U.S. 2011 milk production increased 1.76% (3.4 billion lbs.) compared with 2010, to 196.2 billion lbs., the largest total on record. Milk production has exceeded prior-year levels in 13 of the last 15 years, with 2009 and 2001 being the two exceptions. Since 1991, U.S. milk production has decreased from prior year levels only four times – 1993, 1996, 2001 and 2009. The Central federal order administrator’s latest Marketing Services Bulletin addresses the question, "Where's The Milk?" It examines raw milk production and dairy product (cheese, butter, nonfat dry milk, and ice cream) manufacturing on a regional basis, dividing the country into three production regions: Atlantic, Central and West (see Maps). (The top number shown in each map provides the proportion of 2011 total milk and dairy product production in that region. The bottom number provides the percentage change in production comparing 2011 with 2006.) (more) June 29, 2012 Dairy Business