Year-over-year U.S. milk production was up 2.2% in the February USDA report. However, with February 2024 containing an extra day due to “leap year,” the adjusted number is closer to -1.1% on a daily basis.

The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report identifies milk and feed factors potentially impacting dairy producer income in the year ahead.

Here is a summary of news released this week that will have an impact on your dairy operation.

Here’s an update on economic factors impacting your dairy’s financial picture as we begin March 2024.

As the Smokehouse Creek Fire in the Texas Panhandle swept past the million-acre mark, becoming the largest wildfire in the state’s history, Gov. Greg Abbott declared a disaster in 60 counties. As of the morning of March 1, Texas A&M Forest Service reports that the blaze is 15% contained and has now spread into neighboring Oklahoma.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its Agricultural Prices report Feb. 29, which includes feed costs used to calculate January Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program margins and indemnity payments.

Here’s a summary of news impacting your dairy as we close out the month of February.