Small Advance in 2003 Milk Output

WASHINGTON - Apr 28/04 - SNS -- The United States registered a modest increase in milk production in 2003, according to the USDA.

Milk production increased 0.1% in 2003 to 170.3 billion pounds. The rate per cow, at 18,749 pounds, was 141 pounds above 2002. The annual average number of milk cows on farms, at 9.08 million head, was 55,000 head less than 2002.

Cash receipts from marketings of milk during 2003 totaled $21.2 billion, 3% above 2002. Producer returns averaged $12.55 per hundredweight, 3% above 2002. Marketings totaled 169 billion pounds, 0.2% above 2002. Marketings include whole milk sold to plants and dealers as well as milk sold directly to consumers.

An estimated 1.14 billion pounds of milk were used on farms where produced, 0.4% less than 2002. Calves were fed 86% of this milk, with the remainder consumed in producer households.

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