Kansas continues to solidify its place as one of the nation's fastest-growing dairy states.
According to the latest United States Department of Agriculture Milk Production Report, Kansas added 47,000 dairy cows between March 2025 and March 2026, bringing the state's total herd to 234,000 head. That growth moves Kansas into a tie with New Mexico for 12th in the nation for dairy cow numbers. The increase in herd size has translated into a jump in milk production. USDA data shows Kansas milk production rose 25.4 percent during the same period, the largest increase of any state in the country. The growth was 18.5 percentage points higher than the second-largest increase reported nationwide.
The continued expansion reflects ongoing investment in dairy operations across the state and highlights the growing role dairy farming plays in Kansas agriculture. June is recognized as National Dairy Month, celebrating dairy farmers and the products they provide to consumers across the country. The figures are based on data released in the USDA's April Milk Production Report.
