M uch of the expanded milk production is coming from the West, particularly California. A year ago, California was experiencing adverse weather and milk production actually feel below year ago levels during the summer months. This was a major factor for record milk prices during the last quarter of the year. Each of these western states had more milk cows than a year ago except for Washington, down slightly. M ilk cow numbers even for Wisconsin had stopped declining.
More milk means more production of dairy products.
Despite these relatively strong increases in cheese production, cheese prices have surprisingly strengthened. But surprisingly, since then prices have again increased. With the strong milk production, blocks could weaken some. These cheese prices are still lower than a year. But a year ago milk production was not increasing.