We are seeing fewer U.S. dairy operations but we have a bigger average herd size

95% of U.S. dairy farms have disappeared since 1970. Today, about 24,000 dairies remain.

While the number has dropped, the average herd size is on the rise. More than 60% of all milk production occurs on farms with more than 2,500 cows.

So, what is driving the changes in the dairy industry?

That depends on who you ask.
A University of Tennessee Dairy Specialist believes that it is tied to the Federal Milk Marketing Order and how today’s dairy producers are paid for their products.

Related Stories
Bird owners are urged to practice strong biosecurity as fall brings a rise in high path avian flu cases.
The ag machinery leader is betting that, by throwing the weight of their established brand behind this cutting-edge technology, more producers will be motivated to adopt it sooner rather than later.
The Big Beautiful Bill has the potential to keep rural residents living and operating in their home communities.
Michigan corn farmer and NCGA Vice President-Elect Matt Frostic will lead the task force. He joined us on Thursday to share his insights on the escalating corn crisis.
Speaking about his administration’s tariff strategy, Trump acknowledged that producers could face financial strain in the short term but promised stopgap support.
Rising cow numbers and higher yields are boosting milk supplies, which may keep pressure on prices and farm margins into the fall.