News

February cheese production up 5.4%

Cheese production in the United States totaled 884 million pounds in February up 3.9 percent from February of last year.  Italian-type cheese output was 5.4 percent above a year ago at 394 million pounds.  American-type cheese production increased 2.5 percent to 349 million pounds.

Wisconsin cheese production totaled 226.2 million pounds in February up 5 percent from a year ago.  Italian type cheese production increased 4.6 percent to 114.9 million pounds.  American type cheese production in the Badger State increased 7.4 percent to 68.6 million pounds with Cheddar output up 11.5 percent at 47.7 million pounds.

California total cheese production was 189.9 million pounds in February up 2.3 percent from a year ago.  Italian type cheese production was 2.1 percent higher at 122 million pounds.  American type cheese production totaled 50.7 million pounds in the Golden State, up 6.2 percent although Cheddar output was 0.4 percent lower at 29.9 million pounds.

Butter production totaled 156 million pounds for the month down 4.8 percent from February of 2014.

Other dairy product production (compared to a year ago):

•             Dry whey; 78 million pounds (+25.7%)
•             Lactose: 81.3 million pounds (-9.2%)
•             Whey protein concentrate: 38.8 million pounds (-8%)
•             Regular ice cream 58.8 million gallons (+0.4%)
•             Low fat ice cream 30.9 million gallons (+4.1%)
•             Sherbet: 3.25 million gallons (-3.1%)
•             Frozen yogurt: 4.84 million gallons (-14.3%)

Read the full NASS report here: