“Dairy markets have a new driver at the wheel: demand. Before 2020, dairy markets hinged mainly on the dynamics of milk supply. Milk prices hinged primarily on weather events, feed costs, and other factors that altered farm-level decisions. Demand was a relatively stable part of the equation, and demand shifts tended to happen gradually over […]
As restaurants reopen in the U.S., Americans are once again eating food laden with more butter and cheese than most home cooks would dare to use. The extra consumption is sending prices higher. Cheese sold on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in 500-pound barrels is up 18% so far this year. That’s the processed kind you’d […]
Monitoring what’s happening at the pen level, rather than for individual dairy cows, is proving to be the best approach for producers with more than 1,000 cows. It allows them to prevent and predict health or feeding issues cost effectively, and hence, increase farm profitability. The ‘power of the pen’ philosophy is leading to changes […]
The DAIRY PRIDE Act would require the FDA to issue guidance for nationwide enforcement of mislabeled imitation dairy products within 90 days and require the FDA to report to Congress two years after enactment to hold the agency accountable for this update in their enforcement obligations. “Dairy farmers in Wisconsin work tirelessly every day to […]
Choosing a nutrition plan isn’t a one-size-fits-all mentality. Check out this article for an interesting comparison to your favorite dinner entrée. At the end of the day, selecting the right silage blend warrants a team discussion and budget projections. We’re here to help, contact us to get the conversation started. Read the full article by […]
“Uniform price announcements were released by Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) administrators, April 8-13, covering March milk marketings. As with February milk marketed through FMMOs, uniform or “blend” prices posted small increases from the month before. However, while PPDs improved somewhat, they remained negative in six of the seven orders utilizing multiple component pricing.” Read […]
“With the two-year anniversary of the implementation of the change in the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) Class I skim milk price formula near, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is closer to asking the USDA for an emergency expedited hearing to address the issue. Proposals from other organizations regarding the Class I pricing formula […]
Mark Johnson talks with a special guest, OSU Extension beef cattle specialist Parker Henley, about breeding soundness exams. When selecting bulls, producers should not overlook a breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) conducted by a veterinarian before the breeding season. Check out this article for an overview on breeding soundness evaluations.
“Getting nutrition right during a dairy cow’s dry period makes a huge difference to her health, the health of her calf, and the milk yield after calving. Now, new research from the University of Illinois has shown that diets that promote consistent energy levels and contain the rumen-boosting supplement monensin are the ideal approach during […]
If you’re looking to bump up the fat or protein levels in your milk to add a few more cents to the final pay price, check out this article for five suggestions for each level. “Although modifying feed rations to boost components may sound like an easy way to tack on a few cents per […]
