Based on the USDA Milk Production report, Pennsylvania’s August numbers
dipped slightly from 2023’s values. Pennsylvania milk production totaled 816
million pounds, down 2 million pounds year over year. Milk cow numbers
dropped 1,000 head from 466,000 in 2023 to 465,000 in 2024. However, milk
production per cow remains consistent with the prior year at 1,755 pounds.
Decreasing farm numbers and limited replacement heifer inventories influence
the stagnant growth in milk production and cow numbers for Pennsylvania.
Milk per cow staying steady from 2023 to 2024 could be a testament to
Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers improving herd genetics and increasing feed
efficiency.