Dairy Herd
The U.S. dairy herd is at the highest level since August 2021 as farmers continue to hold onto cattle, reducing culling. The USDA made a large revision to cattle numbers on the May Milk Production report.
The labor challenges afflicting the dairy sector are far from resolved.
Spot block prices continued to decline, nearing one-year lows and dragging Class III futures with them, while widening global discounts could reopen doors for U.S. export opportunities.
The global dairy industry’s resilience, adaptability and strategic foresight suggest a promising path forward for the U.S. dairy industry.
Between the insights and the atmosphere, this is more than just another conference — it’s a chance to close out the year with momentum and purpose.
Class III futures ended lower as cheese prices declined, despite a boost from dry whey. May milk production rose 1.6% year-over-year and the U.S. herd reached its largest size since 2021.
The May Milk Production report reflects significant growth and expansion in the U.S., driven by strategic management of herd sizes and processing capabilities.
The on-again, off-again reports regarding ICE raids is sowing confusion for those who rely on immigrant labor and causing labor shortages because employees aren’t showing up for work.
As the fight to keep the flesh-eating parasite out of the U.S. intensifies, the economic impact on ranchers and the industry is top of mind. “This pest will be one that leaves quite a mark on our economy,” says one veterinarian.
Smart ag technology is reshaping the farm. But unclear laws and fine-print contracts leave many farmers without control of their data.
On the surface, strong livestock prices and government payments are painting a rosy picture for the farm sector. A closer look at input costs, commodity prices and interest rates says otherwise.
The evolving demographics within the dairy industry show the importance of robust succession planning.
Through diversification and innovative strategies, producers are not just navigating present challenges but are also building a resilient and sustainable future for the industry.
The Senate and House each have their own Committee proposals for President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. There are some key differences in each that could impact farmers and ranchers.
DARI Processing, LLC has broken ground on Nebraska’s first new dairy processing plant in over 60 years, a $186.3 million facility set to bring shelf-stable milk production, regional opportunity and renewed momentum to the state’s dairy industry.
Now is the most opportune time for Congress and the Administration to address the agricultural labor shortage in a meaningful and lasting way.
A dangerous livestock pest, the New World Screwworm, has resurfaced in Central America, prompting a U.S. livestock import ban and renewed warnings for producers to watch for signs of infestation.
Native to east Asia, the ALHT was first detected in New Jersey in 2017. Since then, it has spread to more than 20 states with recent confirmations in Illinois, Michigan and Iowa.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announces plans to reopen Moore Air Base in Texas as a New World screwworm sterile fly distribution facility. Long-term production is anticipated to be 300 million sterile flies per week.
Aggressive immigration enforcement has had dairy farmers concerned about their ability to milk cows 365 days a year without interruption.
Cattle rely heavily on their sense of smell, and understanding their odor preferences could help improve handling, health, and overall management.
DFA’s recent attack serves as a stark reminder that the need for cybersecurity in agriculture is more pressing than ever.
While there is a positive trend in adopting sustainable practices, there’s a palpable gap in program awareness.
Making silage out of soybeans is highly possible, and may be a growing trend in homegrown dairy forage production.
Old farm trucks might be rough around the edges, but their quirks, dents and stubborn reliability make them unforgettable fixtures of life on the farm.
A Wisconsin dairy farmer has filed a federal lawsuit challenging USDA’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
This Milk Business Young Producer Award recipient is generating income by selling surplus fresh cows.
Rising heat and humidity can drive up SCC, but with proactive management and attention to detail, summer doesn’t have to compromise milk quality.
The focus remains on leveraging existing operations to find value beyond the milk check.
After a week of ICE seemingly targeting dairy farms, California produce farms and a meat packing plant in Nebraska, President Donald Trump is reportedly ordering the Department of Homeland Security to exclude farms from immigration raids.