WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. milk production increased 2.2% from a year earlier in July, reaching 20.1 billion pounds as dairy cow numbers continued expanding. The national herd totaled 9.71 million cows, nearly 200,000 more than in July 2025.
In the 24 major dairy states, production increased 2.3% to 19.4 billion pounds. Production per cow averaged 2,093 pounds, only five pounds above last year, meaning most of the production growth came from additional cows.
California remained the largest milk-producing state, with production of 3.48 billion pounds, although production declined by nearly 1%. Wisconsin ranked second at 2.85 billion pounds, up 2.6%, while Idaho remained third at 1.65 billion pounds, up 2.1%.
The rankings were unchanged, but herd expansion remains uneven. Texas production climbed more than 4% and continues closing the gap with Idaho.
Continued national production growth could add pressure to milk prices if dairy product demand does not absorb the additional supply.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Expanding cow numbers are driving higher milk production, underscoring the importance of strong domestic and export demand.