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Improved herd genetics and herd expansion contributing to higher U.S. milk production

A dairy lender with Farm Credit Services of America says herd expansion and genetic improvements are driving an increase in milk production growth.

Tim Van Hofwegen says producers continue to improve herd genetics.

“With the butterfat percentage and the protein percentage, we’re seeing those numbers especially in the Holstein breed increase,” he says. “Energy corrected milk is seeing a steady increase.”

But, Hofwegen tells Brownfield long-term growth might be limited.

“Producers are holding onto cows longer and have older animals in the herd,” he says. “I don’t know if we can keep up the recent gains in herd growth without a shift back to producing more replacement heifers.”

Hofwegen says feed costs, export demand, and changing consumer trends could shift industry growth in the second half of 2026.

The USDA says both U.S. milk production and U.S. milk cow inventory were up 2 percent from 2025.

AUDIO: Tim Van Hofwegen, Farm Credit Services of America