Milk production in the United States during November totaled 16.5 billion pounds, up 3.4% from November 2013. Higher yields rather than more cows was the main driver.

Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,782 pounds (782 litres) for November, 42 pounds above November 2013. This is a milk yield increase of 2.4% in the 12 month period.

The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.28 million head,

82,000 head more (+0.88%) than November 2013, and 4,000 head more than October 2014.

The figures are released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Strong milk output growth had been expected, on the back of relatively low feed costs and a good milk price.

NASS report that milk production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,806 pounds for November, 41 pounds above November 2013. This is the highest production per cow for the month of November since the 23 State series began in 2003.