Wisconsin milk cows number 1.27 million head in February

Milk production in Wisconsin during February totaled 2.48 billion pounds, down 4% from the previous February, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. However, production was down less than 1% when adjusted for the leap year. The average number of milk cows during February, at 1.27 million head, was unchanged from the previous month but down 5,000 from February 2024. Monthly production per cow averaged 1,960 pounds, down 65 pounds from last February. Milk production in the 24 major states during February totaled 17.0 billion pounds, down 2.6% from February 2024. However, production was 0.9% above last year after adjusting for the leap year. January revised production, at 18.4 billion pounds, was up 0.6% from January 2024. The January revision represented an increase of 72 million pounds or 0.4% from the previous month’s preliminary production estimate. Production per cow in the 24 major states averaged 1,895 pounds for February, 66 pounds below February 2024. The number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major states was 8.96 million head, 75,000 head more than February 2024 and 13,000 head more than January 2025. Milk production in the United States during February totaled 17.7 billion pounds, down 2.5% from February 2024. Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,885 pounds for February, 61 pounds below February 2024. The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.41 million head, 62,000 head more than February 2024 and 15,000 head more than January 2025. The complete report can be found on the USDA NASS website at www.nass.usda.gov/Publications.