Find out how U.S. dairy farmers lowered the average somatic cell count to 181,000 in 2023. What drove this enhancement in milk quality?
The 2023 Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) test-day data, a significant milestone in the dairy industry, reveals that U.S. milk producers have successfully reduced their herds’ average somatic cell counts (SCC). With a drop of 1,000 cells from last year, the new average SCC stands at 181,000 per milliliter, indicating a significant improvement in milk quality. This is the first drop since 2020, marking a positive trend in the industry.
The average of 181,000 cells per mL for 2023 is a testament to the continuous advancements in mastitis control policies and herd health management across American dairy farmers. This deliberate effort, which is the backbone of the industry, significantly improves cow health and milk quality, leading to better financial returns for dairy farmers.
Milestone in Milk Quality: U.S. Dairy Farms See First Dip in Somatic Cell Counts Since 2020
| Year | Average SCC (cells per mL) | Change from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 178,000 | -9,000 |
| 2021 | 180,000 | +2,000 |
| 2022 | 182,000 | +2,000 |
| 2023 | 181,000 | -1,000 |
The national Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) test-day average somatic cell count (SCC) for 2023 was 181,000 cells per milliliter (cells per mL). From 2022, this marks a slight decline of 1,000 cells per mL, the first year-to-year decline since 2020. Source from the USDA’s Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory and the Council of Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB), this data shows a continuous trend toward better milk quality throughout U.S. dairy farms. The DHI test-day findings show the constant efforts of dairy farmers to reduce somatic cell counts, a main gauge of milk quality and udder health.
Comprehensive Data Collection Offers a Clear Snapshot of Dairy Health
The somatic cell count (SCC) test-day data provides key new information on milk quality and herd health. This information originates from many Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) test programs involving owner-sampler tracking. These plans span herds of various sizes and management styles, reflecting the health of the dairy sector. With 8,947 herds and almost 3.8 million cows among the 2023 figures, the data is strong and representative of national trends.
Diving into State-by-State Dairy Health Metrics
| State | Herd Test Days | Avg. Cows per Herd | Avg. Daily Milk Yield (lbs) | Avg. SCC (cells/mL) | % Test Days > 750,000 cells/mL | % Test Days > 400,000 cells/mL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 36,112 | 1,263 | 80 | 172,000 | 1.8% | 6.1% |
| Wisconsin | 15,874 | 167 | 84 | 172,000 | 1.5% | 5.8% |
| New York | 10,489 | 314 | 84 | 177,000 | 2.1% | 7.4% |
| Idaho | 6,122 | 1,594 | 86 | 165,000 | 0.9% | 2.9% |
| Pennsylvania | 8,263 | 125 | 73 | 190,000 | 2.5% | 8.8% |
| Texas | 4,112 | 1,320 | 87 | 170,000 | 1.0% | 4.2% |
| Michigan | 6,479 | 346 | 85 | 178,000 | 2.3% | 7.0% |
| Minnesota | 7,326 | 190 | 82 | 175,000 | 1.7% | 6.2% |
| Washington | 3,781 | 789 | 84 | 160,000 | 0.8% | 3.0% |
| Ohio | 4,612 | 112 | 79 | 185,000 | 2.4% | 8.0% |
The specific state data we provide is a valuable tool for you to understand your herd’s test days, average cow count per herd, daily milk supply, butterfat and protein percentages, and their average SCC. This information empowers you to make informed decisions and take necessary actions to improve your herd’s health and milk quality.
Because of production conditions and management variations, herd test days range significantly among states. Higher herd test days for Minnesota and Michigan represent specific information on their dairy businesses.
The average herd numbers also vary. While Maine and West Virginia have relatively modest numbers, states like California often have more than 1,000 cows per herd. These differences may affect SCC control.
Still, another important statistic is daily milk yield. States like Washington and Oregon record yields around the national average of 83 pounds per cow daily; Kansas and Montana might exhibit minor differences depending on regional feed and climatic variables.
Butterfat and protein ratios strongly influence milk price and profitability. Higher averages in leading states like Vermont and Wisconsin help dairy producers.
Somatic cell count (SCC) shows notable variations among states. There are two critical SCC threshold categories:
- Over 750,000 cells per mL: This flags test days exceeding the federal limit for Grade A producers. States like Alabama and Oklahoma report higher percentages in this category, indicating mastitis challenges.
- Over 400,000 cells per mL: This aligns with the maximum SCC level for export milk. States like Idaho and California focus on keeping SCC below this limit for export markets.
High Standards, High Rewards: The Impact of Stricter State Somatic Cell Count Limits
Federal rules provide a broad maximum for bulk tank somatic cell counts (SCC) at 750,000 cells per milliliter (cells per mL) for Grade A milk producers. Other states have tougher criteria, though: California (600,000 cells per mL), Oregon (500,000 cells per mL), and both Idaho and Washington (400,000 cells per mL).
These tighter restrictions concentrate on milk quality and marketability, as lower SCC milk suggests better cows and quality. Producers may develop a competitive advantage in these states and demand more money.
Under Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs), which vary compensation depending on SCC levels, SCC limitations also affect payments, rewarding lower counts and punishing higher ones. This system is designed to encourage manufacturers like you to maintain low SCC levels, thereby raising general dairy quality and health standards. This not only benefits the industry but also holds the promise of improved profitability for you.
Federal Milk Marketing Orders: Incentivizing Quality for Fair Pricing
Federal milk marketing orders (FMMOs) guarantee equitable pricing by varying compensation depending on somatic cell counts (SCC) in raw milk. Every 1,000 cells per mL variance from the 350,000 cells per mL baseline is adjusted every hundredweight (cwt). Higher SCC leads to negative adjustments; lower SCC results in positive payment adjustments.
