Latest Moos
Love For Cheesemaking
Redhead Creamery has been making artisan cheese on their family dairy farm since 2013. But the dream for this sustainable and eco-friendly creamery has been a dream of founder (and natural redhead) Alise Sjostrom’s since she was 16. Today you can tour the creamery, host your event in our private space, or sample cheeses in the cheese shop. Today’s broadcast sponsored by PDPW Dairy Signal:
Federal Milk Marketing Under Scrutiny Again
Federal milk market orders are under scrutiny again as many dairy producers suffered significant losses in income last year due to de-pooling provisions and negative producer price differentials. National milk has called for an emergency hearing on the issue. Lee Mielke talks about it with Hoards Dairyman’s Corey Geiger:
Class III Up $1.52
The Agriculture Department announced the April Federal order Class III milk price at $17.67 per hundredweight (cwt.), up $1.52 from March, $4.60 above March 2020, and the highest Class III since November 2020. That put the four month average at $16.40, up from $15.84 a year ago and $14.71 in 2019.
The Class IV price is $15.42, up $1.24 from March, $4.02 above a year ago, and the highest Class IV since February 2020. It’s four month average is $14.14, down from $14.78 in 2020 and $15.69 in 2019.
As The Skin Goes, The Immune System Goes
Why is it important to have good skin? Dr. Ryan Leiterman of Crystal Creek says the easiest way to know how your calves are doing is doing is to look at their skin.
Concerning Corn Prices
Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company updated PDPW Dairy Signal viewers with the latest on corn prices:
Will Milk Prices Keep Up With Feed Costs?
Rising feed costs are putting the squeeze on dairy farmers bottomline. Will milk prices keep up? Lee Mielke poses that question to StoneX dairy broker Dave Kurzawski:
Dairy Pride Act Takes Aim At Imitators
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated us on the latest news in the battle against dairy imitators:
Methane Is Unique
Methane has an atmospheric removal process that is not being accounted for by agencies like the EPA, according to Dr. Frank Mitloehner, PhD, Professor and Air Quality Extension Specialist with the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis. Excerpts from a recent PDPW Dairy Signal:
March Milk Production
March milk production was anything but bullish. Matt Gould, analyst and editor of the Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter updated Dairy Radio listeners with Lee Mielke:
Drought Concerns
Eric Snodgrass of Nutrien Ag Solutions updated listeners on the concerning drought conditions across the U.S.:
U.S. Dairy Exports Highlight February
Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company, updated dairy producers on the latest market conditions, including a big boost for U.S. dairy exports in February. Comments from a recent PDPW Dairy Signal webcast.
Dairy Data Update
The Biden Administration has elected to end the Food Box program at the end of May but it appears the Dairy Donation program will remain. We’ll get some response to that and a look at February dairy product commercial disappearance data with HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess.
Farmers To Families Food Box Program Ends
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated us on what is going to replace the Families to Farmers Food Box Program:
Life With Robots
Iowa dairy farmer Dan Venteicher tells us about his robotic milking operation – from a recent PDPW Dairy Signal webcast:
U.S. Dairy Exports Lookin’ Good
FC Stone X Group dairy broker Dave Kurzawski is Lee Mielke’s guest this week:
Feed Forum Friday
Dr. Mike Hutjens joins us again with another installment of Feed Forum Friday:
Skin Condition Relates To Immune System
Dr. Ryan Leiterman, director of technical services with Crystal Creek, discusses why it’s important to monitor your cows skin and how it relates to their immune system:
As Things Open Up, Don’t Let Guard Down
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers says now is not the time to let our guard down as we begin to open more businesses and activities. His comments from a recent PDPW Dairy Signal webcast:
What’s In it For Dairy?
There seems to be no end to the money from Uncle Sam to offset the effects of the COVID. We talked about what’s in it for dairy with Matt Gould, analyst and editor of the Dairy and Food market Analyst newsletter:
PPP Worth Another Look
Dairy farmers and Cooperatives can still apply for the Paycheck Protection Program. Interested borrowers can apply for either type of PPP loan or have their first loan reevaluated by their lender until May 31. Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation tells us more on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
Risk Management Update
From a recent PDPW Dairy Signal, a refresher course in risk management with Will Babler, Principal at Atten Babler Commodities, LLC.
