Milk production in the 24 major dairy states during August reached 18.1 billion pounds, up 0.1 percent from August 2023. Production per cow in the 24 states averaged 2,036 pounds for August, eight pounds higher than August 2023. The number of milk cows on farms totaled 8.8 million head, 28,000 head less than August 2023, but unchanged from July 2024. Overall United States milk production in August reached 18.8 billion pounds, down 0.1 percent from August 2023.

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States in feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more animals totaled 11.2 million head on September 1. That inventory was one percent above September 1, 2023. Placements in feedlots totaled 1.98 million head, one percent below last year. Net placements were 1.92 million head. Fed cattle marketings in August totaled 1.82 million head, four percent below last year.