Dairy producers in 2025 must follow strict somatic cell count standards to ensure premium milk quality and regulatory compliance. The federal limit remains at 750,000 cells/mL, with states like New York and Minnesota implementing even tighter controls and incentives.
Additional recognition for herds ≤100,000 cells/mL
Routine somatic cell count testing provides early detection of problems, supports compliance, and influences payment structures. Lower somatic cell count levels often lead to higher premiums, while elevated counts may result in penalties or rejected shipments.
Key Takeaways
Dairy producers must keepsomatic cell counts below set limits to ensure high milk quality and meet federal and state rules.
Lower somatic cell counts improve milk safety, increase cheese yield, and help producers earn premium payments.
Regular testing, at least monthly, helps detect infections early and supports better herd health and milk quality.
Good milking hygiene, proper equipment use, and herd management reduce infections and keep somatic cell counts low.
Using technology like somatic cell count testers and herd software helps producers meet standards and stay competitive in local and export markets.
Somatic Cell Count Standards in 2025
National Limits and State Variations
The United States continues to enforce federal somatic cell count standards for dairy producers in 2025. The current federal limit for somatic cell count in grade a milk shipments remains at 750,000 cells per milliliter, as outlined in the U.S. Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO). Regulatory agencies monitor compliance closely, and repeated violations can trigger enforcement actions. Despite ongoing discussions about lowering the federal threshold to 400,000 cells per milliliter, no nationwide changes have been implemented as of April 2025.
Several states have adopted stricter somatic cell count standards to promote higher milk quality and support export opportunities. California stands out with a lower maximum limit of 600,000 cells per milliliter for Grade A raw milk intended for pasteurization. This approach reflects a broader trend among some states to exceed federal requirements and align more closely with international expectations.
Standard
Federal Limit (cells/mL)
California Limit (cells/mL)
Somatic Cell Count (SCC)
Not to exceed 750,000
Not to exceed 600,000
States such as Idaho, Washington, and Oregon have also taken steps to implement more rigorous somatic cell count standards, especially for producers targeting export markets. These state-level variations create a dynamic regulatory environment, encouraging producers to adopt best practices for udder health and milk quality.
Note: Stricter somatic cell count standards often result in better milk composition and improved safety, supporting both domestic and international market access.
Export Requirements
International trade introduces additional complexity for U.S. dairy producers. Major export destinations, such as the European Union, require raw milk imports to meet a somatic cell count threshold of 400,000 cells per milliliter. This standard is significantly stricter than the U.S. federal limit and has become a critical benchmark for producers seeking to access global markets.
Aspect
Details
EU SCC Limit
400,000 cells/mL (stricter than U.S. Grade “A” limit of 750,000 cells/mL)
U.S. National Adoption
No national adoption of EU SCC limit; proposals not implemented
State-Level Actions
California, Idaho, Washington, Oregon align with EU standards
Impact on Export Eligibility
Non-compliance excludes producers from international markets
Economic Incentives
Premiums for low-SCC milk; penalties for high-SCC milk
The U.S. national average somatic cell count remains well below the federal limit, at approximately 300,000 cells per milliliter. However, only milk that meets the destination country’s somatic cell count standards qualifies for export. The USDA export program provides mechanisms to verify compliance, but producers who fail to meet these requirements risk exclusion from lucrative international markets.
Processors often offer economic incentives, such as premiums for low somatic cell count milk, to encourage compliance with stricter export standards. These incentives drive continuous improvement in herd management and milk quality. Smaller producers may face greater challenges in meeting these requirements, which can impact their ability to participate in global trade.
Dairy producers must stay informed about evolving somatic cell count standards to maintain market access and maximize profitability.
Milk Quality and Somatic Cell Count
SCC Impact on Milk Quality
Milk quality remains a top priority for dairy producers, processors, and consumers. The somatic cell count serves as a critical indicator of udder health and directly influences milk quality. Elevated levels signal intramammary infections, which can compromise the final product. Producers who maintain low cell counts consistently deliver superior milk quality.
Increased enzyme activity from elevated cell counts leads to biogenic amine formation and off-flavors, which shorten shelf life and decrease sensory acceptance.
Milk with high cell counts poses risks to consumer safety, prompting regulatory agencies to enforce strict standards.
The effects on cheese quality differ among ruminant species due to variations in milk composition.
Routine monitoring of cell counts ensures product safety, optimal shelf life, and high milk quality, especially in cheese manufacturing.
Recent studies confirm that herds with cell counts above 200,000 cells/mL show higher rates of subclinical mastitis. Lower thresholds improve sensitivity for detecting infections, supporting early intervention and better milk quality. Producers who monitor cell counts monthly can maintain high milk quality and profitability.
Producers who keep cell counts below 100,000 cells/mL achieve the highest milk quality and yield. The chart below illustrates how increasing cell counts lead to greater milk yield loss, reinforcing the importance of regular monitoring.
High somatic cell count in dairy herds most often results from intramammary infections, particularly mastitis. Pathogens such as Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Trueperella pyogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus play a major role. Subclinical mastitis, which often goes undetected, has a significant economic impact and closely correlates with elevated cell counts. Both environmental and contagious pathogens contribute to clinical mastitis cases.