The monthly variations depend on the wholesale cheese price. These promote methods to reduce SCC levels, therefore improving milk quality for consumers and the dairy sector. Four areas—Central, Mideast, Southwest, and Upper Midwest—among the eleven existing FMMOs change payouts, according to SCC. This advances better milk quality and general industry health.
Climatic Conditions Drive Diverse Somatic Cell Count Averages Across States
Variation in SCC across states is still quite different, partly shaped by factors like temperature and humidity. With Vermont and North Dakota topping the field with the lowest counts, the yearly average SCC for sixteen states falls below or below the national average. By contrast, Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee have the highest average SCC—more than 300,000 cells per mL.
Eleven of the 22 states that exhibited improvement in their yearly average SCC in 2023 had reductions of 10,000 cells per mL or more. Notable gains were seen in New Jersey, North Dakota, and Rhode Island. Conversely, 22 states had annual SCC increases year over year. In particular, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Colorado had their SCC values grow by 30,000 cells per mL or more, highlighting the variances across several areas.
Herd Size Matters: Analyzing the Impact on Somatic Cell Count Levels
| Herd Size | SCC (cells per mL) |
|---|---|
| < 50 cows | 175,000 |
| 50-99 cows | 182,000 |
| 100-299 cows | 179,000 |
| 300-499 cows | 187,000 |
| 500-999 cows | 189,000 |
| 1,000-3,999 cows | 176,000 |
| > 4,000 cows | 190,000 |
Changes in cow numbers affect SCC levels by herd size. Up by 18 cows from the previous year, DHI herds in 2023 averaged 288 cows per herd, and this increase had varied SCC effects.
Herds with more than 4,000 cows saw the most SCC increase; those with 500– 999 cows also somewhat increased. On the other hand, herds with 50–299 cows and those with 1,000–3,999 cows could reduce their SCC levels.
These differences highlight how milk quality is influenced by herd management and possibly hereditary elements. For the dairy business, smaller to mid-sized herds lowering SCC show an encouraging trend.
Monthly Trends Unveiled: Fluctuations in Somatic Cell Counts Throughout the Year
| Month | Average SCC (cells per mL) | Change from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| January | 178,000 | -2,000 |
| February | 176,000 | -4,000 |
| March | 182,000 | +1,000 |
| April | 186,000 | +3,000 |
| May | 179,000 | -1,000 |
| June | 177,000 | -2,000 |
| July | 189,000 | +5,000 |
| August | 190,000 | +6,000 |
| September | 180,000 | -1,000 |
| October | 184,000 | +2,000 |
| November | 181,000 | 0 |
| December | 178,000 | -2,000 |
SCC levels vary monthly according to trends. March and April saw increases from last year. Jan-Feb and May-Sep experienced substantial declines. October slightly rose; November stayed the same; December finished with a drop.
Seasonal Peaks and Valleys: How Monthly Variations Shape Milk Quality
The test-day average milk output marginally changed this year, increasing almost half a pound to reach 83 pounds. The protein content climbed to 3.26%; the fat percentage grew by 0.07% to 4.15%.
Ideal for creating rich dairy products, milk produced in November and December had the most significant fat and protein levels. By comparison, July and August had the lowest component percentages.
These seasonal variations highlight how herd management and climate circumstances affect milk composition—more significant fat and protein levels in colder months point to improved management methods throughout these seasons.
The Bottom Line
The findings of the 2023 DHI test day for milk quality reveal an excellent trend; national SCC averages are lowering for the first time since 2020. Though state-specific, this improvement is seen all over due to climate and laws. Additionally, pushing this good shift are tighter state regulations and financial incentives from Federal Milk Marketing Orders.
For a dairy farmer, these realizations underline the need to follow rules and maintain herd health. Reduced SCC levels improve milk quality and increase financial returns. Look for practical ideas from states with lower SCC averages that could apply to your farm. With these steps, the good trend will be maintained, and the dairy sector will generally be supported.
Act in response. Examine the SCC statistics for your farm, identify areas needing work, and use local DHI resources to reach and maintain reduced SCC levels. Your dedication to excellence helps the whole dairy community and your herd.
Key Takeaways:
- National average somatic cell count (SCC) dropped to 181,000 cells per milliliter, marking the first decrease since 2020.
- The 2023 results included data from 8,947 herds and approximately 3.8 million cows.
- 22 states improved their annual average SCC in 2023, with significant gains in Rhode Island, North Dakota, and New Jersey.
- States with stricter SCC limits include California (600,000 cells per mL), Oregon (500,000 cells per mL), and Idaho and Washington (400,000 cells per mL).
- Four Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs) adjust payments based on SCC, promoting higher milk quality.
- Average herd size in DHI programs increased to 288 cows in 2023.
- Seasonal variation in SCC was observed, with fluctuations throughout the year.
Summary: The 2023 Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) test-day data shows that U.S. milk producers have reduced their herds’ average somatic cell counts (SCC), marking a significant improvement in milk quality. This is the first drop since 2020, a positive trend in the industry. The average of 181,000 cells per milliliter for 2023 is a testament to continuous advancements in mastitis control policies and herd health management across American dairy farmers. This deliberate effort significantly improves cow health and milk quality, leading to better financial returns for dairy farmers. State-by-state data is available, providing valuable tools for understanding herd test days, average cow count per herd, daily milk supply, butterfat and protein percentages, and SCC. Federal milk marketing orders (FMMOs) ensure fair pricing by varying compensation based on SCC in raw milk.
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