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
SELECTS_FARMHER_ 20_03_30_USA_ALL_VARIOUS_0124.jpg
Crops
‘Knee-High by the 4th of July:' Getting Nitrogen Timing Right as Corn Reaches Rapid Growth Phase
Fred Nichols with Huma discusses corn nutrition timing, side-dress nitrogen strategies, and key management tips as the 2026 crop continues to develop across the Midwest.
June 01, 2026 01:56 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
sJmoi2kO.jpg
Machinery
Short Wheat May Require Combine Adjustments to Maximize Yield, CLAAS Expert Says
Matthew Poling with CLAAS joins us to discuss harvest strategies for a below-average wheat crop and combine adjustments growers should consider.
June 01, 2026 01:45 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
bUCjmTem.jpg
Livestock
Southeast Beef Summit Brings Cattle Producers and Cowboys Together in Tennessee
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture’s annual event focused on herd management, cattle markets, and the future of the beef industry.
June 01, 2026 01:28 PM
 · 
Charles Denney
hhCcd4UM.jpg
Crops
Cotton Leaders See Opportunity in USDA’s Great American Cotton Plan
National Cotton Council’s Gary Adams joins us to discuss the USDA’s Great American Cotton Plan, crop conditions, prices, and efforts to boost domestic demand.
June 01, 2026 01:14 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
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:

CZJvs8UY.jpg
Livestock
Nebraska Rancher Describes Devastation After Historic Morrill Fire
The massive Morill wildfire left Nebraska ranchers facing major losses, as relief funds and federal aid step in to support recovery efforts.
April 22, 2026 01:12 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Angela_Dawson_21_07_31_USA_MN_Hemp_Cooperative_0G4A0672.jpg
Washington Policy
Bipartisan Effort Aims to Block Federal Hemp Ban, Give States Regulatory Power
Led by Sen. Rand Paul, lawmakers aim to prevent a November federal hemp ban, advocating for state control as farmers face planting uncertainties.
April 22, 2026 12:50 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Julie_Zieser_08_23_15_USA_IA_Zieser_Family_Farm_002.jpg
Livestock
Pork Production Expands Slightly As Demand Supports Prices
U.S. pork production is rising slightly, driven by steady domestic demand, prices, and expanding global meat export markets beyond China.
April 22, 2026 12:00 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
iran map_photo by sean gladwell_AdobeStock_2781192.jpg
World News
U.S. Eyes Fertilizer Independence as Global Supply Threats Persist, Reshaping On-Farm and Consumer Spending
A prolonged Iran ceasefire offers limited relief as fertilizer concerns persist, prompting U.S. policy shifts and driving farmers to reconsider crop acreage.
April 22, 2026 10:55 AM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
NkBSNWvr.jpg
Washington Policy
Rep. Dusty Johnson: Input Costs Remain Top Concern as Lawmakers Weigh Fertilizer Policy Solutions
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss rising input costs, fertilizer transparency efforts, and the role of trade in supporting farmer profitability.
April 21, 2026 04:12 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
VodTQcG1.jpg
News
EXCLUSIVE: Rollins Outlines Federal Efforts to Address Rising Fertilizer and Fuel Costs
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins joined us to discuss fertilizer markets, domestic supply efforts, trade priorities, and ongoing policy work aimed at stabilizing costs for U.S. farmers.
April 21, 2026 03:39 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.