DAIRY HIGHLIGHTS 



MILK PRODUCTION 



Massachusetts dairy herds produced 611 million pounds of milk during 1983, 1 percent more than during the 

 previous year and the largest annual production since 1972. With the average number of cows unchanged from 

 1982, the production increase was the result of a record high rate of 13,000 pounds per cow in 1983. 

 Quarterly production totals followed the normal seasonal pattern. 



MILK PRODUCTION AND PRICE 



Milk marketed in 1983, at 605 million pounds, was also the largest amount marketed since 1972. Increased 

 marketings would be expected with the production increase. However, a 2 million pound decrease in milk used 

 on farms where produced is also a contributing factor. Home use has shown a moderate downward trend over 

 the years, but has been more consistent during the 1980' s. 



The average price received for milk marketed during 1983 was $14.60 per cwt., 10 cents above the 1982 

 average price. With an increase in both price and volume marketed, the 1983 cash receipts for milk totaled 

 a record $91.3 million. 



MANUFACTURED DAIRY PRODUCTS 



With milk production and marketings both showing increases, the manufacture of dairy products continues an 

 important role in the Massachusetts dairy industry. The production of ice cream in the Commonwealth during 

 1983 totaled 44.5 million gallons, slightly above the previous year and the most produced since 1977. Milk 

 sherbet production increased to 2.3 million gallons, 5 percent more than during 1982. Ice milk production 

 for 1983 shows a large increase from the previous year and approaches production levels of the late 1970's. 



Cheese production (excluding cottage cheese) in Massachusetts totaled 12.6 million pounds, well above the 

 1982 total and the highest of record. 



