U.S. milk production declined fractionally in January.
The USDA says production in the top 24 states was 18.3 billion pounds, down nine tenths of a percent on the year, due to fewer cows, now at 8.873 million head, and lower average production of 2,062 pounds per cow.
California claimed the top slots for production and number of cows, followed by Wisconsin and Idaho in both categories, while Michigan led the way for average production.
The USDA says 2023 milk production totaled 226.364 billion pounds, a little bit less than 2022, with a decrease in the number of dairy cows canceling out an increase in the average.
The USDA’s next annual milk production projection is out March 8th.