As the dairy industry embraces a growth mindset, with 60% of processing executives optimistic about 2024, over $7 billion in processing investments are on the horizon. But can dairy producers meet the milk production demand? Rick Naerebout voices concerns over financial pressures, while industry leaders like Michael Dykes believe in the efficiency and potential of U.S. dairy producers to meet these needs.

The landscape is changing, with challenges like debt restructuring and heifer inventory impacting the path forward. With careful strategy adjustments and a focus on innovation, the dairy industry stands at a pivotal moment to fill the processing gap and drive future growth.

To learn more, read the full article in Dairy Herd Management by Karen Bohnert. 

Featuring expert advice from Dr. Jon Pretz, a dairy nutritionist, on managing cow well-being during cold weather. Despite cattle’s natural resilience to cold, he outlines four key strategies.

Maintain Dryness
Keeping cows dry is crucial, as wet coats increase energy demands in cold temperatures.

Monitor Water Intake
Ensure water is not too cold (ideally between 40 and 65°F) to maintain regular intake.

Provide Adequate Feed
Increase feed during cold periods, as cows consume more to keep warm.

Avoid Frozen Feed
Prevent feed from freezing and consider increasing energy levels in the ration during extreme cold.

These practices help ensure cows stay healthy and productive, even in sub-zero conditions.

To learn more, read the full article by Maureen Hanson on Dairy Herd Management.

The October 2023 USDA Milk Production report indicated a slight overall decline in U.S. milk production, with a decrease of 0.5% to 18.7 billion lbs. compared to the previous year. Milk production per cow also saw a reduction, dropping by 3 lbs. per cow in the 24 major states. The number of milk cows in these states was down to 8.91 million head, marking a decrease from both the previous year and month, and representing the smallest herd since January 2022.

Phil Plourd, president of Ever.Ag Insights, commented on the report’s findings, noting the ongoing impact of fewer cows and weather-related issues contributing to this mediocre performance. He speculated about the potential for cow numbers to stabilize and whether milk production in the Southwest will recover following adverse weather conditions.

The report also highlighted the performance of states in the “one billion pound club” of milk production. California, Wisconsin, Idaho, Texas, New York, and Michigan all reached this milestone, though with varying degrees of increases and decreases in production and cow numbers. New Mexico experienced a significant production decline, while South Dakota saw notable increases in both milk production and cow numbers.