The USDA AMS issued a final decision to amend the uniform pricing formulas for all 11 FMMOs. The amendments, which include adjustments to formulas and factors, must now be approved by eligible producers through a referendum.

As 2024 ends, 2025 looks to bring challenges and opportunities for the year ahead. Milk production is expected to grow through the remainder of 2024 and into 2025 driven by growth in the US dairy herd and ever-improving productivity in milk production.

Table of Contents Introduction This factsheet summarizes the full agricultural contribution report of Dr. Steven Deller, Community Economic Development Specialist within the UW-Madison, Division of Extension. The report focuses on agricultural sectors highlighting their contributions to employment, industrial revenues, and environmental impacts. Key Contributions of Agriculture to the Wisconsin Economy (2022) Category Industrial Revenue (Billion […]

The ‘European Green Deal’ (EGD) is a comprehensive and some say ambitious policy initiative launched by the European Commission. Its overarching goal is to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, promoting a sustainable and inclusive economy.

This article summarizes key concepts of the currently proposed changes to Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs) as industry stakeholders seek to modernize pricing structures to better align with current production costs and consumer demand.

The dairy industry is currently navigating a complex set of fluctuating domestic demand signals, with week-to-week shifts ranging from “steady” to “strong” to “so-so.”

Table of Contents Introduction This article examines the role of Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs) in protecting farmers and introduces the idea of potential unintended consequences that could arise if these orders were voted out. FMMOs are rules and regulations administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that establish provisions dairy processors/handlers must […]

The Federal Milk Marketing Order system plays a critical role in promoting orderly marketing conditions within the U.S. dairy industry. A key feature of this system is the producer approval process, or referendum, which allows dairy producers to vote on changes or amendments to FMMOs.

In August and September 2024, global feed prices experienced a downward trend, driven by improved production conditions and enhanced market competitiveness. This report details the recent changes in feed prices, explores their underlying causes, and provides forecasts based on the discussion at the 2024 IFCN Dairy Researchers Meeting.

Prices have remained stable and are expected to continue this trend into the fall and the rest of the year. Butter prices, along with slightly constrained milk supplies, have contributed to supporting farm-level prices. Although demand remains steady but unremarkable both domestically and internationally, it continues to absorb market supply. However, any decline in demand or increase in milk supply could exert downward pressure on prices as we move into the early part of 2025.

Numerous supply constraints and varying demand factors currently shape the industry. Milk production, feed prices, geopolitical developments, and environmental conditions are the major factors influencing milk prices during the first quarter of 2024.

Increased efficiency at the farm level has muted the milk supply response as traditionally measured by cow numbers. We have seen milk supplies slowly tighten through the first half of 2024 and might be seeing signs of tightening supplies at the processor level.

The U.S. dairy market is potentially at a turning point, marked by reduced culling, stable cheese inventories, and rising butter stocks. Improved milk prices and strong export performance offer some optimism.