USDA WASDE raised 2026 milk production and prices, increased beef output and fed cattle prices, and projected steady corn, soybean and cottonseed prices.

Sustainability and leadership are not separate challenges but are deeply connected. Across these stories, the message is consistent that the future of dairy will be shaped by those willing to learn, invest in people and make decisions with the next generation in mind.

Based on latest USDA monthly Livestock Slaughter report data, the number of dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants in December 2025 was estimated at 248,400.

Nineteen states including California, Kansas and Idaho boosted milk production a combined 904 million pounds in December.

Since the July 2025 WASDE, corn-harvested area has surged 4.5 million acres. Notably, the record corn crop in 2025 exceeds the prior high set in 2023 by 1.7 billion bushels or over 40 million tons.

Twenty states including California, Kansas and Idaho boosted milk production a combined 863 million pounds in November.

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.