we aren’t looking toward the future, we’re going to get surpassed by others.”
Despite the increase in cow numbers, milk production in February amounted to 17.0 billion pounds, a 2.6% decrease from February 2024 but still 0.9% higher than the previous year when considering leap year adjustments. Production per cow stood at 1,895 pounds, down by 66 pounds from February 2024. These mixed results point toward a promising future for U.S. dairy, contingent on effective management and innovation to leverage increased capacities optimally.
This represents a rise of 75,000 head from February 2024 and 13,000 head above January 2025 figures. Phil Plourd, president of Ever.Ag Insights, notes the importance of cow numbers, highlighting this as the largest milking herd since May 2023.
Meanwhile, Michael Dykes, CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, mentions, “Our farmers want to grow and so do our processors. If we aren’t growing, if we aren’t looking toward the future, we’re going to get surpassed by others.”
Despite the increase in cow numbers, milk production in February amounted to 17.0 billion pounds, a 2.6% decrease from February 2024 but still 0.9% higher than the previous year when considering leap year adjustments. Production per cow stood at 1,895 pounds, down by 66 pounds from February 2024. These mixed results point toward a promising future for U.S. dairy, contingent on effective management and innovation to leverage increased capacities optimally.
