Audrey Schmitz

Replacement cow prices climbed to a record-breaking high in October

November 4, 2024

Audrey Schmitz

Quarterly average prices in October hit a new all-time high of $2,600 per head according to estimates from the USDA.

September report on dairy cows culled for beef

October 28, 2024

Audrey Schmitz

Dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants in September lowest since 2007.

USDA projections provide mixed news for dairy’s bottom line

Large crops and lower feed costs could help partially offset a dip in milk prices as dairy producers look to close out 2024 and plan ahead for 2025.

October 14, 2024

Audrey Schmitz

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

Dotterer Dairy: Where sunflowers and farming blossom together

October 8, 2024

Audrey Schmitz

To innovate in ways that bring the community together, Doug and Cortney Dotterer have ventured beyond traditional dairy farming, transforming a section of their land into a vibrant sunflower maze – a project that has become a local attraction. What began as a casual idea inspired by a farm in Kentucky has now flourished into an annual event, attracting thousands of visitors eager to experience the beauty of sunflowers and farm life.

Milk production decreases slightly in August USDA estimate

August U.S. milk production was unchanged from previous month but was down about 0.1% from USDA’s estimates a year earlier.

September 23, 2024

Audrey Schmitz

Seventeen states including Wisconsin, New Mexico, Minnesota and Arizona reduced production a combined 233 million pounds.

August report on dairy cows culled for beef

Dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants in August lowest since 2020.

September 23, 2024

Audrey Schmitz

Dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants in August lowest since 2020.

September WASDE report projects third-highest production for corn on record

Based on conditions as of Sept. 1, corn yields are forecast at a record-high 183.6 bushels per acre, which is 0.5 bushels higher than last month’s projection and up 6.3 bushels from last year’s final estimate of 177.3 bushels.

September 16, 2024

Audrey Schmitz

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

Balancing farm life and back-to-school season

September 12, 2024

Audrey Schmitz

As summer fades into fall, the familiar rhythm of the school year begins anew. For dairy farming families, this transition brings unique challenges. Balancing the demands of a busy farm with the back-to-school season requires careful planning, time management and a focus on family activities. Here are some ideas that may help your family navigate this busy time of year.

Rabobank: Lower commodity prices impede revenue gains in dairy’s ‘Top 20’

September 3, 2024

Audrey Schmitz

Rabobank’s yearly listing of the “Global Dairy Top 20” companies was released in late August, highlighting revenue performance of the world’s dairy industry leaders in 2023. Based on financial data in U.S. dollars, the combined sales of the world's 20 largest dairy companies were slightly up 0.3% from the year before.