Feed Prices
With the cost of inflation impacting every corner of a dairy, the producer’s breeding strategy has been forced to become finetuned. More and more producers are keeping just enough replacements to fill the pipeline,.
Simple mathematics doesn’t always add up. For example, producers get a higher milk check and then they pay all the bills. Now, factor in rising inflation, and a profit at the end of the month isn’t always guaranteed.
From the adaptation of technology to increasing efficiencies and overcoming challenges that seem to come at a fast pace, a producer must sharpen more than their pencils to continue in this tough dairy industry.
The nonstop demand farming requires can plague a producer’s mental health, aiding in stress, anxiety and depression. Jessica Peters shares tips that have helped her cope when her mental headspace has been off-kilter.
Doing what’s right instead of what’s easy serves as Natural Prairie Dairy’s compass for technology adoption, management and overall direction. The De Jongs oversee 30,000 milk cows and nearly 60,000 acres.
The deadline to enroll for the USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage (SDMC) programs is approaching fast. That deadline for producers to sign up is Friday, March 25, 2022.
Feed shortages throughout southern Europe could spark intense livestock culling.
You work too hard to pay for feed commodities to allow them to literally blow away.
The trucker shortage is being felt everywhere, and that includes the dairy industry where the hauler is a crucial link in the dairy supply chain.
The milk price outlook has been a welcomed change. Increasing the number of cows in the herd may be a way to capture the benefit of high milk prices. However, feed prices and animal behavior should also be considered.
Working to make continuous improvements to their dairy – in terms of developing a functional cow that makes sense for the current market – has allowed Rosy-Lane Holsteins to remain optimistic.
JPMorgan voices concern that a spike in energy prices from the Russia-Ukraine crisis would hinder the economy. Dairy producers are wondering how much more inputs will rise, as a $20 plus milk check only goes so far.
USDA’s Milk Production report illustrated year-over-year declines in both January milk production and cow numbers. Although South Dakota hummed a different tune, leading year-over-year milk volume growth, up 18.3%.
Iowa State Dairy Association knows its farmers could use some help. Efforts are well underway to push legislation that would create free dollars to help its dairy producers automate various aspects of their 24/7 work.
While 2022 offers a sigh of relief with higher milk prices, input costs are still considerably higher than the last time producers saw $20 plus prices. Experts emphasize understanding your costs to capitalize on margins.
Producers can expect to see an increase in whole cottonseed supply this year. According to the USDA’s December cotton and wool outlet report, production is estimated at a 25% increase from the 2020 crop year.
Consumers are asking more than “Where’s the beef,” the slogan for the fast-food chain, Wendy’s, that debuted in the 1980s. Consumers now want to know where a piece of beef came from and the story behind it.
The USDA’s Ag Prices reported that there will be no Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) payments for December milk. The Income Over Feed Costs calculated to be $9.53/cwt., $0.03 above the maximum coverage level of $9.50.
Opening a milk check that surpasses $20, a price not seen since 2014, gives producers reasons to cheer. However, most producers wonder if this is all too good to be true and how long will the good times roll.
James Weber returned home to his family’s vacant farm and began milking 130 Jersey cows in 2014. With a focus on sustainability, the young dairy farmer has been able to thrive in an industry that is anything but easy.
The recent, meteoric rise in dairy markets have dairy producers feeling cautiously optimistic, but high feed costs are tempering that optimism for those who purchase much of their feed.
Milk production is a risky business, even before COVID-19 hit. Bad weather can negatively impact forages, cows can get sick and breakdowns add up. Factor in a volatile milk market and it makes it difficult to plan.
With the signup period for 2022 coverage under USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program now underway, producers are eager to see how this spells out in terms of dollars and cents.
Farmers are now redirecting their time to prepare year-ending tax prep work. Despite dealing with lackluster milk box prices this year and rising input costs, experts advise paying attention to year-end tax basics.
Feed costs, labor costs and material increases all have increased the cost of production, resulting in a steep year-over-year decline in milk production that was illustrated in the recent USDA Milk Production Report.
Many farmers wake up and look at the weather to determine their day. The historic drought crippled farmers and Jennifer Beretta was forced to make tough management decisions on her dairy in Santa Rosa, Calif.
The busyness of the summer season is finally over, but it has some producers staring out into their fields wondering what they need to do to help stretch their feed inventories throughout the fall and winter.
Drought in the Midwest and crop damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ida had created dampened optimism this summer about the size of this year’s U.S. corn crop.
Crafting effective lactating rations when the “ideal” ingredients are in short supply is challenging, but possible.
It is advised to evaluate heifer inventory when managing rising feed costs and calculating feed inventories. Managing heifer inventory can save money on feed, as well as help market females at the right time.