The start of the new year predicted favorable margins throughout 2025. But as the spring flush arrives and consumer spending softens some, while at the same time headwinds are expected for the export markets, new concerns have arisen for the remainder of the year.

Dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants in February lowest since 2008.

Nineteen states including California, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Washington reduced milk production a combined 554 million pounds in February.

In the news this week: Feed additive legislation has been reintroduced in House, Chobani announces a $500 million expansion in Idaho, and dairy show ring guidelines have been updated.

In the news affecting dairy producers' bottom lines the third week of March 2025: Class I base milk price falls again for April, the USDA begins disbursement of economic assistance to farmers, Hilmar opens new Kansas facility, and more scholarships are available.

Making headlines the second week of March 2025 includes the EPA revising the Waters of the U.S. rule, China's tariffs on U.S. dairy and fluid milk sales for January.

The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs.