If we’re going to ensure America’s place at the global table, we’ve got some work to do. Compared to Europe, we’re a relatively young country with a short cultural past, but it’s time to assess what we have that others don’t and make sure it is getting its fair due.

Here’s an update on news and economic factors impacting your dairy entering the first full week of February 2024.

Tightening cow and heifer numbers pushed average prices for U.S. replacement dairy cows to a nine-year high in January, according to latest USDA quarterly estimates.

The USDA’s semiannual estimate of cattle inventories indicates the number of dairy cows to start 2024 are the lowest in four years.

On Jan. 30, the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) public hearing came to a close. The national hearing, which took place in Carmel, Indiana, began back on Aug. 23, 2023, and included 12 weeks of testimony and cross-examination. Dairy groups are calling for swift action to change the Class 1 mover formula.