DAIRY HIGHLIGHTS 



MILK PRODUCTION : 



Milk production from Massachusetts farms totaled 595 million pounds in 1982, 3 percent more than in 1981 and 

 the largest since 1977. The increase was the result of a record high rate of 12,935 pounds per cow in 1982. 

 This continues the long term upward trend with an increase of 370 pounds above the 1981 average and 544 above 

 1980. The average number of cows remained unchanged at 46,000 head for the past three years. 



MILK DISPOSITION AND PRICE: 



Dairymen in the Commonwealth used 6 million pounds of milk to feed calves and another 4 million pounds for 

 home use in 1982. The amount fed to calves was 1 million pounds above the previous year, but home use re- 

 mained unchanged. Milk marketed in 1982 totaled 585 million pounds, an increase of 16 million pounds above 

 the 1981 total and the largest since 1977. The average price received for milk marketed during 1982 was 

 $15.02 per cwt., 9$ lower than the 1981 record high average. With the increase in the amount marketed, the 

 1982 cash receipts rose to $87.9 million, 2 percent above 1981. • 



MANUFACTURED DAIRY PRODUCTS : 



With the increase in milk production, the manufacture of dairy products remains important. The production 

 of ice cream during 1982 in the Commonwealth totaled 44.4 million gallons, 3 percent above the 1981 total. 

 Milk sherbet production also increased to 2.2 million gallons, 5 percent above the previous year. Cheese 

 production in Massachusetts totaled 9.1 million pounds, 6 percent above the 1981 total. 



