By Alexi Moehlenpah and Gnanasekar Rangasamy of NOVUS International, Inc.

The economic decisions involved in heifer management are not just about immediate costs. They are a long-term investment strategy that can determine the future productivity and profitability of a dairy farm. Choosing which heifers to keep, which to sell, and how to feed and care for them requires a deft balancing act. Factors such as genetics, health and market demand all play a role.

The movement of butter prices is intricately tied to the calendar. In the short term, global supply is abundant, overshadowing a demand that — while inherently strong — shows signs of weakening. This scenario paints a picture of potential volatility, with an immediate downside risk in butter prices.

The CME spot butter market continues to steal the attention as prices dropped another few cents. Can this market break $2?

Labor costs continue to rise for California farmers, but skilled labor isn’t something growers are able to find with the current H-2A program. Labor experts, economists and farmers agree the current immigration system is “broken,” but a solution could be on the horizon.

New World screwworm was essentially eradicated in the U.S. in 1966, but the persistent pest has rebounded through considerable geography in the past year, prompting the closure of the U.S./Mexico border to cattle in recent months.