WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — U.S. milk production moved sharply higher in November as expanding dairy cow numbers and stronger productivity pushed output well above last year, according to the USDA’s latest Milk Production report. Nationwide output totaled 18.8 billion pounds, up 4.5 percent from November 2024, while the 24 major dairy states produced 18.1 billion pounds, a 4.7 percent increase.
Both herd growth and improved milk yields drove the increase. The national dairy herd totaled 9.57 million head, up 211,000 cows from a year earlier, while production per cow averaged 1,963 pounds, 41 pounds higher than last November. In the 24-state total, milk per cow rose even faster to 1,979 pounds.
California remained the nation’s largest milk-producing state, generating 3.31 billion pounds in November, up more than 10 percent year over year. Wisconsin ranked second at 2.64 billion pounds, followed by Texas at 1.49 billion pounds.
Texas posted one of the strongest gains, supported by herd expansion and improved productivity, while Wisconsin’s growth remained steady but more modest.
The continued rise in milk supplies will put pressure on dairy prices heading into 2026 if demand does not keep pace.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Rising production underscores the importance of marketing discipline and margin protection as milk supplies expand.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
September 10, 2025 10:07 AM
·
Labor is an ongoing crisis in the ag sector. One industry group outlines three vital reforms to the H-2A visa program that farmers need to secure an affordable, stable workforce.
September 09, 2025 12:22 PM
·
Pressure to lower gas prices across the Golden State could be the saving grace of this year’s corn harvest. California may soon be the final U.S. state to approve E-15 sales.
September 09, 2025 11:12 AM
·
Co-Bank Lead Dairy Economist, Corey Geiger, joined us on Friday’s
Market Day Report for a further look at the drop in replacement heifers and the trend’s longterm impact on dairy producers and cattle prices.
September 05, 2025 12:40 PM
·
Today in Wyoming, Rural Media Group’s late founder, Patrick Gottsch, will be inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame! The rodeo’s CEO, Tom Hirsing, joined us to share why Patrick is so deserving of this honor.
September 05, 2025 11:10 AM
·
The amendments affect BLM lands in several Western states. Comments on the Sage grouse proposals can be made to the BLM National NEPA Register until Oct. 3.
September 04, 2025 02:16 PM
·
