Last week’s USDA Milk Production report showed January output (24 major states) up 1.2 percent compared to January last year. December production was revised and is now up 1.3 percent from December 2018.

In total, 2019 milk production was up 0.4 percent YOY on higher yield despite lower overall herd size. Currently, 2020 is shaping up to be a year of recovery for the U.S. herd and numbers have already bounced back from the lows seen in mid-2019.

The number of milk cows in the 24 top states in January increased by 5,000 head from December, boosting the total U.S. herd. Since June of last year, total herd has rebounded by 30,000 head.

Optimism following the Phase One U.S.-China trade deal had laid the foundation for recovery and higher level of exports to Asia, but this is now being threatened by spread of COVID-19.

U.S. dairy herd


Source: USDA
Posted by: Information Services
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