News Milk
US milk supply back in positive territory
For the first time in months, the milk supply figures in the United States show no further decline, according to data from the American Department of Agriculture USDA.
In the 24 major dairy states, production last month reached 8.19 million tons. With an increase of 0.1% compared to the same month a year earlier, it can hardly be called an increase. However, the months-long decline has stopped. Throughout the year, production figures have shown a decline, except for February, which was due to the leap year effect.
The cautious recovery of milk production is a result of the fact that the number of dairy cows in August did not decrease further compared to the previous month. With 9.33 million cows, the US still has about 40,000 more cows than a year earlier. However, this is offset by a higher production per cow.
Avian influenza in California
In California, the largest dairy state in the US, production last month was 2% higher than a year earlier. However, there are increasing reports of infected dairy farms with avian influenza in that state. Meanwhile, the USDA recently reported that 25 farms have been affected. These farms are subject to quarantine to prevent further spread of the virus.
Furthermore, the 7.8% increase in Texas stands out. In other major dairy states on the east coast of the country such as New York and Wisconsin, production is under pressure.
