Milk production rose 5 percent in Wisconsin as dairy producers were predicted to see average prices go above $22 statewide.
  
Dairy farm cows in Wisconsin produced some 2.27 billion pounds of milk in October as average output per cow ran 1,785 pounds for the month.

The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service said there were 11,260 licensed dairy herds in Wisconsin, down 595 since a year ago.

The dairy herd statewide stayed the same at 1.27 million in spite of losses of 64 licensed herds in October.

Total milk production nationally by a herd of some 8.47 million head was down a percent to 8.47 billion pounds and 13 of 23 dairy states tallied increased production.

Wisconsin's 5 percent gain was tops among the 23 states for October. New Mexico saw a 6 percent drop in milk production.