Genetic gains drive record components

Corey Geiger and Abbi Prins CoBank
Apr 2, 2025
Apr 2, 2025

Dairy cows in field — Butterfat and protein levels within the nation’s milk supply are growing at a record pace as more producers are employing genetics to optimize milk composition.
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Corey Geiger and Abbi Prins CoBank

Genetic improvements within the U.S. dairy herd are fueling historic gains in key milk components needed to produce cheese, butter and a variety of other popular dairy foods. While U.S. fluid milk production has remained relatively flat in recent years, butterfat and protein levels within the nation’s milk supply are growing at a record pace as more producers are employing genetics to optimize milk composition.

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CoBank

CoBank

CoBank

CoBank

Corey Geiger is a lead industry analyst and Abbi Prins is an industry analyst with the Knowledge Exchange Division of CoBank.

CoBank is a $158 billion cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. It’s a member of the Farm Credit System. Visit www.cobank.com for more information.