USDA Report: Milk Production Strong Despite Small Herd

According to Monday’s USDA Milk Production report, “What we’re looking at is a slow growth in the number of milk cows in the U.S. herd,” said USDA livestock analyst Shayle Shagam.  He added the report puts the number of milk cows on farms in August at a bit more than 9.4 million head, which is 11,000 fewer than what was reported in August 2021.  However, last months’ figure was still 8,000 more than what the USDA reported back in July.

Shagan noted the USDA reported a drop in milk per cow numbers as well.  But despite that drop, milk per cow was 2,018 pounds last month, which is 34 pounds higher than the rate reported in August 2021.  Total milk production nationwide last month was 19 billion pounds, which is a 1.6% year-over-year increase.

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