Total U.S. dairy cows whether measured across the 24 largest producing states or across the nation have held fairly constant the past three months with the September milk production report showing that total milk output is basically flat compared to last year.

After steadily declining for 18 months through mid-2019, market appears to have baselined and could be poised for expansion starting early in 2020.

Milk cows in the 24-state number were basically unchanged vs. prior month down a nominal 1,000 head.

Seasonal milk production normally reaches its minimum in October and slowly climbs until spring flush. Having culled most of the inefficient or higher costs components to their herds, dairy farmers may at least be anticipating expansion in 2020.

U.S. dairy herd, monthly inventory by year


Source: USDA
Posted by: Information Services
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