Cheesy Discussion
How well do you know your cheese? We talk about Cheddar blocks and barrels in price discovery but what about Mozzarella? Hoards Dairyman’s Corey Geiger talks with Lee Mielke about a recent discussion on cheese on Hoard’s Dairy Livestream:
Winter Survival Of Forage Crop
Dr. Mike Hutjens discusses winter and spring kill damages on the field, and how to replace that potential forage:
Global Dairy Trade Auction Recap
Tuesday’s Global Dairy trade saw whole milk powder take a tumble but HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess says powder prices are still high, thanks to China. He talks with Lee Mielke about it and how a shipping container shortage is hurting U.S. exports:
What’s New in Colostrum
Dr. Mike Hutjens recaps a webinar he recently attended that was presented by Dr. Sandra Godden from the University of Minnesota:
Congress Dealing With Immigration Issues
Congress is faced with a several issues relating to immigration. NMPF’s Chris Galen provides an update from our nation’s capital:
PDPW Conference Invites Walk-Ups, On-Demand
The 2021 PDPW Business Conference, March 17-18, 2021 at the Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Wisconsin Dells. 42 Expert speakers from around the world will cover a wide array of topics in the areas of dairy production and health, business and finance, leadership and management, natural resources, human resources, food safety, consumer engagement and more. Learn more here.
Every year, there are people unable to attend PDPW Business Conference for one reason or another. This year, PDPW is making conference sessions available in a virtual on-demand format.
Dairy Farmers Face Uncertainty
Uncertainty seems to never end in the dairy industry and right now dairy farmers face some challenging contrasts. U.S. milk output is rising as we enter the spring flush, but will rising demand and exports offset that. Lee Mielke talks about it with StoneX dairy broker Dave Kurzawski:
Optimizing Diet For Transition Cow
Dr. Mike Hutjens shares the importance of glucose on today’s Feed Forum Friday:
Research Is Key To Dairy’s Future
Wisconsin dairy producer Mitch Breunig is also advisory chair of the Dairy Innovation Hub based in Wisconsin. He recently shared his comments about the importance of research on a PDPW Dairy Signal webcast:
Nexus Brings Innovation To Dairy
Something new at PDPW’s Business Conference this year is Nexus, described as a combination of Shark Tank and Ted Talks. Nexus gives companies with cutting-edge technologies a platform from which they can connect with you – the dairy community’s most innovative and forward-thinking managers. Executive Director Shelly Mayer tells us more:
Thinking Outside The Food Box
Shock waves hit the dairy industry when the Biden Administration announced that it would not be renewing the food box program, a program that has greatly benefited the dairy industry. But the news isn’t all bad, according Matt Gould, editor and analyst of the Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter, who sorts it out with Lee Mielke on Dairy Radio Now’s Mielke Monday:
Study Targets DCAD Diet
Dr. Mike Hutjens tells us about a recent Kansas State study targeting DCAD balances:
Class III Drops 29 Cents
The Agriculture Department announced the February Federal order Class III benchmark milk price at $15.75 per hundredweight (cwt.), down 29 cents from January and $1.25 below February 2020. .
The February Class IV price is $13.19 per cwt., down 56 cents from January and $3.01 below a year ago and the lowest Class IV price since September 2020. Courtesy: Mielke Market Weekly
Dairy Margin Coverage Update
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest Dairy Margin Coverage insurance payments to producers, and also Tom Vilsack’s “full plate” in returning as Ag. Secretary:
Keeping The Water Clean And Safe
From the water line to the trough, removing biofilm from the water is as important as anything else on the farm. Dr. Ryan Leiterman of Crystal Creek continues his discussion on how to keep the water safe for all.
PDPW Annual Meeting Has New Location
Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin will meet March 17th and 18th at Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Executive Director Shelly Mayer discusses the board’s decision to move forward with this year’s conference.
California Milk Production Lowered
The January Milk Production and Cold Storage reports had a little fodder for the dairy market bulls however some of the milk production data is suspect, according to HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess. He talks about it with Lee Mielke:
Soybean Meal Update
Dr. Mike Hutjens updates listeners on the latest soybean prices and other alternatives to feeding cows:
Dairy Farmers Are Environmental Leaders
Through commitments like the Net Zero Initiative and efforts like the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program, dairy farmers are well-positioned to be agricultural leaders in mitigating climate change, said Dr. Jamie Jonker, NMPF’s Vice President for Sustainability and Scientific Affairs, in an NMPF podcast .
