U.S. milk production growth slowed in December

December 2021-22 recap at a glance Reviewing the USDA preliminary estimates for December 2022 compared to December 2021: U.S. milk production: 18.93 billion pounds, up 0.8% U.S. cow numbers: 9.4 million, up 27,000 head U.S. average milk per cow: 2,014 pounds, up 9 pounds 24-state milk production: 18.125 billion pounds, up 0.9% 24-state cow numbers: 8.918 million, up 38,000 head 24-state average milk per cow: 2,024 pounds, up 8 pounds Source: USDA Milk Production report, Jan. 25, 2023 December 2022 U.S. milk production was up from a year ago, but the pace of growth slowed as cow numbers declined to end the year, and the increase in milk output per cow remained subdued. Cow numbers decline Preliminary December 2022 U.S. cow numbers were estimated at 9.4 million head, up 27,000 from a year ago. However, cow numbers were down 8,000 head from the November 2022 revised estimate. The USDA also revised the November 2022 estimate down 12,000 head and retroactively reduced cow numbers back ...