Dairy Report: Will Dairy Production Pick Up in 2022?
Dairy Report 010422
Will dairy production once again pick up in 2022? A new dairy market report is looking ahead.
The monthly dairy market report from Dairy Management and the National Milk Producers Federation said there was rapid evaporation of growth in dairy cows, milk and milk solids production in October, and that dropped all three into negative territory. The groups say the supply side effects have dominated the dairy situation and they expect it to continue into the start of this year.
They say dairy exports during the first 10 months of last year set a new volume record. They add that the drop in production is being felt most in dry skim milk products and, to a lesser extent, in butter and dry whey production. Cheese remains the preferred channel for available milk.
Could Alfalfa Help Save the Planet?
Alfalfa is an excellent forage source for dairy cattle, but could alfalfa actually help save the planet?
Alfalfa is the fourth most widely grown crop in the U.S. and is a primary livestock feed source. It offers up a lot of nutrients and a significant amount of 10 different vitamins for animals. But USDA researchers say alfalfa’s greatest importance may be what it brings to the environment.
Scientists at the Ag Research Service Lab in North Dakota have been looking into it. A study revealing that hayed alfalfa is more efficient than grasses and take up carbon under variable growing conditions. The study also showing that alfalfa can limit the amount carbon loss from cropland.