Prices for U.S. replacement dairy cows reached an all-time high in July, according to latest quarterly estimates from the USDA. Meanwhile, average cull cow prices increased in June, setting a new record high for a second consecutive month.

With Class III-IV milk prices mixed compared to a month earlier, high Class I milk utilization FMMOs should see the strongest blend prices for July milk marketings.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its Agricultural Prices report July 31, which includes feed costs used to calculate June Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program margins and indemnity payments. June’s margin was $11.66 per hundredweight (cwt).

Dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants lowest since July 2006 and may lead to increases in July milk production and cow numbers.

In the news this week, Colorado is mandating weekly bulk tank testing for HPAI in milk for all commercial dairy herds. More than 500 organizations call for action on the new farm bill and reports are released for dairy markets and beef-on-dairy.

Margin outlook has significantly improved from a few months ago as sustained high cheese and butter prices drive milk prices higher and lower feed costs all contribute to the positive outlook.

With a leap day adjustment in February 2024, monthly U.S. milk production has now been lower than the same month a year earlier for 12 consecutive months.

Here is the latest news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line as we start the fourth week of July.

Here is a look at news affecting dairy operations that occurred over the last week.