USDA reported this morning that 236,000 dairy cows were slaughtered in Federally-inspected plants in September. That’s actually 3,000 head fewer than in August, but 13,000 more than in September 2008.
Keep in mind that the most recent round of Cooperatives Working Together program, which culled 74,114 cows, took place in August and September, and wrapped up the week of September 21. Year-to-date, 230 more dairy cows were slaughtered this year compared to last, roughly the number of CWT cows that that have been purchased and culled.
