News Milk
Skimmed milk boosts US supply
The American milk supply was much higher in February this year than the same month a year ago. USDA reports a year-over-year increase of 2,4% to 17,36 million pounds (7,87 million tons), looking at the 24 largest U.S. dairy states. While January 2024 production was 1% behind last year, February seems to be doing better at first glance.
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It is striking that the milk production in February this year is relatively higher than in previous years. For example, production in February 2021 was 7,67 million tons, February 2022 7,6 million tons, February 2023 7,7 million tons and this year 7,9 million tons.
The reason for this is the leap year, which resulted in an extra production day in February. And that makes the comparison disproportionate. USDA even reports that after adjusted calculations, the average production per day in February 2024 was 1,1% lower than the year before.
The number of dairy cows in the 24 largest dairy states was 2024 in February 8,89, 61.000 cows fewer than in February 2023. This equates to an average production per cow in February 2024 of 886,8 kilos in the 24 largest American dairy states. That is more than 26 kilos more than in February 2023. Despite the slightly shrunken dairy herd, production per cow was higher.
EDF-ZuivelNL reports a USA class 3 milk price of €35,56 per 100 kilos in its milk price comparator. A lot lower compared to the average of €39,19 over the last twelve months.