Milk Production Background Information Sheet

NASS Programs

Milk Production

About the Survey

How NASS Collects Data

Who Uses the Information?

USDA’s National Agricultural
Statistics Service (NASS) conducts
the Milk Production Survey to
collect information on total milk
production, number of milk cows
and milk production per cow.
NASS publishes the results of
the survey in the monthly Milk
Production report.

In January, April, July and
October, NASS collects milk
production data in all 50 states.
Generally, all large operations
and a sample of small- and
medium-sized operations receive
the survey.

All stakeholders in the U.S. dairy
industry rely on accurate milk
production data to make sound
business decisions. For example:

The Milk Production Survey
collects information on:
• Number of cows milked the
first day of the month,
• Number of all milk cows in
the herd the first day of the
month,
• Total milk produced the first
day of the month, and
• Milk cow replacement prices.
All previous milk production
publications are available online
at http://bit.ly/MilkProduction.

Response Confidentiality
All information NASS collects in
this survey will be kept strictly
confidential, as required by
federal law. The results of this
survey will be available in
aggregate form only, ensuring
that no individual operation or
producer can be identified.

In April and October, the survey
also asks producers to provide
information on the amount of
milk consumed on the farm for
food or drink and the amount fed
to calves.
Producers may respond in either
of the following ways:
• Online – Respond online at
www.agcounts.usda.gov.
Online is the easiest, fastest
and safest way to complete
the survey and it saves
taxpayer dollars too. To get
started, use the identification
number and easy to follow
instructions on the survey
form.

• Dairy industry participants
use the information
extensively in planning,
pricing and projecting
supplies of milk and milk
products.
• Dairy producers rely on the
information to determine
production and marketing
strategies.
• Manufacturers of dairy
products use these data to
help determine the location
of future dairy facilities,
manufacturing plants and
distribution centers.

• By mail or fax – Producers fill
out the survey questionnaire
and return it in the envelope
provided or via fax.
A NASS representative will
contact producers who do not
respond to arrange a telephone
or personal interview.

United States Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Statistics Service

www.nass.usda.gov