In the news affecting dairy producers' bottom lines the third week of March 2025: Class I base milk price falls again for April, the USDA begins disbursement of economic assistance to farmers, Hilmar opens new Kansas facility, and more scholarships are available.

Despite political uncertainty, dairy producers across the Midwest are feeling positive and optimistic as we begin 2025, largely due to higher milk prices, improved profitability and a strong beef market.

Talk of growth, expansion and new opportunities have historically been quieter in the Southeast than in other regions, but Travis Senn, assistant director of milk marketing and analytics at Southeast Milk Inc. (SMI), says dairy farmers in this region are entering 2025 with a “level of confidence they haven’t had in years.”

February 2025 Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) pooling estimates, uniform prices and producer price differentials are scheduled to be released on March 11-14.

On-farm financial margins have improved over the last year, and many organic dairy producers are feeling positive and optimistic thanks to lower inflationary pressure, higher mailbox prices and rising consumer demand.

Announced on Feb. 5, January 2025 FMMO Class II and Class III milk prices were up, but Class I and Class IV milk class prices were down from December. January 2025 Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) pooling estimates, uniform prices and producer price differentials are scheduled to be released on Feb. 11-14.