Monthly Class III-IV milk prices are the highest since the closing months of 2022, a sign Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs) will post stronger blend prices for August milk marketings.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its Agricultural Prices report Aug. 30, which includes feed costs used to calculate the July Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program margins and indemnity payments. July’s margin was $12.33 per hundredweight (cwt).

Futures prices for milk and feed are looking favorable for dairy producers with the fourth quarter of 2024 on the horizon. At the time of this report, the all-milk price forecast was at a staggering $25.06 per hundredweight (cwt) for September and feed costs were at $10.27 per cwt, the lowest since 2020.

In the news this week: Environmental groups intend to sue the EPA over establishing emission factors for livestock operation, a workshop will be held for the FMMO proposed changes, Grande Cheese launches an on-farm sustainability program, and MMPA appoints a new CFO.

Seventeen states including New Mexico, Minnesota, Arizona and Idaho reduced production a combined 176 million pounds.

Here is a look at news impacting the bottom line of dairy operations in the third week of August 2024.

The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs.

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).