The past year provided ample opportunities for dairy producers to capitalize on market conditions with both longstanding and new risk management strategies.

USDA data show Americans’ per capita consumption of dairy is up 0.6% over the past five years, 8% over the past 15 years and 12% over the past 30 years.

Prices for U.S. replacement dairy cows kept rising into the fourth quarter of 2025, reaching their highest level on record in October, according to latest quarterly estimates from the USDA. Meanwhile, average cull cow prices reached a peak in September 2025, held relatively steady in October and showed signs of stabilization as the year closes.

In the news related to dairy farming mid-December 2025: House passes Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, a milk test finds Wisconsin’s first case of HPAI in dairy, Land O’Lakes doubles down on hunger relief before the holidays, an annual event highlights the Friends of Expo, Alltech announces dairy farm Most Valuable Employee Award winner, and the USDA announces $38.1 million in grant agreement to cover agricultural losses due to Hurricane Helene in Tennessee.

In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line the first week of December 2025: Steps taken to urge dairy enforcement in upcoming USMCA review, Walmart opens milk processing facility in Georgia, a better outlook for the future pushes farmer sentiment higher, and the GDT index falls again.

Due to the government shutdown, the USDA resumed its monthly Livestock Slaughter report released on Dec. 1. Based on latest USDA monthly data, the number of dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants in October 2025 was estimated at 243,000.

In dairy-related news the final week of November 2025: the Senate passes Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, the EPA and Army Corps unveil WOTUS proposal, the USDA launches a website for New World screwworm, and dairy leaders share progress and priorities at sustainability meeting.

Meet Charlie Hoffman, performance specialist, CowManager

USDA reports influencing dairy markets remain delayed following the conclusion of the government shutdown, and at the same time, seasonal pressures from the holiday season are shaping the U.S. dairy outlook for December. Producers should evaluate their current risk management options and secure additional coverage as 2025 comes to a close.