Dairy Herd
U.S. milk production climbed 1.5% in April, marking the strongest year-over-year increase since 2022, fueled by larger herds and modest gains in cow productivity.
China is one of the biggest importers of American breeding pigs and other livestock genetic material such as cattle semen. These lucrative niche export markets had been growing, but have dried up since the start of the U.S.-China trade war.
Class III milk strengthened on rising cheese and whey prices, while April milk production climbed 1.5% year-over-year, led by growth in the Southwest.
The debate regarding whether and when to feed hay to preweaned calves is ongoing, with compelling cases for and against the practice. Penn State University Extension Dairy Specialist Cassie Yost offers some specific examples in which feeding hay is advised.
Global demand for U.S. cheese is accelerating, driven by expanding international markets and evolving consumer tastes. At the same time, trade negotiations and tariff policies remain key factors shaping the future of dairy exports.
Being stuck is a normal situation people find themselves in. To get unstuck, Kacee Bohle suggests it starts by taking take a 360-degree evaluation of your reality.
Block cheese prices edged higher on active trading, but Class III futures remained under pressure amid broader market softness.
As research continues to point to the numerous benefits of social housing for young calves, housing manufacturers are responding with more systems to make pair and group housing more practical, comfortable, and efficient.
Alltech will gather global thought leaders and innovators for an immersive exploration of the bold ideas shaping the future of agri-food.
USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says climate models have consistently shown a ridge across western North America that could lead to drought development, drought continuation or even drought expansion across portions of the Plains and West.
One of the prominent milk processors in the Northwest, Darigold, has made significant deductions from farmers’ milk checks.
Spot cheese prices fell to start the week, pressuring nearby Class III futures, as mixed signals on supply clouded market direction and traders tested the $1.90-per-pound level.
Human nutrition increasingly embraces fermentation as a natural and non-medicated means of promoting digestive health and supporting the gut microbiome. Now, some dairies are doing the same, by feeding kefir to their calves.
Top of the list: Reforming the FSA loan program, regulatory action to disincentivize federal funding for solar panels on productive farmland and expanding permitting of unused or underused federal land for long-term leases.
A sneak peak of Farm Journal’s leading-edge survey insights illustrates strategic solutions that generate renewed confidence, ensuring a promising path forward for the industry.
Class III milk futures faltered mid-session despite stronger spot cheese prices, as heavy selling pressure erased early gains but contracts still closed above last Friday’s levels.
The recently establish Dairy HERD Initiative symbolizes the power of collaboration in driving industrywide change.
A major highlight of the House Agriculture Committee’s reconciliation proposal is the extension of the Dairy Margin Coverage program through 2031.
Class III milk futures continued climbing on strong cheese exports and tightening block supplies, with markets bracing for next week’s shift to block-based pricing under the new FMMO formula.
“Whatever your case might be, it’s about how to help absorb potential unforeseen shocks and potential short term losses if they occur,” says John Steeves with Rabobank.
The massive bill faced two major hurdles, passing out of both the House Agriculture and House Ways and Means Committees. While the legislation is filled with positive tax provisions for farmers, potential cuts to SNAP are creating controversy.
Once the darling of dairy nutrition, BMR corn hybrids have fallen partially out of favor thanks to yield drag compared to conventional hybrids.
Mastering communication in high-pressure situations is a blend of clarity, effective listening and emotional intelligence.
The dairy of the future doesn’t have to be flashy—it just needs to be efficient, sustainable, and built around cows, labor, and market access, says Pennsylvania farmer Steve Harnish.
Despite a jump in block prices, a wide gap persists between spot markets and Class III futures, raising questions about how long the premium can hold.
Class III milk futures surged early this month, driven by rising cheese prices and a shift in market sentiment that replaced discounts with a seasonal premium.
As the dairy industry evolves, small farms face critical questions about sustainability, profitability and the most effective methods for expansion.
NCBA applauds Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ aggressive efforts to suspend Mexican cattle, horse and bison imports, saying Mexico’s corruption and mismanagement has caused the pest to spread closer to the U.S.
With June cheese futures nearing $1.92 and spot blocks lagging at $1.78, a price correction is looming as the two markets head for a collision.
Record-breaking heat hit areas of the U.S. this week with snow in the forecast for the weekend. As the disparity of moisture plays out, Nutrien’s Eric Snodgrass says he’s still concerned about the risk of drought.