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Farm Management Articles
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Tariffs, Trade, and the Dairy Industry: Understanding the USTR Section 301 Investigation
On March 11, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) opened a Section 301 investigation into sixteen of the country’s largest trading partners. Although dairy is not a primary target of the investigation, the response from foreign governments may still impact the industry.
Long-Term Economic Viability and Farm Succession
Economic viability of a farm business is one of the many challenges facing successful farm succession. A less-than-ideal economic situation may sustain the current owner’s lifestyle but may not work for a successor looking to build wealth for their future.
The Origins of June Dairy Month
Initially introduced as a campaign to offset production surplus and seasonal economic strains, June Dairy Month has broadened well beyond its original purpose to celebrate dairy products, producers, nutrition and more.
Livestock Gross Margin Insurance for Dairy Cattle: An Overview for Wisconsin Dairy Producers
This article describes how LGM-Dairy works, what it covers, how the premium and subsidy are structured, and the key rule changes that take effect for the 2026 and succeeding crop years.
Wisconsin Agricultural Land Prices 2025
This report provides a statewide overview of agricultural land values across Wisconsin based on a statistical analysis of actual sales and now includes the weighted average price of agricultural land sold in Wisconsin.
Reading the Milk Check: A Walkthrough of Common Line Items for Wisconsin Dairy Producers
In Wisconsin, interpretation of the milk check matters because most of the state’s milk supply is used to make manufactured dairy products, and is priced under multiple component pricing in the Upper Midwest Federal Milk Marketing Order.
Why Class III and Class IV Prices Have Diverged in Early 2026: What the NFDM Rally Means for Wisconsin Cheese Route Producers
Through the first quarter of 2026, Class III and Class IV milk prices diverged substantially. This article walks through the mechanical source of that divergence.
Federal Milk Marketing Orders 101: Purpose, Structure, and How the System Works
This article explains what an FMMO is, the two core mechanisms that define the system, how minimum formula prices are built, how orders are amended, and who is and is not covered.
Commodity Price Assumptions in FSA Farm Loan Programs: Rules, Regulatory Requirements, and Policy History
This article summarizes the rules and regulatory requirements governing how commodity price assumptions are established and used in farm operating plans and cash-flow budgets for FSA Farm Loan Programs.
Raw Milk in the U.S. (Cow’s Milk): Regulation, Public Health Risk, Market Spillovers, and Policy Implications
This article provides a structured, evidence-based assessment of the regulatory, legal, public health, and market context surrounding raw (unpasteurized) cow’s milk in the United States.
Wisconsin Soybean-Corn Price Ratio Since 2006
Producers are examining price ratios to determine relative profitability and observe early warning signs between alternatives as they finalize planting intentions. One of the price ratios that generates much attention is the soybean-corn price. If the ratio is greater than 2.5, it is more profitable to produce soybeans. This article examines the national and Wisconsin soybean-corn […]
Dairy Margin Coverage in 2026: What Changed, What Recent Margin History Shows (2019–2025), and Why Payment Duration Matters
This article provides an overview of the Dairy Margin Coverage program for the 2026 coverage year, with emphasis on program changes implemented for this year and what past margin history implies for risk management decisions.
Making the Switch to Robots: A New Budgeting Tool for Transitioning to Automatic Milking Systems
To help producers navigate complex financial decisions, the Dairy Management program at UW-Madison has released the AMS Transition Budgeter. This web-based tool allows farmers to move beyond “back-of-the-napkin” math and visualize the long-term financial impact of retrofitting their farm for robotics.
Dairy Margin Coverage: Information for Dairy Owners
The session and discuss how Dairy Margin Coverage can be used as an effective risk management tool.
Psychological Safety in Agriculture: Challenger Safety
Challenger safety is essential for innovation, continuous improvement, and creating a workplace where open and respectful dialogue takes place.
Psychological Safety in Agriculture: Contributor Safety
Being part of a team and contributing to something larger than oneself, naturally creates a desire to be heard and to add value. Contributor safety ensures that individuals feel supported as they bring their unique skills and perspectives to the table.