Cause Category
Specific Causes / Factors
Notes
Mastitis (Intramammary infections)
Subclinical and clinical mastitis caused by pathogens such as Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Trueperella pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus
Subclinical mastitis is more economically impactful and closely linked to high SCC.
Pathogen Types
Environmental pathogens and contagious pathogens
Environmental pathogens coexist with contagious ones in clinical mastitis cases.
Herd Management Factors
Herd size, season, milk volume, udder health management practices
Larger herds and management practices influence SCC levels.
Dairy farms with high somatic cell count experience reduced profitability and increased management challenges.
Management Practices and Technology
Effective management practices and technology play a crucial role in controlling high somatic cell count. Regular monitoring using a somatic cell count tester allows producers to identify cows with elevated cell counts and take targeted action. Selective treatment, culling, and adjusting milking order help reduce infection spread. Historical data from testing supports informed decisions about herd health and milk quality.
Advanced milking procedures, such as wearing gloves, using automatic takeoffs, and post-milking teat dipping, lower cell counts. Environmental management, including sand bedding and frequent cleaning of calving pens, reduces infection risk. Nutritional supplementation with antioxidants and minerals supports udder health. Blanket dry cow therapy and regular use of the California Mastitis Test help maintain low cell counts.
Large-scale operations benefit from protocols and employee training. Disinfecting teats before and after milking, using customized teat dips, and consulting milk quality professionals optimize results. Management teams and milk quality programs sustain improvements in herd health.
Adoption of somatic cell count tester combined with advanced management strategies, leads to higher milk quality, increased profitability, and reduced mastitis costs.
Trends and Compliance
National and State SCC Averages
Dairy herds in the United States display clear seasonal patterns in somatic cell counts during 2025. Producers observe the highest values in summer, driven by heat stress and a high temperature-humidity index. These conditions weaken mammary defenses and increase both somatic cell count (SCC) and differential somatic cell count (DSCC). Holstein-Friesian cows tend to show higher SCC and DSCC than Simmental cows. High-producing herds maintain lower SCC and DSCC, but their daily somatic cell output remains elevated due to greater milk volume. Automatic milking systems often result in higher SCC traits, likely because of delayed detection and intervention. Older cows and those further into lactation also show increased SCC, indicating a higher risk of chronic mastitis.
Factor/Condition
Observation/Trend
Summer
Highest SCC and DSCC; heat stress increases cell counts
Producers should adjust management practices seasonally to maintain optimal bulk tank scc and protect milk quality.
Compliance and Payment Structures
Compliance with somatic cell count standards remains a top priority for dairy producers. Larger farms achieve higher compliance rates because they invest in advanced monitoring technologies and benefit from economies of scale. Small farms, which make up most U.S. dairy operations, face challenges such as high equipment costs and technical complexity. These barriers limit their ability to monitor SCC effectively, resulting in lower compliance rates and a higher risk of milk rejection.
Processors reward producers who maintain low SCC with premium payments. High SCC can lead to penalties or exclusion from certain markets, especially for export. Regulatory agencies enforce strict limits, and repeated violations may result in suspension of milk shipments. The industry expects stricter standards and improved compliance rates in the future, driven by automation, AI, and regulatory pressure. The growing market for milk analyzers and somatic cell counter for milk reflects this trend, supporting better herd health and higher milk quality.
Consistent monitoring and investment in technology help producers meet compliance requirements and maximize profitability.
Conclusion
Dairy producers maintain compliance with somatic cell count standards by following consistent milking hygiene routines, scheduled equipment maintenance, and robust herd management practices. Key steps include:
Disinfect teats before and after milking.
Monitor SCC and mastitis cases using herd management software.
Practice antimicrobial stewardship and biosecurity.
Maintain comfortable housing and meticulous records.
Regular use ofsomatic cell count test kit and adherence to updated protocols support optimal milk quality and herd health. Producers benefit from routine SCC testing, as shown below:
Staying informed about evolving regulations and best practices ensures continued market access and profitability.
FAQ
What Is the Ideal Somatic Cell Count for Premium Milk?
Dairy experts recommend keeping somatic cell counts below 100,000 cells/mL. This level supports optimal milk quality, higher cheese yield, and better herd health. Producers who achieve this standard often receive premium payments from processors.
How Often Should Producers Test Somatic Cell Count?
Most producers test somatic cell count monthly. Some high-performing herds use weekly or even daily testing with automated systems. Frequent monitoring helps detect problems early and supports compliance with regulatory and export standards.
Why Do Somatic Cell Counts Rise in Summer?
Heat stress weakens cows’ immune systems. High temperatures and humidity increase the risk of mastitis, which raises somatic cell counts. Producers often adjust management practices during summer to control these seasonal spikes.
Can Technology Help Reduce Somatic Cell Count?
Yes. Automated somatic cell count testers and herd management software identify high-risk cows quickly. These tools support targeted treatment, improve udder health, and help producers maintain compliance with strict standards.
What Happens If a Producer Exceeds the SCC Limit?
Processors may reject milk shipments or apply financial penalties. Repeated violations can lead to regulatory action, including suspension of milk sales. Producers must monitor somatic cell counts closely to avoid these consequences.
