Trying to predict the low or the high in the commodity world is impossible and extremely risky. Taking a critical look at your operation and committing to the why will help you develop strategies to tackle the when part of the equation. 

USDA’s June WASDE raised 2026 milk production to 236.4 billion pounds on expectations of a larger cow herd and an increase in milk output per cow.

Feed costs are the largest contributor to total costs on a farm, so identifying opportunities to optimize feed ingredients without sacrificing nutrition to the cow should garner appropriate attention. However, very few resources are available to help us check and predict feed variability.

USDA’s May WASDE report raised 2026 milk production to 235.4 billion pounds on expectations of a larger cow herd but a slower growth rate in output per cow.

Producers are seeing lower milk prices from January 2025 highs. While this downturn still reflects basic supply and demand, there are significant differences compared to recent cycles: strong cull and beef prices, earning component incentives, corn silage quality by region and a younger generation of managers.

The USDA’s April WASDE raised 2026 milk production to 235.3 billion pounds as increases to the dairy cow inventory more than offset slower growth in milk output per cow.