Montana Class I Utilization & U.S. Per Capita Consumption of Fluid Milk in Pounds Fiscal Year 2016 - 2025

percentage of Montana Class I total pool production of 62.56% in Fiscal Year 2025 was a 9.01% increase from the 57.39% in Fiscal Year 2024. The increase in pool milk utilization percentage in Fiscal Year 2025 vs. Fiscal Year 2016 continues, as in the past fiscal years, because the total pool production decreased more than the Class I milk utilization decreased. Potential factors that may cause the continued decline in percentage of Class I pool milk consumed in Montana include: changes in the food distribution systems that have led to an increased imports of fluid milk by out-of-state distributors supplying Montana stores; an increased availability and possibly market share of ultra-pasteurized products (such as organic milk, lactose-free milk, and other specialty or branded products) that are imported into the state; and a loss of the market share to a myriad of other beverage products, including plant-based milk substitutes. The decrease in the amount of Class I pool milk consumed in Montana has resulted in an increase in Class I packaged surplus milk being exported to out-of-state markets.

Montana Class I Utilization & U.S. Per Capita Consumption of Fluid Milk as a Percentage Fiscal Year 2016 - 2025