July 2022 U.S. milk production inched higher than the same month a year ago, but cow numbers were scaled back from the previous month’s preliminary estimate.

Natzke dave
Dave Natzke
Editor / Progressive Dairy

Cow numbers adjusted

Preliminary July 2022 U.S. cow numbers were estimated at 9.416 million head, up just 1,000 from June (Table 1). The big adjustment, however, came in revisions to June’s report, which reduced cow numbers by 8,000 head from the previous month’s preliminary estimate. Among the 24 major dairy states, June cow numbers were cut by 10,000 from the preliminary estimate and were also up just 1,000 head in July.

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With July’s preliminary estimates, U.S. cow numbers remain 91,000 below the peak in May 2021.

Texas led all states in year-over-year growth, up 25,000 head from July 2021, followed by South Dakota, up 20,000 head; and Georgia, up 10,000 head. Compared to a year earlier, cow number declines were again heaviest in New Mexico and Michigan, down 32,000 and 19,900 head, respectively.

Milk per-cow growth subdued

Growth in milk production per cow remains subdued, with the U.S. and major dairy states monthly milk output up about 20 pounds from year-ago July levels (Table 2). Year-over-year milk per cow increased in 17 states, led by Texas, New Mexico and California, each up about 1.3 pounds per day.

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Milk production

With small growth in cow numbers and milk output per cow, July overall milk production was up slightly in the U.S. and among major dairy states compared to a year earlier.

July 2022 year-over-year milk production was down in 13 states, led by a combined decline of 168 million pounds in New Mexico, Washington, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. That was more than offset by a combined 196-million-pound increase in Texas, California and South Dakota.

Texas led all states in year-over-year milk volume growth, up 78 million pounds (6%). South Dakota led all states in year-over-year percentage milk growth, up 13% (41 million pounds).

On a percentage basis, New Mexico and Florida milk production was down 8% and 11%, respectively, compared to July 2021.