Every five years, Iowa State University Extension surveys the state’s dairy producers with the last one done in 2015. Results of the 2020 survey have just been released. ISU Extension Dairy Specialist Jennifer Bentley says the number of dairy cows is increasing while the numbers of producers are dropping.

She says their survey shows several producers have gone to using robots on their operations and other technologies.

Bentley says dairy producers report they’ve been experiencing stress and mental health issues while many have reported they have concerns about the Covid 19 pandemic.

Bentley adds that the typical dairy herd in Iowa has less than 250 predominantly Holstein cows with a rolling herd average between 18,000 to 26,000 pounds.