In dairy-related news this week:
- Arizona finds new HPAI genotype through milk testing
- GDT index down slightly
- Munch: Farmers lost $20.3 billion to weather disasters in 2024
- NMPF: Fluid milk sales rise as cheese exports hit record highs
- DFA announces a reduced-calorie, lower-sugar milk
- Promised Land Dairy, PEEPS launch marshmallow milk
Arizona finds new HPAI genotype through milk testing
Last week, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype D1.1 in dairy cattle in Arizona.
Genotype D1.1 has been the predominant genotype in the North American flyways this past fall and winter and has been identified in wild birds, mammals and spillovers into domestic poultry. This is the third identified spillover event of genotype D1.1 into dairy cattle, which indicates increased risk of HPAI introduction into dairies through wild bird exposure.
Biosecurity is still key to mitigate the risk of disease introduction or spread between premises; APHIS recommends enhanced biosecurity measures for all dairy farms. Producers should immediately report any livestock with clinical signs, or any unusual sick or dead wildlife, to their state veterinarian.
This confirmation was a result of state tracing and investigation, following an initial detection on silo testing under the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS). It is another testament to the strength of the NTMS in identifying and tracking HPAI in dairy cattle.
GDT index down slightly
After two higher sales, the price index of dairy product prices sold on the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) platform is down 0.6% in the auction held Feb. 18.
Compared to the previous auction, prices for individual product categories were mostly lower. Butter was the only product that moved higher, up 2.2%. Lactose and cheddar cheese were down 3.4%. Skim milk powder was down 2.5%. Anhydrous milkfat, whole milk powder and mozzarella were down by less than 1%. Buttermilk powder was not traded this time.
There are also new sellers on the GDT platform. Inalpi, an Italian milk processor, joined the sale to offer anyhdrous milkfat, buttermilk powder and whole milk powder. Bayerische Milchindustrie eG (BMI) in Germany will join GDT Events next month, offering lactose to buyers worldwide.
The GDT platform offers dairy products from several global companies: Fonterra (New Zealand), Darigold, Valley Milk and Dairy America (U.S.), Inalpi (Italy), Arla (Denmark), Arla Foods Ingredients (Denmark), BMI (Germany), Kerry Dairy (Ireland) and Solarec (Belgium).
The next GDT auction is March 4.
Munch: Farmers lost $20.3 billion to weather disasters in 2024
In calculating crop and rangeland damage estimates, American Farm Bureau Federation economist Daniel Munch said total losses to crops and rangeland (including apiculture) from major 2024 weather and fire events exceeded $20.3 billion. This accounts for 11.1% of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) total economic impact from the 27 weather disasters that struck the U.S. from coast-to-coast last year.
Of this total, $10.9 billion in losses were covered by Risk Management Agency (RMA) programs as of February 2024, while approximately $9.4 billion remained uninsured, fell outside policy coverage limits or did not qualify under existing risk management programs.
“For the past three years, farmers have faced billions in uncovered losses due to natural disasters, highlighting critical gaps in federal disaster relief,” Munch said.
Drought, excessive heat and wildfires led to over $11 billion in crop losses, while excessive precipitation, flooding and hurricanes accounted for $6.7 billion. Hailstorms caused $1.2 billion in losses, while freezes, cold, wet weather and frost resulted in $854 million in damages and tornadoes and excessive wind led to $291 million in crop losses. Insects, plant diseases, wildlife and mycotoxins also contributed to crop losses.
These crop loss estimates do not include infrastructure damage, livestock losses, horticulture or timber losses.
NMPF: Fluid milk sales rise as cheese exports hit record highs
Fluid milk sales in the U.S. showed their first year-over-year gain in 15 years during 2024, rising by 0.6% over 2023, according to a report from the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). Summarizing dairy markets in the February 2025 Dairy Management Inc./NMPF Dairy Market Report, it was noted 2024’s fourth quarter was a rather weak one for U.S. dairy exports, but cheese exports were a bright spot, reaching a new high for exports as a percentage of domestic production, at 7.9% for the entire year.
Following the first two months of last year’s fourth quarter with significant increases in U.S. dairy cow numbers, December’s number was only 3,000 head above the previous year’s, raising questions about what previously appeared to be an unambiguous and rather vigorous growth trend emerging in the national dairy cow herd. Total milk solids growth was almost a full percentage point higher than growth of liquid milk production during the quarter.
Overall retail price inflation ticked up again in January, up 3% from a year earlier. The consumer price index for all dairy and related products came close in January to matching the all-time high it reached in February 2023, but some major dairy products, including whole milk and cheese, remain below the records they reached late in 2022.
For more information on commercial use, dairy trade, milk production, product inventories, prices and margins, view the February 2025 Dairy Market Report.
DFA announces a reduced-calorie, lower-sugar milk
Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is introducing a first-of-its-kind real dairy milk that contains only 50 calories per serving with 75% less sugar than fat-free skim milk. Milk50 by DairyPure contains the same key nutrients found in other dairy milks, including 9 grams of protein – significantly more than most plant-based beverages.
The new lactose-free, reduced-calorie milk – available in original, chocolate and vanilla – offers a more nutritious option than plant-based beverages, which lack the protein and other nutrients in real dairy milk.
“Milk50 is revolutionizing the dairy aisle with real dairy milk that addresses the top concerns of health-conscious consumers – calories and sugar,” says Rachel Kyllo, chief marketing officer of dairy brands at DFA. “While some people switched to plant-based alternatives seeking lower calories, they’ve been forced to compromise on both taste and nutrition. Now they don’t have to settle for less.”
A 1-cup serving of Milk50 contains 9 grams of protein compared to 1-2 grams in most almond and oat drinks, and just 2-3 grams of sugar, depending on the variety. A serving of Milk50 is also an excellent source of calcium (20% daily value) and a good source of vitamin D (10%) and vitamin A (15%). Unlike many alternatives, Milk50 achieves its benefits without artificial flavors or colors.
Milk50 was developed in partnership with DFA and Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), which manages the national dairy checkoff.
Promised Land Dairy, PEEPS launch marshmallow milk
Promised Land Dairy in Texas is collaborating with perennial Easter favorite PEEPS to introduce PEEPS Sweet Marshmallow Milk, a limited-time offering that delivers Easter delight straight from the cow.
The marshmallow milk will be available in select grocers across the country through April 20 while supplies last. The collaboration captures all the creamy goodness of milk and pairs it with a delectable, sweet marshmallow taste.
“Promised Land Dairy is dedicated to crafting the most delicious milk flavors daily. We’re thrilled to introduce exciting new seasonal varieties to our premium lineup,” said Heather Foitek, vice president of marketing and sales for LALA U.S., which owns Promised Land Dairy.
