WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Milk production in the 24 major States increased in March as both cow numbers and output per cow moved higher. March production reached 19.6 billion pounds, up 2.4 percent from a year earlier, showing continued expansion in the dairy sector.
USDA said production per cow averaged 2,133 pounds in March, which was 7 pounds above March 2025. The number of milk cows in the 24 major States reached 9.18 million head, up 188,000 from a year ago and 8,000 above February.
That larger herd helped keep production moving higher into spring. February production was revised to 17.5 billion pounds, up 3.0 percent from a year earlier, although the revision was 11 million pounds below the previous estimate.
The quarterly numbers also showed broader growth. U.S. milk production for January through March totaled 58.5 billion pounds, up 2.9 percent from the same quarter last year.
The average U.S. milk cow herd during the quarter reached 9.61 million head. That was 50,000 above the prior quarter and 204,000 above the same period last year. California, Wisconsin, and Texas remain the top three producing states in the country, followed by Idaho and New York.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Higher cow numbers and slightly stronger output per cow pushed milk production above last year.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
·
Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
January 21, 2026 12:00 PM
·
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:25 PM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
January 19, 2026 05:00 PM
·
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
January 19, 2026 01:00 PM
·
