The Kansas Explosion: Cow Numbers Surge as U.S. Milk Production Climbs
- ZISK
- Apr 28
- 1 min read
The latest USDA Milk Production report paints a picture of an industry in the midst of a significant geographic and structural shift. Led by a massive surge in the High Plains, milk production in the 24 major states reached 19.6 billion lb. in March, a 2.4% increase over the previous year.
While the production increase is notable, the real story lies in the “where” and “how.” The U.S. dairy herd is expanding at a clip rarely seen in recent years, with cow numbers in the major states climbing to 9.18 million head — an increase of 188,000 cows compared to March 2025.
By Karen Bohnert
April 23, 2026 10:14 AM
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