Fly Season Fast Approaching
Now is the time to start preparing for fly season. Mark Upton with Central Life Sciences joins us again on today’s Dairy Radio with some important tips as we prepare for warmer weather.
FARM Year in Review
The National Dairy FARM Program (FARM) has published its 2020 Year in Review. Serving as the annual summary of the achievements and program developments of the FARM Program, the Year in Review showcases successes and challenges during a year of change and uncertainty.
Drought Conditions Concerning
More than half of the nation is in some form of drought. Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions updated Dairy Signal viewers on the Spring forecast:
Dairy Market Uncertainty
A lot of uncertainty surrounds the dairy markets which are waiting to see what will happen to government assistance, such as the food box feeding program. StoneX Dairy broker Dave Kurzawski talks with Lee Mielke about it:
Why $5 Bushel Corn?
Dr. Mike Hutjens updates on why the price of corn rose this past year:
Congress Returns Monday With Full Plate
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updated listeners on the big “to do” list that Congress is facing when they return from break this week.
Excess Production Brings Price Volatility
Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company updated dairy producers on a recent PDPW Dairy Signal about why volatile milk prices are here to stay.
Farmers Face Export Challenges, Higher Feed Prices
U.S. export data for December left a lot to be desired, but data for the year was record breaking. Lee Mielke talks about it with HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess as well as some export challenges we’re now facing as well as the high dairy feed prices.
Twinning in Dairy Cattle
While producing twins can be something of a genetic lottery, health challenges can reduce the overall profitability of the dairy operation. Dr. Mike Hutjens tells us more:
Milk Production Outstrips Gains
Milk production is increasing faster than demand is recovering, making 2021 a challenging year for dairy farmers, said Peter Vitaliano, NMPF’s chief economist, in an NMPF Dairy Defined podcast. Excerpts on today’s Dairy Radio:
Preventing Horn Flies Is A Must
Horn flies alone cost North American cattle producers over $1 billion each year, but as we hear from Mark Upton, director of sales for Central Life Sciences, those costs can be prevented by feeding Altosid IGR:
Dairy Farming During Climate Control
Dairy farmers are dedicated to healthy cows and wholesome milk, and continue to improve environmental stewardship to help reduce their carbon footprint. Emily Yeiser Stepp with the the national dairy FARM program joined us again to discuss on today’s Producer Tuesday, sponsored by the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin.
U.S. Milk Production Gushing
U.S. milk output is gushing and several cooperatives have instituted supply management programs, even as milk is being dumped in some regions. Lee Mielke checks in with Matt Gould, editor and analyst of the Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter:
Milk Economics For 2021
Dr. Mike Hutjens updates listeners on the latest prices and margins affecting dairy producers.
January Class III: $16.04
The Agriculture Department announced the January Federal order Class III benchmark milk price at $16.04 per hundredweight, up 32 cents from December but $1.01 below January 2020. The January Class IV price is $13.75, up 39 cents from December but $2.90 below a year ago. Courtesy Mielke Market Weekly
Vilsack Anticipates Full Plate
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest confirmation of the former and most likely the next Agriculture Secretary:
Biofilm Awareness
Biofilm on the farm can cause a myriad of problems, especially when it contaminates the water supply, according to Dr. Ryan Leiterman, director of technical services with Crystal Creek. He tells us more on this month’s Ask the Vet segment.
