Since at least 2010, U.S. and Pennsylvania cow numbers have had opposite trends. In general, the U.S. herd size has been increasing while the Pennsylvania herd size has decreased (see the graph below). However, so far this year, the trend is slightly different. Pennsylvania has maintained a herd size of 475,000 through October while U.S….
Residual effects of high feed cost extremes continue to impact milk production across the nation. Year-over-year (YOY) milk production growth has been slowing since its peak in April 2021. Growth fell below 1% in August and was basically flat in September. For the first time since May 2020, October YOY milk production shrank due to…
Each month the USDA publishes its World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE). This report covers all major U.S. commodities including cereal grains, rice, and even sugar. Of course, dairy product production and prices are included as well. In the earlier months of the year, it finalizes and summarizes the previous year’s data and makes…
September export numbers were recently released. It is the 9th month in a row to experience year-over-year (YOY) growth in volume and value. Growth continued despite continued congestion at major U.S. ports. With U.S. milk production continuing to grow YOY in Sept., exports helped to provide additional outlets for dairy products. Nearly all major dairy…
The USDA updated August milk production and cow number data are showing a larger shrinkage in cow numbers that led to even slower growth in milk production compared to what was originally reported last month. After reporting an August herd size of 9.480 million head in September’s Milk Production report, the USDA revised that down…
Extreme volatility has hampered dairy farmers across the nation for over a year and a half. However, that volatility has decreased in recent months and Class III and IV milk prices are trading in more normal ranges. This means that the Class I milk price change implemented in May 2019 will be a net benefit…
Each fall, the Center for Dairy Excellence hosts a series of roundtable meetings across the state. With the first of those meetings less than a month out, now is a good time to explain what the topic of discussion will be this fall. The Center is partnering with Penn State Cooperative Extension Dairy team to…
At the end of August, the USDA released data relative to fluid milk sales. The results from that data were relatively positive with fluid milk sales basically flat compared to 2019. The take home message was that whole milk and 2% reduced fat milk sales nearly offset losses in skim, low fat, and flavored milks….
Fall is officially here. Cooler weather, a little color in the trees, and a shortening of daylight hours are confirming the season change. Hot weather, drought conditions, and high feed costs have compounded over the summer to slow the milk production growth the U.S. dairy industry experienced through the first half of the year. Along…
The Vision of the Center for Dairy Excellence is to “Serve as a catalyst for a vibrant Pennsylvania Dairy Industry,” while the Mission is to “Empower and support Pennsylvania dairy families and businesses to thrive.” To help meet our Vision and Mission, the Center for Dairy Excellence opens its grant programs each fall to dairy…
