The number of milk cows on U.S. farms was estimated at 9.42 million head in October, 31,000 head more than October 2021 and 1,000 head more than September 2022.

Digest highlights

• NMPF seeks faster FDA approval of climate-friendly feed additives
• Election results and the 2023 Farm Bill
• GDT index improves
• NMPF comments on livestock indemnity proposal

Critics are increasing their calls for the Fed to stop raising interest rates, warning that higher interest rates and continuing inflation negatively impact farmers on several fronts.

The USDA’s monthly World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates and Crop Production reports provide production and price forecasts.

The new arrangement ends a decade-long business relationship between MMPA and Midwest Dairy. 

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.

Dairy heifer and embryo and hay export totals were lower.

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.