Farmers Assuring Responsible Management
Open to all U.S. dairy farmers, co-ops and processors, the National Dairy FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) Program works to show customers and consumers that the dairy industry is taking the very best care of cows and the environment, producing safe, wholesome milk and adhering to the highest standards of workforce development. FARM program VP Emily Yeiser Stepp updated Dairy Radio listeners:
Bearish Dairy Data
The dairy industry got hit with some very bearish data this week. HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess talks with Lee Mielke about it and where there might be a silver lining:
Dry Cow Stressors
“Close-up cows” are a critical phase to complete a successful transition. Dr. Mike Hutjens shares research guidelines from this year’s American Dairy Science Association meeting:
Dairy Science Plays Vital Role
The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) is an international organization of educators, scientists, and industry representatives who are committed to advancing the dairy industry and keenly aware of the vital role the dairy sciences play in fulfilling the economic, nutritive, and health requirements of the world’s population. Dr. Ken Olson updated us on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
Retrofitting Stanchion Barn For Calves
An old stanchion barn is an excellent space for calf housing, according to Dr. Ryan Leiterman from Crystal Creek:
Future Includes Innovation, Collaboration
The Dairy Innovation Hub, which the state of Wisconsin is supporting to the tune of $7.8 million per year, harnesses dairy research and development at UW–Madison, UW–Platteville and UW–River Falls campuses. Faculty director Heather White gave PDPW Dairy Signal listeners an update:
Food Box Program Gives Dairy Boost
The renewed Food Box program promises support for dairy prices, “For now,” says StoneX dairy broker Dave Kurzawski. He talks with Lee Mielke about it:
Monitoring Calf Health
Dr. Mike Hutjens monitors calf health on today’s Feed Forum Friday:
A Busy Next 100 Days
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Dairy Radio to discuss the Biden administration’s next 100 days and what it means for the dairy industry:
New Beginnings
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris became the 46th president and 49th vice-president of the United States Wednesday, as well as the members of the 117th Congress as they embark on their work serving the American people.
NMPF Statement
The Right Team Member
Liz Griffith, market development, human resource consultant with Encore Consultants updated dairy producers on a recent Dairy Signal webcast on how to build an effective team:
Chatter Over Pricing Formula Changes
There’s been some chatter about how we price milk in this country and changes are being discussed, according to Matt Gould, analyst and editor of the Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter. He talks with Lee Mielke about it, and has a warning on what’s coming in 2021 feed costs for dairy farmers:
Fuzzy Cottonseed’s Popularity
Dr. Mike Hutjens provides the positive aspects of having fuzzy cottonseed in your feed inventory:
Dietary Guidelines: Make Every Bite Count
Newly released federal dietary guidelines will benefit dairy, even as work remains to be done, said Miquela Hanselman, NMPF’s regulatory affairs manager, from a Dairy Defined podcast. More info on the new guidelines: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/
Calf Feeding Success
Our guest today, Dr. Ryan Leiterman, director of technical services with Crystal Creek. If you have a question for Ryan, email him at Askthevet@Crystalcreeknatural.com
Succession Planning 101
High Ground Analysis
2021 had a good start with a strong Global Dairy Trade auction and word that Uncle Sam will continue USDA’s Food Box program. HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess talks with Lee Mielke about it and also analyze the November Dairy Products report:
Feed Bunk Management
Cows spend a lot of time at the feed bunk. Dr. Mike Hutjens provides some tips on optimal feeding strategies in this week’s Feed Forum Friday:
More Stimulus For Farmers
Setting non-dairy issues aside after a rough week in Washington D.C., Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation gave us an update on more stimulus heading to dairy farmers:
Understanding Winter Ventilation
While it has been a mild winter in some parts of the country, cold temps are upon us as we head into the remaining weeks of January. Dr. Ryan Leiterman of Crystal Creek provides some insight on how to properly ventilate calf barns when the mercury drops:
Top Ten Issues On ’21 Radar
Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company addresses the top ten issues for dairy producers as we head into a brand new year. Basse’s comments from a recent PDPW Dairy Signal webcast:
New Year, Same Pandemic
2020 “Redefined what we thought could happen in the dairy market and what is normal,” says StoneX dairy broker Dave Kurzawski. He warns that we are still in the pandemic and just because we’re changing the year doesn’t mean the world is going to be a whole lot different. He talks with Lee Mielke about it:
Class III Plunges $7.62
The Federal order benchmark Class III milk price ends 2020 sharply lower and well below that of a year ago. The Agriculture Department announced the December Class III at $15.72 per hundredweight, down $7.62 from November, $3.65 below a year ago, and the lowest Class III price since May. That put the 2020 average at $18.16, up from $16.96 in 2019 and $14.61 in 2018.
Wednesday’s Class III futures had the January contract at $16.06; February, $17.91; March, $17.79; April $17.54; May, $17.50; June, $17.33; July, $17.37; August, $17.39; September, $17.56; October, $17.32; November, $17.17; and December at $17.13, which would portend a $17.34 average in 2021. The USDA’s latest prediction for 2021 was $15.60.
