U.S. MILK OUTPUT FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR was 0.9% below the first six months of 2023. That was the lowest first half volume since 2020. Output for June was down 1% from the year before, tempered by hot weather, avian influenza, and the shortage of dairy heifers.
MILK OUTPUT WAS DOWN CONSIDERABLY in several states due to excessive heat, including New Mexico (down 12.5%), Arizona (down 3.9%), and California (down 1.8%). Output was also down 1% in Idaho and 0.9% in Michigan, where avian influenza is a factor.
THE U.S. DAIRY HERD TOTALLED 9.335 MILLION HEAD in June, 9,000 fewer head than the year’s high point in March. This was also down 62,000 head compared to June of last year.
WHILE MILK VOLUME WAS BELOW YEAR-AGO LEVELS for 12 consecutive months, consultant Mike McCully pointed out that milk solids posted year-over-year increases for seven straight months through May, and June was just below last year’s level (see chart). Solids growth was up 0.2% the first six months of the year. Read more on page 387.
THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PUBLISHED its recommendations to amend the uniform pricing formulas in all 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). After being published in the Federal Register on July 15, a 60-day comment period began. All comments must be submitted by Friday, September 13, 2024.
A SHORTAGE OF HEIFERS HAS KEPT CULLING RATES below year-ago levels as farms hang onto lower producing cows. From September 2023 to June 2024, dairy farmers sent 286,100 fewer milk cows to slaughter compared to the same 10-month span the year before.
COLORADO BECAME THE FIRST STATE TO REQUIRE bulk tank sampling for avian influenza. Last month, the Colorado Department of Agriculture announced a weekly bulk tank testing requirement for dairies in the state. As of late July, cases were detected on 47 farms in the state, more than any other state in the nation.
ANY COLORADO DAIRY WITH A NON-NEGATIVE RESULT will be placed under quarantine, and all producers must conform to the epidemiologic investigation rules established by the state veterinarian.
HUNDREDS OF AGRICULTURAL GROUPS SIGNED A LETTER urging Congressional leaders to pass a new farm bill yet this year. The current extension of the 2018 Farm Bill is set to expire in September, and there has been little movement on a new farm bill as of late.
