In response to the threat posed by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, the USDA has announced proactive measures aimed at safeguarding the nation's livestock industry. The actions of mandated testing and reporting are designed to curb the spread of the disease.

As we begin this week with Earth Day, much of the news in our Weekly Digest highlights conservation and planet-friendly efforts being made within the dairy industry.

Here is a summary of the latest news affecting the financial health of U.S. dairy operations.

Here’s Progressive Dairy’s monthly review of March 2024 FMMO data to provide some additional transparency to your milk check.

North Carolina and South Dakota were added to the list of states where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in dairy cattle, with the USDA confirming one case in each state.

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

In finalized updates to the foods prescribed to WIC participants announced on Tuesday by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, cuts were made to the amount of dairy products participants can receive through the program.

The U.S. dairy product export market rebounded in February with export volumes lifting for the first time in over a year. Cheese was the shining star with historic volumes recorded. Here’s Progressive Dairy’s 30,000-foot view at dairy-related export categories.

From drought to animal drug labeling, a selective dry cow therapy survey and WIC program benefits, this Weekly Digest covers a variety of news affecting dairy producers this week.