Since 2002, somatic cell counts (SCC) - the key indicator of milk quality - have fallen by 104,000 cells per milliliter. According to data reviewed by Corey Freije in the Upper Midwest's FMMO office in Minneapolis, Minn., SCC levels dropped from 326,000 in 2002 to 222,000 last year. Of course, as those numbers drop, the direct correlation is that cows are contending with mastitis at a lower rate.

Despite this improvement, SCC levels have flat-lined in recent years. Actual numbers for the past three years are: 2012's 220,000, 2013's 224,000, and 2014's 222,000. Even so, the story remains good as dairy producers' commitment to milk quality has been commendable.

When pouring through the data for the seven-state region consisting of Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Illinois, Iowa and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the herds that struggle the most with milk quality are those under 50 cows where SCC averages over 280,000. Among the states, the high-end of SCC was North Dakota at 249,000, while Michigan's Upper Peninsula netted 210,000 with Wisconsin at 216,000.

To review Frietje's entire paper, click the link.

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(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2015
October 12, 2015