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
nYq4qfXf.jpg
USDA
USDA Continues Efforts to Expand Global Markets for U.S. Agriculture
Trade officials discussed export growth, biofuel opportunities and market access during the National Restaurant Association Show.
May 22, 2026 02:42 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
ajwskl8f.jpg
On The Record
On the Record | Aaron Watson talks hit “Outta Style” and having success on his own terms
May 22, 2026 09:00 AM
 · 
Currey McCullough
business corporate transparency act boi reporting generic_Photo by Mariakray via AdobeStock_322909427.png
Rural Money
Midwest Farm Credit Weakens as Loan Demand Rises
Chicago Fed lenders report producers are carrying more operating debt as repayment rates continue weakening across the Midwest.
May 22, 2026 07:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
k8wxCpPY.jpg
Business
Ranchland Values Surge While Crop Credit Pressure Persists in the Plains
Cattle markets continue supporting rural land values, but lenders say repayment rates and carryover debt are becoming a larger focus.
May 22, 2026 06:00 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:

Ripe, juicy orange mandarins on trees in an orchard.
Crops
Stronger Citrus Crop Meets Harsh Water Reality in South Texas
Citrus production depends heavily on reliable irrigation, making water shortages a critical issue for South Texas growers moving forward.
March 25, 2026 01:47 PM
 · 
Frank McCaffrey
green gas pump e15 biofuel_Photo by MemoryMan via AdobeStock_317445546.jpg
Washington Policy
EPA Approves Nationwide Summer E15 Sales to Help Stabilize Fuel Prices for Farmers and Consumers
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy and under the Clean Air Act, approved the temporary measure to help stabilize fuel supplies and reduce costs for consumers.
March 25, 2026 01:16 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Bw6Gs66f.jpg
Washington Policy
Middle East Conflict Disrupts Fuel and Fertilizer Flows As White House Teases Major Policy Announcement
As farmers and ranchers navigate rising input costs, lawmakers are considering a roughly $15 billion aid package to help, which would be tied to the spending bill for the war with Iran.
March 25, 2026 12:46 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
2A4zmIIC.jpg
Washington Policy
Senate Passes Fischer Bill to Fast-Track Wildfire Aid: ‘It’s important we start to address this immediately.’
After devastating wildfires swept through Nebraska, Sen. Deb Fischer is championing a bill to expedite the relief process for farmers and ranchers. She joins us with updates on recovery efforts, conditions on the ground, and how the ag community has stepped up to help.
March 25, 2026 10:58 AM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Melissa_Eshelman_12_28_19_USA_IA_Eshelman_Farms_049.jpg
Business
Managing Market Volatility and Risk as Long-Term Farm Borrowing Costs Remain High into 2026
Tony Adkins with Specialty Risk Insurance addresses current market challenges for farmers and ranchers and offers strategies to help producers navigate risk.
March 24, 2026 02:37 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
eDRlCBpy.jpg
Agriculture
‘Together We Grow': Farm Bureau Highlights Unity and Career Opportunities on National Ag Day
AFBF Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Isabella Chism joined us to discuss Ag Day planning, community involvement, and supporting the future of agriculture.
March 24, 2026 02:18 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.