By Jamie Martin
The national dairy production rankings shifted again in 2025 as Idaho regained the No. 3 position in total milk output, narrowly passing Texas, according to USDA data. Idaho produced about 18.26 billion pounds of milk during the year, compared to Texas at 18.21 billion pounds. The difference between the two states was extremely small, highlighting the competitive nature of U.S. dairy production.
Texas had moved into the No. 3 position in 2024, but industry observers say the back-and-forth ranking reflects continued growth in both states rather than significant changes in national supply. Dairy experts expect the two regions to remain closely matched in coming years as production expands, and efficiency improves.
“They passed us last year by about a third of one day’s production, and we passed them back by just shy of one day’s production,” said Rick Naerebout, Idaho Dairymen’s Association Executive Director. “It’s kind of fun to have this back and forth, but really, we’re not talking about big differences between three and four. We’re neck in neck.”
Climate patterns play an important role in annual milk totals. Texas generally benefits milder winters that support stronger cold-season production, while Idaho’s cooler summers help maintain cow comfort and productivity during warmer months. These seasonal differences help balance annual production figures and keep the national rankings close.
California remains the nation’s leading dairy producer, while Wisconsin continues to hold the second position. Together, these states represent a large share of total U.S. milk output and support domestic consumption as well as export markets.
The dairy industry remains a major economic driver nationwide. Milk production supports thousands of jobs on farms and in processing plants, while also creating economic activity through transportation, manufacturing, and retail. Economic studies show dairy contributes billions of dollars annually to local and national economies through both direct and indirect impacts.
Industry leaders say continued investment in technology, farm management, and processing capacity is helping strengthen the national dairy sector. As production grows and efficiency improves, competition among top-producing states is likely to continue.
Overall, the narrow difference between Idaho and Texas highlights the resilience and growth of the U.S. dairy industry and demonstrates how regional strengths continue to shape national milk production trends.
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Categories: National