USDA drops 2025 milk production forecast to 226.9 billion pounds in February report

A slight drop in dairy production has led to varied prices for the month of February.

USDA reduced production by 400 million pounds based on recent Milk Production and Cattle Investory Reports. They showed a tighter supply of dairy heifers than expected.

The World Ag Outlook Board Chair said that the month-over-month changes on prices are notable.

According to Mark Jekanowski, “In terms of product prices, kind of mixed there. So, cheese prices we raised $0.02 per pound, reflecting pretty tight inventories, but the other main products— butter, non-fat dry milk, dry whey. We lowered butter, we reduced $0.05 per pound. Non-fat dry is down $0.04 and dry whey forecast we reduced $0.03 per pound...”

Meanwhile, all milk prices fell compared to the month prior.

“Class prices— Class 3 and Class 4 were each forecast lower this month. All milk price lowered this month by $0.45 per hundredweight to $22.60 per hundredweight. Nearly, equivalent to last year, down just $0.01 per hundredweight lower than last year,” he adds.

Jekanowski attributes some of this month’s price changes to the new Federal Milk Marketing Order. That is especially true for class prices, because of changes to how they are calculated.

Related Stories
These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.
Tyson’s closure reflects deep supply shortages in the U.S. cattle industry, tightening packing capacity, weakening competition, and signaling more volatility ahead for cow-calf producers and feedyards.
The agriculture workforce remains strong and diverse, offering meaningful pathways for students pursuing careers that support the food and farm economy.
Screwworm.gov has targeted resources for a wide range of stakeholders, including livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers, and the general public.
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association explains a new resource designed to help farmers comply with ESA-related pesticide label requirements.
Sen. Roger Marshall discusses the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and what expanded milk options could mean for students and dairy farmers. Industry groups say it is a win for student nutrition and dairy producers.