Latest U.S. Dairy Farm News: Market Shifts, Price Forecasts, and Emerging Risks
The U.S. dairy industry continues to evolve in 2025, with market changes, price adjustments, and ongoing challenges such as fire incidents and the threat of bird flu. Below are the key updates that are shaping the dairy landscape:
Market Shifts & Price Adjustments
- Milk Price Forecast Downgrade: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revised its 2025 forecast for milk prices, now predicting $21.10 per hundredweight, down by $0.50 from last month. Prices for other dairy products, including butter and cheese, are also expected to decrease. This will likely affect dairy farmer revenue.
- Milk Production Outlook: While the total number of dairy cows in the U.S. is expected to increase slightly to 9.38 million head in 2025, milk production per cow is expected to slow. This may result in a modest decrease in overall milk output.
- Strong Dairy Exports: U.S. dairy exports have started 2025 on a positive note, with cheese exports showing significant growth. However, exports of nonfat dry milk and lactose are struggling, with total export volume increasing by only 0.4%.
Fire Incidents & Recovery Efforts
- Fire at New York Dairy Farm: A devastating fire in early April 2025 at a dairy farm in northern New York tragically killed at least 200 animals. The community is now focused on recovery and rebuilding.
- Ohio Dairy Farm Rebuilds After Fire: Following a massive fire in September 2024, the Dorset at Comp dairy farm in Ashtabula County, Ohio, is making a comeback. The new barns are now being used, with some cows already returned to the farm.
Avian Flu Threat & Monitoring Programs
- New Avian Flu Strain Found in Dairy Cattle: The USDA confirmed the detection of a new H5N1 D1.1 avian flu strain in dairy cows in Nevada. This discovery has raised concerns about the potential spread of the virus among livestock.
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Michigan’s Surveillance Plan for Avian Flu: In response to the rising avian flu threat, Michigan initiated a dairy surveillance program in December 2024, regularly testing milk samples from dairy cows to monitor for the virus and prevent its spread.
