News

U.S. cheese production up slightly in September

Cheese production in the U.S. in September totaled 871 million pounds, up 0.3 percent from September of 2011. Italian type cheese production was 0.3 percent higher at 370 million pounds while American type cheese output increased 2.3 percent from a year ago at 346 million pounds.

Wisconsin total cheese production in September was 230 million pounds up 3.9 percent from a year ago. American type cheese production in the Badger State increased 1.7 percent to 64.8 million pounds with cheddar up 3.3 percent. Italian type cheese production was 3.3 percent higher as well at 118.5 million pounds.

Total cheese production in California in September was 170 million pounds down 6 percent from a year ago. American type cheese production in the Golden State was 47.85 million pounds up 1.3 percent with cheddar down 4.9 percent. Italian type cheese production was 5.4 percent lower at 106.45 million pounds.

Rounding-out the top five: Idaho 74.4 million pounds (+6.7%): New York 61.5 million pounds (-4.5%) New Mexico 60.9 million pounds (+8.5%)

U.S. butter production was 1.1 percent below a year ago at 136 million pounds in September.

January through September, U.S. total cheese production is running 2.5 percent above a year ago however that increase has been narrowing since it was 4.7 percent in February. Butter production is 3.7 percent above a year ago; again the increases have been steadily declining since hitting 10.4 percent in February

Other products produced in September compared to a year ago:

• Nonfat dry milk 84.4 million pounds (-18.7%)
• Skim milk powders 42.6 million pounds (+22.6%)
• Dry whey 74 million pounds (-3.6%)
• Lactose 86.7 million pounds (+4.6%)
• Whey protein concentrate 34 million pounds (-4.4%)
• Regular ice cream 58.8 million gallons (-14.8%)
• Lowfat ice cream 33.4 million gallons (-10.3%)
• Sherbet 3.17 million gallons (-1.5%)
• Frozen yogurt 4.97 million gallons (-6.7%)

Read the full NASS report here: