U.S. dairy exports finished what was an already stellar year with gusto, according to a monthly market update from the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC).

The USDA’s monthly World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, released Feb. 8, reduced both 2022 and 2023 U.S. milk production estimates from last month, but also cut 2023 price projections.

• U.S. establishing second USMCA dispute panel on Canadian dairy TRQ policies
• WOTUS lawsuit hearing set
• USDA launches Cattle Contracts Library
• FDA testing feed samples for PFAS
• USDA proposal keeps low-fat flavored milk as option in schools 
• Booker seeks more AFO oversight

Update highlights

• January FMMO Class III-IV prices lower
• Fed raises interest rate
• GDT index rises
• Ag producer sentiment starts year stronger
• Coming up

October 2022 “mailbox” prices averaged about $1.04 per cwt less than announced average “all-milk” price for the same month.

Digest highlights

• Hearing set to consider southeast U.S. FMMO proposals
• Farmers sought for study about how they balance children and work
• JDS: Milk’s packaging influences its flavor
• Other news, briefly

The number of milk cows on U.S. farms was estimated at 9.4 million head in December, the smallest number since February.

Digest highlights

• USDA announces second round of PMVAP payments
• $100 million Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program announced
• WOTUS lawsuit filed
• IDFA adds economist, policy support
• USDA updates organic enforcement rule
• 2025-30 Dietary Guideline Advisory Committee named
• USDA seeks comment on proposed animal disease traceability regulations
• Animal welfare group wants increased regulation of ‘custom-exempt’ slaughter operations
• Other news, briefly

Update highlights

• February 2023 Class I base price on the move again
• December cull dairy cow marketing higher
• Inflation hit dairy aisle in 2022
• November fluid sales stayed on trend
• GDT index dipped
• Coming up

While most of NMPF recommendations were approved last October, a specific recommendation related to Class I pricing differentials has taken longer to develop.