The daughter of peanut farmers from Georgia, Krysta Harden shows a true passion for dairy. As the president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), she champions the work of U.S. dairy farmers and the high-quality, high-value products produced from their efforts. Progressive Dairy Managing Editor Karen Lee met with Harden to discuss how USDEC strategically meets global consumer demand for dairy and opens new opportunities for U.S. dairy products and ingredients, placing not only volume but also value in the world’s marketplace.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its Agricultural Prices report Oct. 31, which includes feed costs used to calculate the September Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program margins and indemnity payments. The month’s margin was $15.57 per hundredweight (cwt).

Here’s an update on news impacting your dairy as October 2024 comes to an end.

After peaking last month, U.S. dairy producer milk checks in many marketing areas are likely headed lower during the fourth quarter of the year.

At times, I felt that just being a dairy farmer wasn’t enough. It is more than enough. As a full-time dairy farmer, especially a young female in the industry, there are so many opportunities for growth and development, and being able to work alongside family with animals that help feed the world is such an amazing opportunity.