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Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics

CFAES

United States: Milk Cows and Yield per Cow

 

These two charts show you the past and current trends in 1:[Chart1] the number of cows, and 2:[Chart 1] the production per cow for the United States (yield adjusted to reflect 30 day months) and 3:[Chart 2] the comparison with productivity (rate of change in milk production) and Class 3 milk price.

Looking at yield/cow or productivity gains by U.S. dairy producers, it is clear that production adjustments must come about through the number of milk cows. With cow numbers now declining and a slowdown in milk productivity, the expectation is for milk prices to be remain strong for the coming six months.  The CME class 3 milk futures price is projecting the mid $18's for the next six months..