U.S. Dairy Cow Numbers Reach Highest Level Since 1993
While recent agricultural headlines have focused on beef imports from Argentina, the U.S. dairy sector is experiencing a major development of its own — a significant increase in dairy cow numbers and record-breaking milk production.
According to the USDA’s August Milk Production Report, there are now 9.52 million dairy cows in the United States — the highest total since 1993. Over the past decade, the U.S. herd size has typically fluctuated between 9.3 and 9.4 million, but strong economic conditions in 2024 have led to substantial herd expansion.
Profitable Milk Prices and Lower Feed Costs Drive Growth
The increase in dairy cow numbers is largely attributed to profitable milk prices and a decline in feed costs throughout 2024. These favorable market conditions have encouraged producers to expand their operations and rebuild herds.
USDA data show that milk production efficiency is also on the rise. Milk yield per cow hit 2,050 pounds in August, marking the highest August milk production per cow on record. This trend points to both genetic and management improvements within the dairy industry, allowing producers to achieve greater output with fewer resources.
Regional Growth: Texas Sets a New Record
The most notable regional gains have occurred in the Southern Plains, particularly Texas, which reached 699,000 head of dairy cows this year. That’s the most dairy cows in the state since 1958, signaling rapid expansion of the Texas dairy sector and its increasing role in national milk production.
Outlook: More Milk on the Market
With more cows producing more milk, the U.S. is poised for one of its most productive milk seasons in decades. Analysts note that this combination of higher herd counts and improved per-cow production will likely lead to abundant milk supplies in the coming months.
While this surge benefits consumers with stable or lower dairy prices, producers will be watching closely to ensure that increased supply doesn’t outpace demand. The coming months will reveal whether this record production can be balanced with strong domestic consumption and growing export opportunities.
So, as attention turns from peanuts to milk, it’s clear that the U.S. dairy industry is in a period of robust growth — with more cows and more milk than the nation has seen in over 30 years.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.