Over the past 44 years, milk production in the United States has mostly increased, going from 129 billion pounds in 1980 to 226 billion pounds in 2024 according to Victor J. Halverson, Market Administrator for the Upper Midwest Federal Milk Market Order, in his May newsletter.
Since 2021, production has stayed around 226 billion, with 2024 being the second consecutive year with a slight drop in production. Historically, the adoption of new technology, improvements in genetics, and a greater investment in nutrition have increased efficiency, resulting in higher production per cow.
In 1980, milk continued to be produced on relatively small farms. Wisconsin led the way as the top dairy state, producing 17 percent of total U.S. milk production. Seven states in the Upper Midwest and Northeast regions produced 50 percent of U.S. milk production. In addition, the top two states of Wisconsin and California accounted for 28 percent of production.