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
KkvX8kAD.jpg
Livestock
Liver Flukes Continue to Expand Across U.S. Cattle Regions
Large animal vets say the parasite is now showing up in regions where it historically has not been common.
May 20, 2026 01:38 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
Izgx6MA5.jpg
Lifestyle
How the Sausage is Made: Arkansas’ Hawthorn Meat Co. Builds Community Connection with The Pancake Shop
For more than 70 years, The Pancake Shop has served sausage supplied by the Hawthorn family’s meat operation.
May 20, 2026 01:34 PM
 · 
Neal Burnette-Irwin
afbmHf8H.jpg
Business
Boston Butt Pork Burger Steals the Spotlight at USMEF Spring Conference
National Pork Board’s Andy Tauer discusses the growing popularity of the Boston Butt Pork Burger and key topics at the USMEF Spring Conference.
May 20, 2026 01:23 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
dqHFTlwx.jpg
Lifestyle
Former Tobacco Farm Grows into North Carolina Family Destination
Smith’s Farm Market now draws visitors with produce, flowers, and homemade ice cream.
May 20, 2026 01:16 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:

f6dc51fc-c291-4dbe-a9ff-f9c3466747c4.png
News
RFD-TV Remembers Rural Broadcaster Orion Samuelson
Renowned farm broadcaster and friend of RFD-TV, Orion Samuelson, will undoubtedly be remembered for many things, but most of all, his work as a champion of America’s farmers and ranchers will define his legacy.
March 17, 2026 08:12 AM
 · 
Ashlee Pitzl
hfdounu6.jpg
Machinery
TYM Celebrates 75 Years with New Tractors and NASCAR Truck Series Partnership
TYM North America unveiled two new Series 5 tractor models at the National Farm Machinery Show and announced an exciting new partnership for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
March 16, 2026 04:46 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Soybean plants growing in a field backlit by the sun
Markets
ASA President: Boosting Domestic Demand for U.S. Crops Critical for Long-Term Soybean Market Stability
American Soybean Association President Scott Metzger discusses his recent testimony before the Senate Ag Committee, key priorities for soy growers, and his outlook for farmers into spring planting.
March 16, 2026 04:36 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
0G4A4234.jpg
FFA Today
FFA Today: FFA’s First ‘Next Gen Conference’ Held in Raleigh With Two More Coming This Year
FFA Program Specialist Ashli Weinrich highlights how the FFA Next Gen Conference helps ag students explore career opportunities and build skills for the future.
March 16, 2026 03:59 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
SELECTS_FARMHER_ 19_12_19_USA_ALL_VARIOUS_0171.jpg
Rural Lifestyle
Women in Ag Spotlight: Ag Women Connect Founder Vanessa Wood
Vanessa Wood shares more about Ag Women Connect, the importance of uplifting women in agriculture, and upcoming projects designed to highlight stories across rural America.
March 16, 2026 03:31 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
overhead shot of a pig eating slop_Cristen Clark_FarmHER S1_Ep 11
Trade
U.S. Pork Exports Strengthen Global Market Outlook While Beef Variety Meat Values Hold Steady
Strong exports support cattle and hog market fundamentals.
March 16, 2026 02:56 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.