On a milk solids equivalent, March 2023 dairy product exports fell below the same month a year earlier, ending an 11-month streak of year-over-year gain.

March 2023 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program indemnity payments will top $126 million, boosting payments for the first three months of the year to more than $305 million.

With a USDA decision deadline still about more week away, numerous dairy cooperatives have joined in voicing opposition to a dairy processor request for a Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) hearing.

Fluid milk sales started the new year as they ended the last one, trending lower.

U.S. dairy organizations prevail in a lawsuit decision reinforcing that “Gruyere” is a generic term used to market a type of cheese.

Digest highlights

• NMPF board advances FMMO proposal
• Appeals court rules ‘gruyere’ is generic term
• Lynn named Agri-Mark president and CEO
• GDT index, cheese price softens
• USDA offers risk management training funds
• Ag producer sentiment weakens

It wasn’t a rush to the pools but Class IV represented about 12.5% of the total milk pooled in all FMMOs in January, the highest volume and percentage since last May. It probably won't last.