Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry.
The Dairy Bar: Protein Product Demand on the Rise; U.S. Dairy Milk Production Update; and Back-to-School in a Minute!
Quick Bites: More Milk and More Cows in June
- U.S. milk production jumped in June. Output was up 3.3% year-over-year, the strongest rate of growth since 2021.
- Kansas saw the most change, with production up 19.0% year-over-year. South Dakota milk output was up 11.5% compared to last June. A trio of other states – Idaho, Texas and Georgia – each grew milk production by nearly 10.0% compared to June 2024.
- California, the nation’s top milk-producing state, saw growth as well, with output up 2.7% over June 2024. Production typically declines in California this time of year because of summer heat stress, as was the case last June. But this year, temperatures have been mild in the Golden State. The worst impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza also seem to be in the rearview mirror, allowing milk production to recover.
- Cow numbers also expanded 4,000 head in June, with year-to-date growth reaching 114,000 head. Herd size hit a four-year high, and except for a five-month stretch in 2021, this was the largest herd size in three decades.
- States that saw the greatest leaps in milk production also added the most cows. Kansas, South Dakota, Texas and Idaho saw the most growth in cow numbers. Meanwhile, Washington lost the most cows and the most milk. Overall, though, with building cow numbers, the U.S. appears poised to grow output in the second half of 2025.
Today's Special
- Protein is just one of the many valuable nutrients found in milk and other dairy products. Fortunately for the dairy industry, adding protein to the diet seems to be top of mind for today’s consumers. Let’s take a look at a few recent statistics that underscore this desire for protein as part of a healthy lifestyle.
- During the most recent Amazon Prime Days event in July, one survey suggested that the top item purchased was Premier Protein shakes. According to a survey of 5,000 Prime Days participants conducted by Numerator, 26% of consumers reported purchasing items in the health and wellness category during the event. Only apparel and shoes and household essentials were purchased by more shoppers.
- Protein shakes and other protein drinks are a great destination for whey and milk protein concentrates, and demand is strong. Even though prices were higher, Circana reported that June volume sales of ready-to-mix sports powders grew 12% year-over-year.
- People are also looking for protein sources to eat and don’t seem deterred by the price tag. Retail fresh beef volume sales grew 3.5% year-over-year in June, as was reported in Supermarket News. Demand rose despite prices averaging $6.12 per pound ─ 12% higher than June 2024.
- This general commitment to health is also reflected in time spent at the gym. Placer.ai data reported June fitness center visits were up nearly 10% year-over-year. If people are willing to put in time and money to bolster their health, dairy products stand ready to serve as an excellent protein source.