September milk production down 0.7 percent

Announced on Tuesday, September milk production was down 0.7 percent. That’s more than the 0.1 percent (revised) decline in August. In the 23 major dairy states, production totaled 13.9 billion pounds, down from 14 billion in September 2008. Cow numbers declined by 32,000 from last month, and now total 8.34 million milk cows. That’s 168,000 fewer than a year ago. In response, milk futures shot higher yesterday, along with butter and cheese.

The three states with the largest decline in milk compared to 2008 all were western states, including Arizona at a loss of 10.8 percent; Colorado, 7.1 percent; and California, 6.4 percent.

Midwest states and Texas had the largest gains in September. Top three gainers included Indiana that increased production by 5.8 percent; followed by Wisconsin, 5.2 percent; and Texas, 4.9 percent when compared to 2008.