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
KaVY2TiV.jpg
Trade
NDSU Researcher Explains $15 Billion U.S. Ag Export Losses Tied to Tariffs
North Dakota State University’s Dr. Shawn Arita joins us to break down new research on U.S. ag export losses tied to retaliatory tariffs and what they signal for trade moving forward.
May 28, 2026 02:56 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Cattle in drought conditions_photo by 169169 via Adobe Stock.png
Rural Money
Drought Aid Could Help Ranchers Preserve Cowherds Longer
With U.S. cattle supplies already tight, drought response remains a long-term supply issue.
May 28, 2026 11:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
A scenic view of the Rio Grande River in Big Bend National Park, in Texas_Photo by jdwfoto via AdobeStock_714805397.png
Weather News
South Texas Drought Adds Fuel Cost Risk Layer
According to OPIS, the city is preparing for a projected Level 1 Water Emergency tied to a prolonged five-year drought.
May 28, 2026 10:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
these days 1280.jpg
On The Record
On the Record | Jeffrey Steele almost passed on Rascal Flatts’ hit “These Days”
May 28, 2026 09:00 AM
 · 
Currey McCullough
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:

usda building_Photo by Chad via Adobe Stock.jpg
Agriculture
Farm Bureau Economist Highlights How Farmers Can Shape the Future of USDA Data and Reporting
Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch discusses the USDA’s request for feedback on data and research, how such requests work, and what farmers should know about submitting comments before the Thursday, April 9 deadline.
April 09, 2026 03:39 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
yellow-legged-hornet_GA-dept-of-Ag.jpg
Sustainability
Georgia Ag Commissioner: Invasive Yellow-Legged Hornet Sparks Concern for Pollinators and Agriculture
Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper explains the growing threat of invasive hornets in his state and what Southeastern growers should watch for this spring.
April 09, 2026 02:54 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
ew27CC3Y.jpg
Trade
USMCA Review Could Fine-Tune Rules for North American Agriculture
Shaun Haney with Real Ag Radio joined us to break down the USMCA review and what Canadian producers and exporters should be watching in the months ahead.
April 09, 2026 02:39 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
hamburger usa flag_mcool made in usa beef labeling_Photo By weyo via AdobeStock_210271842.jpg
USDA
New USDA ‘Product of USA’ Label Helps Consumers Shop ‘America First’ and Support U.S. Farmers with Confidence
USDA Undersecretary Dr. Mindy Brashears provides more insight on the updated “Product of USA” label campaign and the USDA’s goals for both consumers and producers.
April 09, 2026 02:19 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
OvLjhiWZ.jpg
Rural Money
Rural Money: Farmers Have Until April 30 to Apply for USDA Supplemental Disaster Relief
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us to break down the application process for Stages 1 and 2 of the USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, and what farmers can expect as the deadline approaches.
April 09, 2026 01:59 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
iran map_photo by sean gladwell_AdobeStock_2781192.jpg
Trade
Strait of Hormuz Opening Helps Fertilizer Flow, Despite Lingering Problems for Farmers
Fertilizer relief may be limited despite the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz this week. AgriSompo’s Brooks York discusses marketing strategies, crop insurance considerations, and other tips for producers navigating volatility this planting season.
April 09, 2026 01:25 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
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.