WASHINGTON — Milk production in the 23 major producing states totaled 15 billion lbs in August, up 3% from August 2009, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in its latest Milk Production report.

Milk production for July 2010 was unrevised at 15.3 billion lbs, up 3% from July 2009.

Production per cow in the 23 major states averaged 1,796 lbs in August, up 51 lbs from the August 2009 average. There were 8.36 million dairy cows on farms during the month, which was 10,000 head less than in August 2009 and 8,000 head less than in July 2010.