WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. dairy output strengthened early this year as herd growth and improved productivity pushed supplies higher across major producing regions.
USDA reported January milk production in the 24 major states totaled 19.1 billion pounds — up 3.4 percent from last year. Production per cow averaged 2,082 pounds, 24 pounds higher year-over-year, while cow numbers climbed to 9.15 million head, up 200,000 head from a year ago.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Expanding dairy herds continue to pressure the milk price outlook.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
California remained the largest producer at 3.51 billion pounds, rising 4.7 percent. Wisconsin followed at 2.75 billion pounds, up 2.1 percent. Texas jumped 7.6 percent to 1.60 billion pounds, while Idaho increased 3.2 percent to 1.54 billion pounds. New York grew 3.4 percent and Michigan rose 3.6 percent. Kansas showed one of the sharpest gains — up 26 percent — while South Dakota rose nearly 11 percent as expansion continues in the Upper Plains dairy corridor.
Some regions declined. New Mexico dropped 3.8 percent, Pennsylvania fell 3.0 percent, and Washington slipped 6.1 percent, reflecting regional cost pressures and herd adjustments.
Higher output keeps milk supplies ample, reinforcing expectations for softer dairy prices even as feed costs remain favorable.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council published a joint press release regarding the advancement of legislation to delist the Mexican Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act.
January 23, 2026 05:05 PM
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
January 23, 2026 04:40 PM
·
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
January 23, 2026 03:39 PM
·
Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director Ryan Norris talks energy infrastructure, regulatory reform, and the role of critical minerals in supporting rural America.
January 23, 2026 01:54 PM
·
Pennsylvania Farm Show scholarship recipient Elizabeth Dice discusses her award, her background in farming, and her path forward in the agriculture industry.
January 23, 2026 01:48 PM
·
Nearly everyone in the South Texas ag community appears extremely worried about the potential of a New World screwworm epidemic, according to a local veterinarian. RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports.
January 23, 2026 11:56 AM
·
