Newsletter Articles
Butter prices fall ahead of bearish cold storage report
Class III prices traded light volume, failing to reach the 1k mark in volume yesterday, as just 850 trades occurred and prices were lower across the board from July 2011 all the way out to June 2012.
FULL STORY »
Cal/OSHA sweeping California Central Valley
A report this week from the Stanislaus County (Calif.) Farm Bureau indicates that Cal/OSHA is out in full force conducting its Heat Illness Prevention sweeps. A press release from Cal/OSHA confirms that it will be stepping up enforcement this summer.
FULL STORY »
Fencing trailer
Building or repairing fences in remote, rugged pastures has always presented an obstacle for farmers and ranchers.
FULL STORY »
Commentary: In praise of factory farming
As he activist attacks on modern livestock production have evolved in the past few years, so have the opportunities for producers to gain ground even with their biggest consumer critics.
FULL STORY »
Stable spot prices tug on futures
Class III finished mostly higher Tuesday on a quiet, but stable, spot cheese market and perhaps a slight recognition of firmer outside markets. The reality is that we’re beginning the five-week pricing period for July milk, and though the spot cheese price is at historically demand debilitating levels, traders find it difficult to sell into a steeply discounted market.
FULL STORY »
Block cheese closes at $2.13 on the CME
Another 1k+ trading session brought with it price increases to the Class III market. With the still substantial price discount in place vs. the spot pricing, futures need to see spot tumble in order for futures declines.
FULL STORY »
World farm groups want trade exemptions
Farm groups from around the globe on Monday demanded further regulation they said is necessary to rein in commodity traders and stop the price volatility that has cut into their incomes.
FULL STORY »
May milk production a non-event for dairy trade
USDA’s milk production report was released last Friday for the month of May 2011. In our opinion, the report was neutral. Milk production was up 1.5 percent in the top 23 dairy states and 1.3 percent across all 50 states, the second consecutive month increase of less than 2 percent but slightly above our estimate for a 1.0 percent gain.
FULL STORY »
Class III recovers losses; CME spot markets stable
To the confusion of many, spot cheese prices continue to hold at current levels and even push higher. The futures have built in a steep discount and an inverted curve already pricing in and guessing when a decline will occur.
FULL STORY »
Commentary: Dairying is a privilege, not a right
Finally, someone articulated what I have been thinking for years.
Here is what a reader from Vermont had to say following a story we ran about the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments failing to adopt a stricter SCC standard in the U.S.:
“…It is absolutely stupid that the industry doesn't take advantage of an opportunity to enhance its image and the quality of its product! Does someone think that dairy farming is a "right"? No, it is a privilege and those who want to continue sloppy practices need to get better or get out!” the reader said.
FULL STORY »
Poll: Do you support how Congress voted on ethanol incentives?
- Yes
- No
- Not sure
FULL STORY »
