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University of Wisconsin-Extension

Dairy Markets & Policy

Dairy Margin Coverage in 2026: What Changed, What Recent Margin History Shows (2019–2025), and Why Payment Duration Matters

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.

Dairy Margin Coverage: Information for Dairy Owners

Dairy Margin Coverage: Information for Dairy Owners

The session and discuss how Dairy Margin Coverage can be used as an effective risk management tool.

Milk, Cookies, and Christmas Eve: Santa’s Dairy Tab by the Numbers

Milk, Cookies, and Christmas Eve: Santa’s Dairy Tab by the Numbers

A glass of milk and a cookie may feel like a small gesture, but when repeated across millions of homes nationwide, this familiar Christmas Eve tradition quietly represents weeks—even months—of milk production.

Dairy Market Dynamics and Domestic Constraints: A Dairy Sector Assessment as of June 2025

Dairy Market Dynamics and Domestic Constraints: A Dairy Sector Assessment as of June 2025

This article presents current conditions in the U.S. dairy sector as of June 2025, drawing on insights from market sentiment and recent information.

U.S.–Canada Dairy Trade Relationship (2025–Present)

U.S.–Canada Dairy Trade Relationship (2025–Present)

This article examines the evolving dynamics of the U.S.–Canada dairy trade relationship in the first quarter of 2025, with a focus on recent policy developments, economic implications, and political considerations.

Suspension of FDA’s Grade “A” Milk Proficiency Testing Program – A Comprehensive Analysis

Suspension of FDA’s Grade “A” Milk Proficiency Testing Program – A Comprehensive Analysis

On April 21, 2025, the U.S. FDA suspended its proficiency testing program for Grade “A” milk and milk products​. The halt has raised questions about potential regulatory oversight gaps, state readiness, and shifts in milk safety governance​.

Policies and Regulations Governing Milk and Dairy Testing: A Wisconsin Overview

Policies and Regulations Governing Milk and Dairy Testing: A Wisconsin Overview

Milk in Wisconsin undergoes rigorous testing at every step – from on-farm to finished dairy products. Some tests are required by regulations, while others are voluntary quality checks.

The Future of Global Dairy: Economic Trends, Regional Developments, and Market Vulnerabilities through 2030

The Future of Global Dairy: Economic Trends, Regional Developments, and Market Vulnerabilities through 2030

The dairy market is changing—For dairy farmers, this means focusing on efficiency, using tools like better genetics, feed, and technology to produce more with less.

An Analysis of Wisconsin’s 2024 “Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin” Grants

An Analysis of Wisconsin’s 2024 “Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin” Grants

This article provides a detailed overview of the grant recipients and their initiatives, and examines the impact of this funding on Wisconsin’s local farming and food sectors amid recent federal farm-to-school funding cuts.

U.S.-Canada Dairy Trade Agreements: A Historical and Economic Review

U.S.-Canada Dairy Trade Agreements: A Historical and Economic Review

Dairy remains one of the last sectors of protectionism within North American trade. Historical experience over the past three decades suggests that its evolution will likely follow a path of gradual, managed openness rather than abrupt free trade.

Dairy Usage in Meals on Wheels Programs and Economic Impact on Dairy Markets

Dairy Usage in Meals on Wheels Programs and Economic Impact on Dairy Markets

Meals on Wheels provides millions of meals to seniors across the U.S. each year. This article examines the quantity of dairy foods used and dollars spent by Meals on Wheels programs nationally and in Wisconsin, highlighting recent versus historical trends.

U.S.-Canada Dairy Trade Dispute: Quotas, Trade Flows, and Economic Impacts

U.S.-Canada Dairy Trade Dispute: Quotas, Trade Flows, and Economic Impacts

The U.S.-Canada dairy trade dispute highlights a clash between protecting local farmers and promoting free trade. Gradual policy changes and support for farmers could ease tensions and benefit consumers.

Dairy Supply Chain Impacts of Government Policies Affecting Trade, Labor, and Food and Nutrition Programs

Dairy Supply Chain Impacts of Government Policies Affecting Trade, Labor, and Food and Nutrition Programs

This analysis shows trade tariffs, stricter immigration policy, and reductions in nutrition program spending would have substantial negative effects on the U.S. dairy sector.

February 2025 Dairy Market Update: US Dairy Industry Overview

February 2025 Dairy Market Update: US Dairy Industry Overview

Entering 2025, dairy prices have remained stable to weaker. While there appears to be more bearish than bullish fundamental factors present, the magnitude of these influences remains uncertain. The extent of each factor’s impact will ultimately determine farm-level profitability in the coming year.

Initial Insights on New Tariffs: Impact and Implications on US  Economy

Initial Insights on New Tariffs: Impact and Implications on US  Economy

President Trump has initiated a phased rollout of universal tariffs on all U.S. imports. Economists suggest that these policies will likely be inflationary, as businesses paying higher tariffs may pass costs onto consumers. Additionally, affected trading partners could retaliate, potentially leading to a broader trade conflict.

▶ Watch: Dairy Margin Coverage 2025 Signup Update

▶ Watch: Dairy Margin Coverage 2025 Signup Update

In this presentation, Leonard Polzin, Extension Dairy Markets and Policy Outreach Specialist, covers what producers need to know for the 2025 DMC sign-up. He walks through changes and discusses the DMC decision tool that helps producers decide on the level of coverage necessary.

▶ Watch: 2025 Ag Forum | Leonard Polzin on Dairy Situation and Outlook

▶ Watch: 2025 Ag Forum | Leonard Polzin on Dairy Situation and Outlook

Hear about the current state of the dairy market, focusing on the influences of processing capacity, beef prices, policy implications, and production costs.

Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Update for 2025

Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Update for 2025

The Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program continues to serve as a critical risk management tool for dairy producers, helping mitigate the impact of volatile milk and feed prices. This article provides an update on key provisions, eligibility requirements, risk management considerations, and historical performance insights for the DMC program.

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Division of Extension

Connecting people with the University of Wisconsin

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Agriculture at Extension

  • Agriculture Water Quality
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  • Dairy
  • Horticulture
  • Livestock
  • Discovery Farms
  • Master Gardener

Other UW-Madison Resources

  • Department of Animal and Dairy Science
  • Department of Ag and Applied Econ
  • Renk Business Institute

Questions?

Contact us at farms@extension.wisc.edu

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