This came as a surprise to those who were predicting a drop in production, as prices remain at their weakest since 2009.

Cow numbers also increased by 10,000 from the previous month and by 14,000 from March 2015.

Output in the southwest has recovered almost completely following the blizzards there at the end of last year. This area also accounted for the largest increase in cow numbers, but the midwest continued to lead in overall output. California’s production continued to drop; production there was down by 2.4%

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The increase in milk production in the US has put pressure on prices for all dairy commodities, even butter, which was resilient up until now.

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