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
H6vGKdhj.jpg
Livestock
Screwworm Cases Expand As Texas Escalates Livestock Response
Livestock producers should inspect animals daily, report any suspicious wounds immediately, and comply with local movement restrictions.
June 09, 2026 11:32 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
agricultural law_adobe stock.png
Firm to Farm
Firm to Farm: USDA Final Rule Implements Significant Payment Limit and Eligibility Changes
Producers should coordinate immediately with their CPA and legal counsel to ensure their corporate structures and operational realities are perfectly aligned before the September deadline.
June 09, 2026 10:00 AM
 · 
Roger A. McEowen
Abandoned Midwest Barn. Weathered and worn red barn on an abandoned farm in the American Midwest.
U.S. Farm Bill
Farm Income Downturn Intensifies As Policy Decisions Near
Farm Bureau economist John Newton says farm income has declined every quarter for three years.
June 09, 2026 09:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
farming taxes accounting money_adobe stock.png
Markets
Higher Input Costs Deepen Northern Farm Credit Pressure
A new survey of agricultural lenders points to increasing financial stress across the Ninth District.
June 09, 2026 08:00 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:

otDa1h5B.jpg
Business
Nutrient Efficiency Is No Longer Optional, Expert Warns
Julia Andrus with Phospholutions joins us to discuss fertilizer market uncertainty, evolving grower strategies, and how efficiency is reshaping nutrient management decisions in modern agriculture.
June 01, 2026 03:19 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
YAdeMeEf.jpg
World News
Canada Hits Record $100 Billion in Farm Receipts, Masking Widening Profitability Gap
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses Canada’s record farm cash receipts, profitability trends in livestock and crops, and the impact of rising input costs in 2026.
June 01, 2026 02:35 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
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
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
semi truck driving into camera at sunset_Photo by helivideo via AdobeStock_292464872.png
Washington Policy
Higher Truck Weight Limits Could Boost Ag Efficiency Under New Federal Pilot Proposal
Soy Transportation Coalition’s Mike Steenhoek discusses the proposed six-axle truck pilot program and its potential impacts on agriculture and freight transportation.
May 29, 2026 03:19 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Load More
Agriculture Shows
FFA Today
Farmweek-Hdr-wLogo-20250228_1920x1080.jpg
DocTalk_Hdr-rev-202302a_1920x1080.jpg
Kevin Kalb shows off his Corn King championship ring
FFA Today
Check out FFA Today, a fun and fast-paced show featuring fascinating stories about amazing kids and unique agriculture industries.
Farmweek
Farmweek is broadcast from Mississippi, one of the South’s most geographically diverse states. The Magnolia State’s most important resource is its people—and about a fourth of the state’s population hold jobs tied to agriculture.
DocTalk
“DocTalk” with host Dr. Dan Thomson will be teaming up with practitioners around the country to tackle issues with your livestock.
Corn Warriors
This high-yield corn contest showcases real-life Corn Warriors dealing with elements that every farmer knows well. Get an authentic look at what it takes to compete in a high-yield corn contest, and see who will take the title of Corn King.