US milk production fell 1% YOY in March according to the USDA, reflecting a continuing decline in the dairy herd. Average yield per cow was flat YOY while cow numbers were down 1% YOY in March. At 9.335m, March cow numbers were down 7,000 head on the prior month and 98,000 head below the same month last year. This time, USDA “found” more cows in January and February – with numbers up by 3,000 head and 12,000 head, respectively. The US dairy herd peaked in March and has declined by 98,000 head since.

Among major producing states, milk production in Wisconsin rose by 1% YOY in March while California was up 0.7%. Milk production in South Dakota, Florida and Illinois continued to improve. Supplies are in decline for New Mexico, Texas and Oregon. Overall Upper Midwest supplies rose 0.7% YOY while Desert states were down 5.6% YOY.