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 12, 2025 12:19 PM
·
U.S. producers are holding off on equipment investments amid financial pressure, market uncertainty, a rising demand for diesel, and growing desperation for trade wins.
September 12, 2025 11:18 AM
·
Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) joined us on Champions of Rural America to share his insights on upcoming changes to public land management and how they will benefit agriculture and the Western working class.
September 11, 2025 01:21 PM
·
Dirt Diaries is where women in agriculture pull back the curtain and get real. The latest episode features Zoe Kent, known online as Farm with Zoe!
September 11, 2025 10:24 AM
·
The Arkansas Farm Bureau takes us there for a tour of the facility that will expand livestock education in a key agricultural region.
September 10, 2025 03:24 PM
·
The Cotton Jassid previously detected in Georgia has now made its way to the Lone Star State.
September 10, 2025 03:17 PM
·
The Interior Department is proposing to repeal the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule. This move would make huge strides to empower local decision-making and restore balance between conservation and protecting rural livelihoods tied to these public lands.
September 10, 2025 02:45 PM
·
Mother-daughter RanchHER duo, Lyn and Sherrie Ray, joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report for a sneak peek at tonight’s brand new episode of FarmHER + RanchHER.
September 10, 2025 01:45 PM
·
With new renewable volume obligations announced this year, the Iowa Soybean Association says they’ll be vital to a farmer’s bottom line.
September 10, 2025 01:19 PM
·
