Analysis Milk
American farmers are milking more and more
Milk production in the 24 major US states reached 8,53 million tons in July, an increase of 1,85% compared to June and 3,53% year-on-year. This is the strongest monthly production of 2025 so far.
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Through July, cumulative production rose 1,46% year-on-year to 58,81 million tons. Adjusted for the leap year, the annual increase is 1,94%.
The growth is due to both a growing herd size and higher productivity per cow. In July, the dairy herd numbered 9,04 million animals, a 1,73% increase compared to the previous year. Production per cow increased by 1,76% to 943,9 kg. Production increased in 20 of the 24 selected states, with California, Idaho, and Texas as the largest contributors (+53.000 tons or more per year). Washington, however, recorded the largest decline (-22.226 tons).
Milk prices above cost price level
Favorable milk prices and relatively low feed costs earlier this year supported strong margins for producers, encouraging investments in additional production. In June, the average milk price was $21,30 per cwt (€40,76 per 100 kg), a decrease of 6,58% compared to last year.
Despite this, milk prices remain above production costs, ensuring producer profitability and supporting production growth.