“America’s Dairyland” is feeling the last effects of low milk prices. The Wisconsin Ag Statistical Service says in the month of March, the state’s milk production was basically unchanged compared to 2017.
Statewide, there were still about 1.27 head of dairy cattle putting it in the pail for March, but that number is down 1,000 head from last month and 6,000 fewer than a year ago. Many dairies have been auctioning off entire herds, or at least culling low producing animals from their herds.
Catch is, each of the cows that remains in Wisconsin is producing, on average – 10 pounds of milk more this year than she did last.
Wisconsin’s not the only state to witness a slow down in milk. Minnesota saw a 1.1% drop in March milk. Michigan was up less than 1% compared to year ago figures. States that saw gains included Colorado with a 7.4% increase, Utah up 5.5%, and Texas up 4.8%.
