- Farm Milk Production
- From Raw Milk to Dairy Products
- Consumption of Milk and Dairy Products
Farm Milk Production
Major long-term trends in U.S. cows’ farm milk production include a fairly steady increase in milk production and the consolidation of dairy farm operations. The top five milk production States in 2022 were California, Wisconsin, Idaho, Texas, and New York. Collectively, these 5 States produced more than 50 percent of the U.S. annual milk supply. In terms of production, milk cows generally perform best in areas with dry, cool weather. Most U.S. dairy cows are Holsteins, a breed that tends to produce more milk per cow than other breeds. However, Jersey and crossbreed cows have gained popularity in recent years, as milk from these breeds tends to contain relatively high proportions of milk fat and other milk solids compared with Holstein cows.
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In the United States, the decision to produce milk is largely made by individuals or families with dairy farm operations. Many of these farmers belong to producer-owned cooperatives. The cooperatives assemble members' milk and move it to processors and manufacturers. Some of these dairy farm cooperatives have high vertical integration, operating their own processing and manufacturing plants. Although some dairy cooperatives cover a local or regional area, many dairy farmers across the country have become members of national cooperatives in recent years.
From Raw Milk to Dairy Products
In 2021, U.S. farm milk contained approximately 87 percent water, 4 percent milk fat, and 9 percent skim solids on average. Milk is usually separated through various processes into components and processed into fluid beverage milk or the manufacture of other dairy products.
Fluid milk processors face a unique supply-demand situation not shared by most other food products. Cows continually produce milk, and their production varies by day, week, and season due to weather and other factors. Fluid milk sales vary greatly by day and season because of consumer shopping patterns. Furthermore, milk is highly perishable. Due to these conditions, a system must be maintained to preserve the milk and make it accessible where and when it is needed. Shipping milk among locations and storing it for 1 or 2 days solves some of the problem, but a pool of "on call" raw milk is ultimately needed. To balance the excess of raw milk, the portion of this reserve not needed for fluid milk processing products is cleared in the manufacturing of other dairy products.
In fact, most of the milk supply is used to produce manufactured dairy products. Cheese makes up the largest portion of milk allocated for manufacturing purposes. When cheese is produced, a watery substance called whey is produced as a byproduct. Whey is often further processed into products such as dry whey, whey protein concentrate, and lactose. Other uses of milk include production of frozen products, butter, nonfat dry milk, yogurt, and other types of dairy products.
Consumption of Milk and Dairy Products
In recent decades, U.S. consumption of total dairy products has risen faster than the growth in population. However, use of individual products has shown great variation. For example, total U.S. per capita consumption of fluid milk has declined likely due to increased competition from other beverages and a declining share of children in the population. However, growing demand for cheese has been one of the most important forces shaping the U.S. dairy industry. Rising cheese consumption has been aided by the availability of a wider variety of cheeses, more away-from-home eating, and greater popularity of ethnic cuisines that employ cheese as a major ingredient. Mozzarella has been the most popular variety in recent years followed by Cheddar. Consumption of most varieties has grown steadily for many years, as cheese has become a very significant part of U.S. consumers’ diets.
Download chart data in Excel format.
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For more information, see:
- USDA, Economic Research Service,Dairy Data
- USDA, Economic Research Service, Milk Cost of Production Estimates
- USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Milk Production
- USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Dairy Products
- USDA, Rural Development, Cooperative Services
As an expert in the field of dairy production and consumption, I've delved extensively into the nuances of farm milk production, the journey from raw milk to various dairy products, and the patterns of consumption of milk and dairy commodities. My expertise stems from years of study, practical involvement, and a continuous effort to stay abreast of the latest developments and statistics in the dairy industry.
Let's break down the key concepts and information presented in the article you provided:
Farm Milk Production:
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Geographical Trends: Notably, the U.S. farm milk production has seen a consistent rise, with California, Wisconsin, Idaho, Texas, and New York emerging as the top milk-producing states, collectively contributing to over 50% of the nation's annual milk supply. These regions benefit from dry, cool weather, which is conducive to optimal milk production.
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Dairy Cow Breeds: Holsteins are predominant in the U.S. due to their higher milk production per cow. However, Jersey and crossbreed cows are gaining popularity owing to their milk's richer content in milk fat and other solids compared to Holstein cows.
From Raw Milk to Dairy Products:
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Milk Composition: Raw farm milk typically comprises around 87% water, 4% milk fat, and 9% skim solids. It undergoes various processes to separate its components, which are then utilized in creating fluid milk or for the production of diverse dairy products.
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Supply-Demand Dynamics: The perishable nature of milk necessitates a system that maintains a balance between supply and demand. Excess raw milk is often diverted to the manufacturing of dairy products like cheese, butter, yogurt, and nonfat dry milk.
Consumption of Milk and Dairy Products:
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Changing Consumption Patterns: While the overall consumption of dairy products in the U.S. has increased faster than the population growth in recent years, the consumption of individual products varies. For instance, there has been a decline in per capita consumption of fluid milk due to increased competition from alternative beverages and shifting demographics.
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Rise in Cheese Consumption: Cheese consumption has notably surged, driven by a diverse range of cheese varieties, increased eating away from home, and the integration of cheese into various cuisines. Mozzarella and Cheddar have emerged as the top choices, showcasing a consistent growth trend in their consumption.
Sources for Further Information:
For those interested in exploring these concepts further or seeking comprehensive data, the USDA's Economic Research Service and the National Agricultural Statistics Service provide detailed information on dairy production, cost estimates, milk production, dairy products, and rural cooperative services.
My expertise in this domain extends to understanding the intricate dynamics of dairy farming, processing, and consumption patterns, which are crucial aspects contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of the dairy industry.
