Although many are worried about the drop in dairy prices, a USDA report announced that milk production is up by 1 percent compared to last year. These numbers are based on the production of the 23 leading dairy states in the country.
The increase in production may be indirectly related to the increase in the number of cows. Compared to last year, cow numbers are up by 58,000 compared to last year, but down by 12,000 compared to 2007.
The 2008 summary also showed U.S. milk production climbed over 2.3 percent in 2007 over 190 billion lb. Per cow, milk was 20,396 lb. which is up from 192 lb. in 2007. In January milk production decline 1.4 percent and cow numbers declined by 7,000 and milk per cow 20 lb.
Texas gained the most by increasing by 13 percent in milk production with cow numbers climbing 28,000 head over a year ago.
Kansas increased by 10.6 percent jump in milk production while Colorado and New Mexico were up by 5.5 percent in milk.
Among the other largest dairy states, Wisconsin was up 1% in milk and 5,000 in cows. New York was up just 0.3% in milk, with cow numbers actually declining 2,000 head. Idaho was up 0.9% in milk and 20,000 in cows. Pennsylvania was down 0.3% in milk and 2,000 head in cows.
These numbers are promising compared to other news in the dairy industry. If you are interested in purchasing or refinancing a dairy farm please contact a representative at Farm Plus Financial today. Farm loans are available. Please contact Farm Plus with any questions on farm loans. Call 866-929-5585 or visit online.