December 16, 2003

Slump in US Dairy Cow Herds

The number of dairy cows in the United States dropped to 74,012 as compared to 131, 535 in 1992. Last year, 2,863 herds, or 3.7%, were lost, although the rate of decline is slowing.

From 1992 - 2002, the number of cows dropped 6% but regional differences are significant. Cow numbers in the Midwest dropped 21%, and declined 27% in the southeast.

"The total number of cows has jumped by 44% in the west, while all other regions have declined," says dairy consultant, Kenneth Olsen. "Average herd size in the west (including California) is currently 605 cows while other regions range from 77 to 166 cows per herd."