LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD NEWS) — Tight beef supplies and rural job losses are colliding with a major shift inside the U.S. dairy sector, creating new momentum for farmer-led solutions to expand domestic production of ground beef. Western United Dairies says its “Make America More Ground Beef” proposal reflects changing market realities — particularly excess milk and record dairy cow numbers driven by protein demand.
According to CoBank analysis by Corey Geiger, U.S. dairy farmers have responded aggressively to market incentives. Butterfat production has surged 5 percent to 6 percent year over year, pushing the national milkfat average near 4.3 percent and creating an oversupply. At the same time, massive investment in protein-focused dairy processing — including cheese, whey, ultra-filtered milk, and yogurt — is reshaping milk checks, with protein poised to be the dominant revenue driver for years to come.
That protein focus has kept dairy cow numbers at 30-year highs, now near 9.6 million head, and is supported by strong demand for beef-on-dairy calves. Geiger suggests we may begin to see dairy farmers cull cows, thereby providing an influx of lean ground beef.
Western United Dairies argues that the USDA can use existing authority to better align these trends, increasing domestic beef throughput without new legislation or imports while keeping packing plants open.
Currently, processors import lean beef trimmings to mix into ground beef to meet the domestic demand.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Export Inspections In Bushels Show Mixed Momentum Patterns
October 15, 2025 11:38 AM
·
Expect firmer shop prices, leaner inventories, and selective hiring in ag-adjacent businesses — plan parts, service, and financing needs earlier.
October 15, 2025 11:35 AM
·
U.S. Farmers Face Shifting Harvest Pace, Basis, and Input Costs
October 15, 2025 10:47 AM
·
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joins us to discuss the idea behind the campaign and why accurate labeling on plant-based beverages matters to both consumers and dairy producers.
October 14, 2025 04:47 PM
·
Hughes shares how he’s preparing for the competition, his partnership with Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Mark Davis, and his journey from cattle ranching to professional bass fishing.
October 14, 2025 04:39 PM
·
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to share insight into what’s happening on the ground and in the markets.
October 14, 2025 04:30 PM
·
Cottage cheese sales are on the rise across the U.S., and industry leaders believe interest on social media is contributing to the surge in consumer demand.
October 14, 2025 04:16 PM
·
“USDA can no longer keep wasting its time and personnel to deploy Commissioner Miller’s infamous traps, which USDA has deployed, tested, and has proven ineffective.”
October 14, 2025 01:19 PM
·
Even in this strong market, some beef producers are leaving money on the table by not following proven marketing practices.
October 14, 2025 12:03 PM
·
