Milk production increased 0.9% YOY in March. US cow numbers increased by 8,000 compared to February. The USDA revised the February number down 8,000 head. The US herd has expanded 81,000 head since July 2024 and is the largest it has been since May 2023.

California milk production was down 2.1% YOY, reflecting the lingering effects of a major avian flu outbreak. However this was the smallest YOY contraction for six months. In contrast, Texas milk production surged 9.4% YOY in March, reflecting the 45,000 cows added to the state’s herd over the past 12 months.