U.S. milk production was down 3.9% in September compared to a month prior, according to the USDA’s September Milk Production report released Oct. 21. Production was up 0.1% year over year, while third-quarter estimates (July-September) were also up slightly from the same time in 2023.
September 2023-24 dairy recap at a glance
Reviewing the USDA preliminary estimates for September 2024 compared to September 2023:
- U.S. milk production: 18.194 billion pounds, up 0.1%
- U.S. cow numbers: 9.328 million head, down 38,000 head
- U.S. average milk per cow: 1,950 pounds, up 9 pounds
- 24-state milk production: 17.5 billion pounds, up 0.2%
- 24-state cow numbers: 8.89 million head, down 20,000 head
- 24-state average milk per cow: 1,966 pounds, up 8 pounds
Source: USDA Milk Production report published Oct. 21, 2024
Cow numbers continue falling
September 2024 dairy cow numbers were estimated at 9.328 million head, down 38,000 from a year prior but unchanged from August 2024’s adjusted numbers; preliminary estimates for last month would have indicated a 3,000-head rise from August to September.
The month’s numbers tell the story that’s been shared for most of the year: Cow numbers are down year over year as the September 2024 report indicates a slight rebound of cow numbers trending toward values last seen in early 2024.
Among the 24 major dairy states, September 2024 cow numbers were estimated at 8.89 million head, down 20,000 from a year earlier and unchanged from the revised estimate for August 2024 (Table 1).
Eight states had more cows in September 2024 compared to a year prior with Texas leading at 20,000 more head and South Dakota closely following, up 16,000. A total of 14 states reported fewer cows as New Mexico led with 26,000 fewer cows in September 2024 compared to September 2023.
Milk output per cow mostly up
The national average growth in monthly milk output per cows was up 9 pounds year over year from September 2023 to 1,950 pounds. Among the major dairy states, the average change was similar, up 8 pounds to 1,966 pounds.
Milk output per cow among the 24 major dairy states varied due in part to regional weather factors, differences in feed costs and income margins (Table 2).
Georgia reported the largest increase at 120 pounds more in September 2024 compared to September 2023. Other notable gains were seen in Texas (35 pounds) and New York and Ohio (both 25 pounds). Monthly production in Illinois, Iowa and Washington declined by 25 pounds year over year.
Milk production rises slightly
The preliminary estimate of overall September 2024 milk production was up 0.1% from a year prior to 18.194 billion pounds.
Within the 24 major dairy states, 10 states boosted production a combined 160 million pounds while 11 states reduced production a combined 130 million pounds. Year-over-year growth leaders were Texas (up 65 million pounds), South Dakota (up 30 million pounds) and Idaho (up 25 million pounds).
The states posting the largest milk volume declines were New Mexico (down 47 million pounds), Arizona and Minnesota (both 17 million pounds), and Wisconsin (down 14 million pounds).
Once again, South Dakota led in year-over-year milk production growth on a percentage basis at 7.9%. Texas followed at 4.9%. The state with the sharpest decline in year-over-year growth on a percentage basis was New Mexico at 9.1% followed by Virginia at 5.3%.
Third-quarter estimates reported
With September, preliminary quarterly estimates were also released.
U.S. milk production during the third quarter (July-September) totaled 56 billion pounds, up slightly from the same quarter last year (55.9 billion pounds).
The average number of milk cows during third-quarter 2024 was estimated at 9.33 million head, down 3,000 head from the previous quarter and 41,000 less than third quarter of 2023.
