It was a mixed bag product-by-product, but total dairy sales were strong during 2004.
Total milk and dairy product usage nearly matched year-earlier levels despite record-high prices during 2004, according to preliminary per-capita consumption data recently released by USDA. On a milk equivalent, milkfat basis, per-capita consumption of all dairy products totaled 592 pounds during 2004, according to USDA. That's down just two pounds versus 2003 when consumption hit a 15-year high.