The December Class IV price is $13.36, up 6 cents from November, $3.34 below a year ago, and the lowest December Class IV price since 2008. Its 2020 average is $13.49, down from $16.30 in 2019 and $14.23 in 2018. The USDA is projecting a 2021 Class IV average of $13.60. Courtesy of Mielke Market Weekly
Food Trends Changing Rapidly
Consumer preferences have changed rapidly during the global pandemic, according to Charlie Arnot, CEO of the Center for Food Integrity who updated Dairy Signal viewers on the latest consumer trends:
Rethinking Forage Quality
Dr. Mike Hutjens shares research relating to forage quality on this week’s Feed Forum Friday:
Less Milk Market Volatility Expected
Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company updated PDPW Dairy Signal viewers on what to expect for 2021 milk prices:
Vilsack Back As Ag Secretary
Some in the dairy industry applaud the pick of Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture in the Biden Administration, due to his current position heading the U.S. Dairy Export Council. But that may or may not be totally positive, according to Matt Gould, analyst and editor of the Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter. He talks with Lee Mielke about it:
Heifer Growth
Dr. Mike Hutjens discusses time guidelines for growing heifers:
NDPO: Producer Profits Top Priority
Mike Eby, Board Chair of the National Dairy Producers Organization joined us on today’s Dairy Radio Now to update listeners on producers top priorities for the coming year:
Center For Dairy Excellence Offers Podcast
Dairy farmers learn the most from other dairy farmers. “Cow-Side Conversations” is a monthly podcast, brought to you by the Center for Dairy Excellence. Listen here: centerfordairyexcellence.org/
Leadership Changes Coming
There will be new faces in U.S. agriculture leadership in the coming weeks. Paul Bleiberg serves as Sr VP of Government Relations at National Milk Producers Federation. He updated PDPW Dairy Signal viewers on what to anticipate:
Restaurant Changes Affecting Dairy Markets
Government lockdowns of restaurants across the country has huge ramifications for agriculture, including dairy. StoneX dairy broker Dave Kurzawski. talks with Lee Mielke about it:
Strategic Use of Electrolytes
Dr. Mike Hutjens shares new strategies when using electrolytes in baby calves:
NMPF Seeks DMC Signup Extension
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on tomorrow’s (12/11/2020) application sign-up deadline for the new Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program:
Less Dairy Market Volatility Expected
As we close out 2020, agriculture economist Dan Basse with AgResource Company updated PDPW Dairy Signal viewers on the latest market conditions and what to expect for 2021:
PPD Price Gap Continues
The November Federal order Class III milk price hit $23.34 per hundredweight, up $1.73 from October, but a huge gap remains between Class III and Class I prices and portend continued de-pooling and large producer price differentials shorting dairy farmer milk checks. HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess talks with Lee Mielke about it on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
Ketosis Takeaways
Dr. Mike Hutjens joined us on today’s Feed Forum Friday to highlight a recent seminar by an Illinois grad student regarding ketosis:
DMC Signup Deadline Days Away
The signup deadline is December 11th for the new and improved Dairy Margin Coverage program. Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated listeners from a recent NMPF Dairy Defined Podcast:
Benchmark up $1.73
The Agriculture Department announced the November Federal order Class III milk price at $23.34 per hundredweight, up $1.73 from October, $2.89 above November 2019, and the highest Class III since July. The November Class IV price is $13.30, down 17 cents from October and $3.30 below a year ago. Courtesy Mielke Market Weekly
Minimize The Risk of Ketosis
Dr. Ryan Leiterman with Crystal Creek wrapped up his series on ketosis on today’s Dairy Radio:
Winter La Nina Forecast
Most models indicate that the 2020/2021 La Niña is likely to be a moderate to strong event. Eric Snodgrass, Sr. Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrien Ag Solutions, updated dairy producers on a recent PDPW Dairy Signal:
Looking Down The Road
With Thanksgiving in the rear view mirror, the dairy industry wonders what is down the road for dairy product prices. Lee Mielke talks about it with Dairy and Food Market Analyst editor Matt Gould:
Key Milk Components
Dr. Mike Hutjens looks at milk components in this week’s Feed Forum Friday:
