Posted: 08.19.2011

There was just no way Wisconsin dairy farmers could overcome the excessive heat that permeated the state in July.  Now, the hard facts show just how tough the heat was on our dairy cows.

The Wisconsin Ag Statistical Service says the average cow in the state produced about 5.5 gallons less this July then last year.  Overall the state's milk production dropped 3.5 percent. The milk drop comes despite the fact that Wisconsin's got about 1,000 more cows this year over last.

Wisconsin definitely was not alone experiencing the production drop!  Minnesota experienced a 6.6 percent loss and Iowa milk production plunged 7.1 percent.

Overall, the 23 major dairy producing states still managed to eek out a 0.8 percent increase in milk over year ago figures.  California milk figures were up approximately 4 percent - and Idaho milk production was also up over 4 percent.

The excessive heat that struck the upper midwest in July made it nearly impossible for dairy farmers to keep up on cow comfort.  Remember, the average dairy cow drinks about a bath tub full of water daily without factoring in excessive heat.

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