Dairy Herd

There had been earlier concerns that milk supply would tighten with supply limited to bottling and manufacturing. Lower cow numbers and tight heifer supplies would further reduce milk availability. Much of that concern has dissipated.
The essential oil from oregano is proving beneficial for calf diets. Two studies have shown it to have positive impacts on calf health and performance as an alternative to antibiotics.
CME cheese prices began the week in the red with barrels slipping to $1.8450 per pound
The USDA lowered its milk production forecast for 2024 based on a slight decrease in growth for milk production per cow.
The world’s second-largest economy launched the investigation into imports of some cheese, milk and cream from the European Union in August.
USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report leaned bearish for both corn and soybeans, with yield, production and ending stock estimates ahead of pre-report expectations.
The Milk Business Conference highlights every corner of the dairy industry and has a great line-up of speakers and sessions to help dairy producers capitalize on and further develop their strengths to work for them. Don’t believe us? Here are five reasons why you should attend.
Gen Z’s challenges aren’t just academic; they’re personal, says Jill Bramble, president and CEO of 4-H. Many young people say they are falling short, unable to envision a successful future where they feel connected to their friends, families, and communities.
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After a heifer calf hits the ground, what are the chances she will survive calfhood, reach the breeding pen, become pregnant and deliver a healthy calf herself?
Based on a farmer poll and the Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor, farmers and economists differ on whether Harris or Trump would be better for agriculture, particularly when it comes to trade.
Inflation in September was higher than expected, up 0.3% from August and +2.4% versus September 2023, compared to calls for +0.2% month-over-month and +2.3% year-over-year.
Demand for MPCs takes milk from dryers, lowering milk powder output.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that $11.04 million in new funding will be issued to help support dairy businesses and producers under the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) grant program.
Facilities, genetics, nutrition, stockmanship and marketing are some of the impotant factors to consider in the transition process.
Could increasing colostrum volume delivery help calves better navigate cold stress? Brazilian researcher Carla Bittar shares her insights on adjusting colostrum dosage for winter-born calves.
Calm in the spot markets translated to a lack of fireworks in futures.
USDA forecasts agricultural exports at $173.5 billion and imports at a record $204 billion for a projected record trade deficit of $30.5 billion.
August was yet another strong month for cheese exports with 94 million pounds shipped out, explaining part of why spot cheese prices went on a run higher in September.
After a slight pull-back last month, Holstein springer values have come roaring back, jumping more than $1,000 per head on the top end in California.
Monitoring estrus intensity in cattle helps optimize reproduction and can be done efficiently with visual estrus detection aids.

Class III contracts for the rest of 2024 fell, with November settling at $21.00 per hundredweight, down 39 cents, and December closing at $20.44 per hundredweight, 42 cents lower.
With tight margins, evaluating purchases is more crucial now than ever.
Lexi Anderson is a spirited kid who’s always supporting those around her. But Lexi’s big heart is now what’s needing saved, and it’s a constant showing of love and support that’s getting this family through.
With much of the Upper Midwest processing capacity maxed out in terms of milk production, finding a new home for milk is not an easy task. This is causing dairy farms to dump milk due to the oversupply.
The dairy industry stands as a backbone of American agriculture, and few have championed its cause as persistently and effectively as Vilsack. Earlier today, he spoke to attendees at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis.
Hurricane Helene barreled through Florida last week, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Record-breaking winds wreaked havoc in the heart of Florida’s dairy industry, damaging farms, destroying barns and buildings, and mangling essential equipment.
Hilmar’s David Ahlem to retire, moving to a Board Advisor Role.
After making small movements over the last two days, the CME barrel market resumed its downward trajectory and closed at $2.1200 per pound, $0.0325 lower.
The average annual turnover rate for workers on U.S. dairies is nearly 40%.
Dairy farms need structured systems for managing employees, just as they have for other farm operations.
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