Based on latest USDA monthly data released May 22, the number of dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants in April 2025 was estimated at 207,200. While up 10,700 from March, it was 31,000 fewer than April 2024 and the lowest April total since 2006.
Continue reading “Dairy Cow Slaughter Show Lowest Numbers Since 2006”
Commodity prices on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) were higher in May led by the gains in the cheddar block price. Comparing prices to last year, most commodities were below May 2024, except for whey and NFDM which were above.
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Over the past 44 years, milk production in the United States has mostly increased, going from 129 billion pounds in 1980 to 226 billion pounds in 2024 according to Victor J. Halverson, Market Administrator for the Upper Midwest Federal Milk Market Order, in his May newsletter.
Since 2021, production has stayed around 226 billion, with 2024 being the second consecutive year with a slight drop in production. Historically, the adoption of new technology, improvements in genetics, and a greater investment in nutrition have increased efficiency, resulting in higher production per cow.
Continue reading “Milk Production Shifting From East To West”
The USDA Milk Production, Disposition and Income Summary for 2024 just released contained some interesting statistics. Milk production decreased 0.2 percent in 2024 to 226 billion pounds. The production per cow, at 24,178 pounds, was 61 pounds above 2023. The annual average number of milk cows on farms was 9.34 million head, down 42,000 head from 2023.
Continue reading “Milk Production and Butter Prices- What Does It Mean For Consumers”