The Wisconsin Ag Statistical Service estimates Wisconsin farmers received an average price of $19.20 per hundredweight (cwt.) or $1.65 per galon for their milk in February 2011, up $3.20 from February 2010. The March 2011 price is expected to increase $1.80 to $21.00 per cwt or $1.80 per gallon.

The expected U.S. milk price for March is $20.40 per cwt. or $1.75 per gallon, $1.30 higher than last month, but 60 cents lower than Wisconsin’s price. All states are expecting an increase from February to March. Idaho and Florida are predicting the largest gains in price, rising $2.10 to $20.00 ($1.71 per gallon) and $24.00($2.06 per gallon) per cwt., respectively. California is anticipating the smallest gain, up 39 cents to $18.40 ($1.58 per gallon), which is also the lowest price of any of the major milk producing states.