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
The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
Jacob Wheeler and Dustin Connell of Team O’Reilly Auto Parts capped off an unforgettable week on the Alabama pro’s home waters with a dominant performance on Monday, cruising to a win at the Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches on Logan Martin Lake.
Harvest Marches on as River Logistics And Inputs Steer Bids
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.
Farmers display a unique optimism — planting with the expectation that weather, basis, and prices will improve by harvest — asserting that the profession is an identity, not just a job.
Imported lean beef continues to play a critical role in U.S. hamburger and ground-beef production, with any added volume from Argentina serving as a supplement — not a market overhaul.