State Statistics
Arkansas

2004 Dairy Statistics (Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service)
   Milk cows on farms: 24,000
   Average number of dairy farms licensed to sell milk: 250
   Annual average milk production per cow: 13,250 pounds
   Total milk produced: 318 million pounds

The Extension Service provides research-based information to producers and industry personnel to help them be more competitive in an increasingly competitive market. Environmental regulations and the ability to comply with them is a primary concern of producers. Presently, waste management is emphasized in dairy Extension programs.

Since Arkansas and neighboring states normally rank in the bottom few states in the U.S. for production per cow, emphasis is also placed on improving efficiency of production. Forage quality and utilization, improved herd management, financial record-keeping (including Dairy Herd Improvement Association records), ration-balancing, and cow comfort, including heat-stress management are a few subjects addressed. Sire selection and reproduction are also stressed because the genetic level of the herd and overall fertility have marked effects on net profit of the herd.

The dynamic state of the U.S. and international dairy industry at the present time hints of even more dramatic changes in the future. The ongoing reorganization of federal milk marketing orders and shifts in milk production areas within the U.S. make Extension educational efforts even more critical to improving efficiency of milk production for both dairy producers and consumers.

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