The U.S. dairy industry is facing a possible shortage of its most important resource – milk cows.
The number of replacement heifers available to enter the dairy herd as milk-producing cows has already fallen to a 20-year low. Based on new CoBank research, replacements could fall even further over the next two years before a recovery begins in 2027.
These declining heifer inventories could limit growth in the milk supply, a looming concern for dairy processors with expansion plans underway. The U.S. is currently experiencing a historic $10 billion investment in new dairy processing facilities expected to come online through 2027.
According to the new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the national dairy heifer shortage could persist and grow deeper in the next two years. Tight cattle supplies and record-high prices for beef calves prompted many dairy farmers to produce more calves destined for feedlots and fewer for milk barns.
Click Here to read that report from CoBank.
By Glenn Vaagen
Read the full article here.
🌾 A successful harvest ends with everyone home safe. National Farm Safety and Health Week is September 21–25, 2026. This year’s theme, “Safety Today, Success Tomorrow,” is a reminder that protecting an operation begins with protecting the people behind it. In February 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its latest national data, reporting… National Farm Safety & Health Week
RAA Employee Spotlight ➡️ Becca Root, Founder Becca is the Founder of Root Agricultural Advisory where she assists with the day-to-day operations of the various business units. Prior to starting the company with her husband Skye, she worked as a Product Owner for Clearwater Analytics. Prior to Clearwater, she was a public accountant in audit… Employee Spotlight: Becca Root
Root Agricultural Advisory
2670 S. Eagle Rd. Meridian ID 83642
(208) 753-2333 info@rootagadvisory.com
