The spread between Class IV and Class III milk prices continues to decline, suggesting a reduction in Class IV depooling – but maybe not yet.

Digest highlights

• August-September DMC payments near $85 million
• WCMA endorses FMMO improvement provisions
• Western organic dairies seek financial assistance

The USDA has expanded its Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives Projects (HFMIP), a pilot program that helps participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchase more milk.

A narrower gap in October Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) Class IV and Class milk prices starts to reduce the incentive to depool Class IV milk.

Two of the most heated topics – depooling and producer price differentials (PPDs) – aren’t likely to be part of a national FMMO hearing.

• NMPF endorses FMMO modernization provisions
• November 2022 Class I base price rebounds
• USDA expands SNAP Dairy Incentive Program 
• Vitaliano: Production growth evident
• Dairy cull cow marketing down in September
• USDA establishing regional networks for organic transition
• September DMC numbers coming next Monday

Digest highlights

• ‘Dairy states’ alfalfa hay production lower
• FMMO issues topic of Farm Bureau forum
• AFBF releases dairy policy priorities for 2023 Farm Bill
• GDT product prices decline
• Lawsuit seeks EPA Clean Water Act action on regulating CAFOs
• August fluid sales post uptick
• CDFA awards methane reduction grants
• DairyAmerica named U.S. Dairy Exporter of the Year

Finding consensus on FMMO issues hasn’t been easy.