The USDA’s Farm Service Agency has extended the 2023 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) enrollment and coverage election period until Jan. 31, 2023. The program deadline was originally scheduled to close on Dec. 9, 2022.

Digest highlights

• Petition seeks higher transportation credits in southeastern U.S. FMMOs
• USDA publishes ‘cattle contracts library’ rule
• Other news, briefly

The spread between Class IV and Class III milk prices continues to decline, suggesting a reduction in Class IV depooling – but maybe not yet.

Reminder: Dairy producers can enroll and make 2023 DMC coverage elections through Dec. 9 at USDA Farm Service Agency offices.

The Dairy Margin Coverage program October margin will be announced on Nov. 30. Check back with Progressive Dairy.

Dairy markets have fluctuated in recent weeks. With the calendar turning to December, a couple of dairy risk management deadlines are approaching quickly.

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.

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