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.

On July 1, 2024, the parent company of Amelicor, DHI Computing Service, Inc., celebrated its 70th anniversary.

This year’s ADSA meeting was a bounty for calf enthusiasts. The conference boasted over 170 calf-focused abstracts from nearly 70 institutions. Here are the overarching themes to take back to the farm, customers or colleagues.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its Agricultural Prices report June 28, which includes feed costs used to calculate May Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program margins and indemnity payments. May’s income over feed cost was $10.52 per hundredweight (cwt), the largest margin since November 2022.

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.