Inside Milk
US milk supply extends lead
Dairy farmers in the United States stepped up their pace in September, because the milk supply has increased their lead on last year. This is according to new figures from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Milk production per cow has also increased.
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Dairy farmers in the top 24 milk-producing states of the United States produced 7,63 million tons of milk in September, which is approximately 1,6% more than in the same month last year. In September 2018, milk production amounted to 7,51 million tons. Towards last month a decrease is visible. The milk supply for that month has increased by 0,2%.
The lead is many times greater when compared with the 5-year average. The 5-year average for the 24 most important milk-producing states is 7,35 million tonnes in September, which is approximately 3,8% less than this year. Compared to previous years, American dairy farmers are also producing considerably more milk this year.
Production per cow
The US Department of Agriculture also released third quarter figures. Milk production during that period amounted to 24,2 million tons, which is approximately 0,5% more than in the same period last year. The average number of dairy cows decreased by 66.000 cows in the third quarter compared to last year. A significant decrease is also visible compared to the second quarter (-10.000 cows).
The fact that milk production is ahead of last year is mainly due to the higher production per cow in the United States. This production per cow for the month of September amounts to 867 kilos per cow, which is approximately 14 kilos more than last year.