Larger U.S. dairy herd drives higher June cow culling
- ZISK APP
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With the U.S. dairy herd continuing to expand, it follows that more cows are available for normal herd turnover, resulting in higher culling totals than a year ago. June dairy cow slaughter increased from both the previous month and the same month a year ago, reflecting the larger overall herd. Even with more cows marketed for slaughter, the pace of culling remains generally in line with herd expansion.
Based on the latest USDA monthly Livestock Slaughter data released on July 23, the number of dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants in June 2026 was estimated at 208,100. While up 16,400 from May, it was also 19,300 more than June 2025.
June 2025 had 25 non-holiday weekdays and Saturdays while June 2026 had 26 days. Slaughter averaged 8,000 head per business day this year, up 400 head from a year earlier.
By Audrey Schmitz
July 24, 2026
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