Too Much Milk and Too Many Cows

ZISK
May 28
1 min read

The milk cow population in the U.S. has grown significantly in 2025 and the first quarter of 2026 (Chart I). During this time the milk cow population has grown by 3%. As covered in prior posts, domestic consumption of most dairy products is not growing. The trend for increased milk cows is not showing any slowing. This has created a need to export U.S. dairy products. It is also keeping wholesale prices for dairy products low, which in turn keep producer prices low.

Below is a table of the states with the most growth in milk cows. Most of the states with increased cows are Northern states where the climate is good for cows. Many are also in locations not covered by Federal Order pricing.

There are no states that were significantly decreasing milk cows except the state of Washington, which is down 20,000 cows, a loss of 8%. Many new processing facilities have been built, but to date this has not resulted to decreasing existing processing facilities. The result is increased milk production.

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