Largest herd in years
US milk production is heading for record
Since February, American dairy farmers have been increasingly successful in increasing milk production. This resulted in an outlier over March. The liters for April give reason to take into account a new record for May.
Processors in the US record a total of 8,3 million tons of milk for April. That is a plus of 2 percent compared to a year earlier. The increase is partly made possible by a further expansion of the herd. This increases from 9,38 million animals to 9,39 million animals. The largest herd of the last 21 years.
2
procent
Decline in California continues
Milk supply increased to 23 million tons of milk in the 7,78 main dairy states. Within these states, the size of the dairy herd grew more slowly. Once again, it is the dairy state of California that is in the red. A year earlier, the state had already registered fewer liters. Although the decline is less sharp than a year ago, it is continuing.
In May, California will continue to suffer from the hot and humid weather. Not ideal for keeping the milk under the cows. It is directly the argument for less milk in May. In the Midwest and Northeast of the US, cows thrive because of cool weather.
These were also the regions with the largest outliers in April. New York, for example, recorded 3,9 percent more milk, Wisconsin increased by 0,6 percent in milk supply and South Dakota even recorded a plus of 12,8 percent.
More milk in 2018
In 2018, the supply is expected to continue to rise. Points of attention are the stocks of cheese and butter. The demand for cheese in particular could be better and the price is depressing.
Herman van den Pol
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.