Growth in output per cow drives U.S. milk production gains

The number of milk cows in the United States generally fell in the 1980s and 1990s but has generally risen since the early 2000s, peaking at 9.49 million head in 2025. Milk output has risen 62 percent since 1985 and now exceeds 231 billion pounds per year. Genetic developments and technological improvements underline a pronounced upward trend in milk output per cow. Consolidation in the dairy sector also has facilitated efficiency gains in milk production.