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.

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
‘Tamarack Biotics’ has secured initial FDA acceptance of using UV light for milk safety
This cast-iron Meat Lover’s Pizza is loaded with beef, sausage, ham, pepperoni—and ALL the cheese. It’s deep-dish, crispy-edged, and unapologetically extra.
All your cheeseburger faves—on a pizza! Beef, bacon, pickles, and melty cheese in every bite. It’s bold, beefy, and totally crave-worthy.
Crispy crust, creamy Gorgonzola, salty prosciutto, and peppery arugula make this pizza fancy, fast, and full of flavor!
“We were a farm before Tennessee was a state!”

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:

Cindy Kovar with AgriSafe joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about road safety and agriculture as we age.
USMEF CEO Dan Halstrom joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report for his analysis on the U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, which includes big bucks for U.S. Beef.
Record U.S. sorghum crop faces weak demand as China slashes imports, while corn farmers warn of rising costs, shrinking margins, and global market pressures.
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the state of agribusiness and harvest progress across each region of the United States for the week of Monday, September 22, 2025.
With the latest detection just across the border, animal health officials on both sides are intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak before it spreads further north.
The USDA NASS report also confirms lower August placements.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
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.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.