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
MHN7lrDY.jpg
Rural Money
Weather Volatility and Declining Prices Highlight the Growing Need for Livestock Risk Protection
Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us to break down livestock protection coverage, market timing, and how producers can access risk management tools.
May 26, 2026 02:26 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
f85piBme.jpg
Sustainability
Farmers for Soil Health Coalition Expands Cover Crop Support
The coalition says the program was designed to make cover crop enrollment faster and easier for producers.
May 26, 2026 02:20 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
mSAAY48t.jpg
Rural Money
Buyer Beware: Real Estate Scams on the Rise in Agriculture
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty joined us to share guidance on preventing land fraud, identifying scams, and protecting farm and rural property owners.
May 26, 2026 12:50 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
twGrjD03.jpg
Rural Lifestyle
Hawaii Cattle Operation Focuses on Feeding Island Communities
SC Ranch spans more than 7,700 acres and markets all of its beef within the state.
May 26, 2026 12:06 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
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:

eSwxYgsX.jpg
Rural Health Matters
Rural Health Matters: Parkinson’s Disease
On this week’s Rural Health Matters, Dr. Jeffrey Gold raises awareness about Parkinson’s disease, shares insights on early detection, and offers guidance for patients and families in rural communities.
March 31, 2026 02:53 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
OGdpRnSC.jpg
Weather News
Nebraska Farm Bureau: Wildfires Take Mental and Physical Toll on Ranchers Facing Tough Recovery
Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue joined us to discuss wildfire recovery efforts in the state, impacts to agriculture, and conditions heading into the spring planting season.
March 31, 2026 02:26 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
corn grain silo stock photo_input costs and producer inflation_adobe stock.png
Crops
Grain Stocks Increase Across Corn, Soybeans, and Wheat
USDA’s Quarterly Grain Stocks report shows increased supplies across all major commodities, with corn, soybeans, and wheat stocks all rising compared to a year ago. Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities discusses producer and market sentiment ahead of the key report.
March 31, 2026 12:17 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Cotton Plant. Cotton picker working in a large cotton field_Photo by MagioreStockStudio via Adobe Stock.jpg
Crops
Less Corn, More Soybeans in 2026 Plantings Outlook
Acre shifts reflect margins, costs, and market opportunities.
March 31, 2026 12:15 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
TcSzZSHn.jpg
Business
SBA’s Grocery Guarantee Program Offers 90% Loan Guarantee to Boost Farm Capital and Lower Costs
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler breaks down the Grocery Guarantee Program, its goals for expanding farmer access to capital, and its potential impact on food production and prices.
March 31, 2026 11:36 AM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
P8KvvnYv.jpg
Feel Good Stories
Meet Cattle Producer Scott Porter — Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Farmer of the Year!
Cattle farmer Scott Porter, Kentucky Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farmer of the Year, discusses his commitment to mentorship and the importance of strengthening the future of agriculture.
March 30, 2026 03:22 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.