Report: Wisconsin Loses Almost 400 Dairy Farms in Last Year

DT Milking Equipment Empty Parlor
DT Milking Equipment Empty Parlor
(Wyatt Bechtel)

A report from the federal Agriculture Department shows that Wisconsin lost almost 400 dairy farms in the last year, though one official says the news isn't all that bad.

Wisconsin Public Radio reports that about 94,000 dairy herds were active in the state as of Oct. 1 — 4 percent less than in 2015.

Wisconsin Dairy Business Association President Gordon Speirs says the number of lost farms this year is low compared to previous years, when annual losses reached as high as 1,000. He says that's "a real victory for our industry" given low milk prices in the past year and a half.

 

Latest News

 3 Things the Top 10% of Dairy Producers are Doing
3 Things the Top 10% of Dairy Producers are Doing

Leland Kootstra shares his quick list of the three areas that he sees the most successful dairy farm business owners mastering as they set themselves and their dairies apart and ahead for the future.

Fewer Cows and Lower Protein Levels Have Done Little to Move Prices
Fewer Cows and Lower Protein Levels Have Done Little to Move Prices

International demand needs to pick up before U.S. milk prices can increase significantly.

Daisy Brand Makes Plans to Build New Facility in Iowa
Daisy Brand Makes Plans to Build New Facility in Iowa

Daisy Brand, a well-known sour cream and cottage cheese manufacture based out of Dallas, Texas, has announced its plans to build a new processing facility in Boone, Iowa.

Global Feed Production Takes a Dip
Global Feed Production Takes a Dip

Compared to all feed production, the global dairy industry showed a 10-fold reduction, down 2.28% in the past year.

Hay, are Those Numbers Correct?
Hay, are Those Numbers Correct?

Hay is a high-dollar dairy investment, so it’s important to assess quality to make sure you get what you’ve paid for, and that your rations are formulated with accurate numbers.

Goodbye, El Niño. Hello, La Niña? The Big Transition to La Niña is Already Underway
Goodbye, El Niño. Hello, La Niña? The Big Transition to La Niña is Already Underway

There's now a 60% chance La Niña will develop between June and August and an 85% chance it's in effect by November 2024 to January 2025, according to NOAA.