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

The latest trade reports reveal another month of poor markets with U.S. dairy product exports slipping 5% from the modest growth seen in April. Despite concerns for the relatively flat U.S. dairy export performance in 2024, cheese continues to impress. Here’s Progressive Dairy’s 30,000-foot view at dairy-related export categories.

As we enter July, here are some financial factors to consider, as well as opportunities for awards, scholarships and the opening of World Dairy Expo cattle show entries.

As we flip to a new month, here's a recap of the news announced last week regarding financial assistance for dairy producers facing HPAI, as well as testing and research updates. The news also highlights new versions of the FARM Program just released, grant funding for dairy initiatives, and corn and soybean planing reports.

Margins appear encouraging with the recent swell in Class III prices and improved feed costs. Cheese exports to Mexico have also been critical for U.S. dairy producers as shipments to China and Southeast Asia have slowed. Yet, with extreme weather conditions and the continued spread of avian influenza, having a strategy to manage risk is essential.

Feed additives have been highlighted as the best way to reduce enteric methane emissions in the short term due to their ease of applicability in a dairy farm. Typically, additives account for less than 1% of a dairy cow’s diet, but they have a drastic impact on enteric methane – up to 30% on commercial farms.

Dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants lowest since May 2016.

Led by New Mexico, California, Georgia, Arizona and Kansas, 16 states reduced May 2024 milk production a combined 237 million pounds compared to the same month a year ago.