Posted: 05.19.2011

Wisconsin's dairy herd is apparently taking a breather before moving into spring and summer production this year.

The latest figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed Wisconsin milk production basically unchanged in April this year versus 2010.  The state does have about 5,000 more milk cows helping out this year - but overall production was flat.  This isn't exactly a surprise.  Traditionally Wisconsin milk production hits a plateau before the "spring flush" appears statistically.  "Spring flush" generally refers to increased milk production that many dairy farms may experience as cows deliver calves, and come back into full milk production.

Across the United States - the 23 major dairy producing states saw April milk production up 1.7% with almost 97,000 more cows nationwide this year over last.

Minnesota also experienced a 1.9% decrease in April milk production - Iowa's milk was up slightly while Illinois production dipped.

What states saw the biggest April milk production increase?  Looks like the sun of Arizona was just what their dairy herd needed with more then an 8 percent increase.  And while states like Missouri and Ohio battle wet weather and water management - their dairy producers struggled too.  Missouri milk went down about 4.5% and Ohio milk dropped 5%.

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