News  Agriculture  Livestock

AFBF Economist Outlines Dairy Herd Management Trends

AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares a closer look at the dairy market and the forces impacting producers today.

January 29, 2026 02:52 PM • 
Marion Kirkpatrick

LITTLE RIVER, S.C. (RFD NEWS) — Milk prices are declining as dairy supplies continue to build both in the United States and globally. As producers respond to those market conditions, many are increasingly relying on beef-on-dairy breeding strategies to help manage margins, even as replacement numbers tighten.

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on the overall status of the U.S. dairy herd and explain the factors driving current herd management trends.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Munch discussed how producers are adapting to changing supply dynamics and economic pressures within the dairy sector. He also shared how herd management decisions are influencing U.S. milk prices and shaping dairy trade conditions moving forward.

Related Stories
kSkozfiv.jpg
Sustainability
New York Dairy Family Focuses on Improving Its Holstein Herd
Brothers Luke and Jason Pullis say their passion for dairy farming starts with the cows themselves.
June 05, 2026 12:16 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
The raw meat packer and the slaughterer work in the slaughterhouse. By EmmaStock.png
Markets
Beef Processor Probe Raises Cattle Market Competition Questions
The DOJ is conducting a criminal antitrust investigation into major beef processors, following years of concern over market concentration.
June 05, 2026 10:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
Happy free-range chicken in a meadow.
Markets
Sorghum Hybrid Creates Poultry Health Market for Growers
Commercial performance will determine whether the specialty sorghum market can expand across poultry-producing regions.
June 05, 2026 08:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
farming taxes accounting money_adobe stock.png
Business
New CLIP Coverage Adds Revenue Protection Across Crops
Producers growing multiple spring crops should compare CLIP with individual coverage increases and county-based supplemental protection.
June 05, 2026 07:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
Load More

Dairy Cattle Beef-on-Dairy Business Planning
Marion Kirkpatrick
Marion Kirkpatrick
Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

RH_Charity & Sarah 03.jpg
Washington Policy
Federal Grazing Policy Shift May Offer Ranchers Flexibility as Some Reassess Land Use and Lease Options
ASFMRA’s Chad Hertz joins us to discuss farmland trends, economic pressures facing producers, and how outside influences are shaping today’s land market.
May 13, 2026 03:53 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
EwdIk3cI.jpg
Aquaculture
Wheat Industry Taps into Aquaculture Through Global Fish Feed Markets
U.S. Wheat Associates is expanding into global fish feed markets, with early gains in South America and new opportunities emerging in Ecuador’s shrimp industry.
May 13, 2026 03:07 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
2026BrandGuidep44-CattleWithMountainousBackground_kalin-dimchev-00kG88WVTeE-unsplash_1920x1080.jpg
Livestock
Farm Bureau: Beef Import Quota Shift Raises Rancher Rebuilding Concerns
Cattle analysts say the U.S. beef cattle herd rebuild still faces major hurdles despite some minor positive signals noted in certain regions.
May 13, 2026 02:47 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
wHaagrR7.jpg
Washington Policy
Farm and Fertilizer Groups Push Senate for Relief as Input Costs Climb
Dr. Robert Ellis joins us to discuss economic challenges in agriculture, available resources for farmers, and ways producers can evaluate practices to strengthen their operations.
May 13, 2026 12:42 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
blVlNGwF.jpg
Washington Policy
House Moves Closer to a Possible Vote on Year-Round E15 Sales
While there is no guarantee a House vote will happen today, the measure has officially been placed on the congressional calendar.
May 13, 2026 12:10 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
VZyq8J08.jpg
Energy
Rising Fuel Costs Add Urgency to Upcoming House Vote on Year-Round E15 Sales
Trucking industry expert Lewie Pugh joins us to discuss rising diesel costs, challenges facing independent truckers, and the broader impact on agriculture and rural transportation.
May 11, 2026 01:12 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Load More
Agriculture Shows
commodity-talk_scott_black-logo_1920x1080.jpg
mdr weekend_eliza_1920x1080.jpg
prairie prophets-share-image_logo.jpg
TopCrop_CombineWLogo_1920x1080.jpg
Commodity Talk
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
Market Day Report Weekend
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Prairie Prophets
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Top Crop
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.