The most memorable, widespread concern over milk dumping occurred during the early COVID-19 outbreak, which affected milk demand and plant capacity to process it.

On a milk solids equivalent, April 2023 dairy product exports had their worst year-over-year decline in four years.

Projected beef prices continue to move higher.

The next step in a potential formal process to modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system is next week, with a pricing-related proposal submission deadline of June 14.

Not all of the dairy economic news is cloudy: The U.S. dairy industry grew significantly over the past two years, adding jobs, increasing wages and boosting its total impact on the U.S. economy.

Weakening Class III price, Class IV depooling will drive May uniform prices

The USDA is providing the opportunity for interested parties to submit additional proposals regarding potential amendments to the current pricing provisions applicable to all FMMOs.

With a USDA action deadline nearing, more dairy cooperatives and producer organizations have joined in support of a FMMO hearing and proposed reforms from the National Milk Producers Federation.

The April 2023 margin continues to be what looks like a lengthy stretch of high indemnity payments into July-August.

After setting a three-decade high in March, April U.S. dairy cull cow marketing returned to a more normal pace.