Latest Moos
DMC Deadline Extended One Week
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) extended the deadline to September 27 for dairy producers to enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for 2019. The deadline had been September 20.
Visiting Chinese Dairy Farms
Dr. Mike Hutjens toured four dairy farms in China recently. He joined us on today’s Dairy Radio to share his thoughts and observations:
October Class I : $17.84
The Agriculture Department announced the October Federal Order Class I base milk price at $17.84 per hundredweight, down a penny from September but $1.51 above October 2018, and the highest October Class I since 2014. The price equates to $1.53 per gallon, up from $1.40 a year ago. The 2019 Class I average stands at $16.64, up from $14.76 a year ago and $16.41 in 2017. Courtesy: Mielke Market Weekly
Last Call For DMC Sign-up
With sign-up for the 2019 Dairy Margin Coverage program ending Friday, the National Milk Producers Federation urged all dairy farmers to enroll in the program, which guarantees a payout for producers that’s higher than program premiums in 2019. NMPF’s Chris Galen provides more info:
World Dairy Expo Fast Approaching
Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo brings together the latest in dairy innovation and the best cattle in North America. Crowds of more than 65,000 people, from nearly 100 countries, will return to Madison, Wis. for the 53rd annual event, October 1-5, 2019. General Manager Scott Bentley gave Dairy Radio listeners a preview on today’s broadcast:
U.S. Cheese Prices Climb
Block Cheddar cheese hit the highest price in almost five years and is the highest priced cheese in the world. It closed “Friday the 13th” at $2.2050 per pound, up an astounding 20 3/4-cents on the week, the highest since October 22, 2014. FC Stone dairy broker Dave Kurzawski explains why:
High Moisture Corn
Dr. Mike Hutjens provides great information on the upcoming harvest season and managing high moisture corn:
Vilsack Optimistic After China, Japan Trip
Returning from a whirlwind seven-day trip to China and Japan, USDEC President and CEO Tom Vilsack said he is optimistic about the long-term health of U.S. dairy exports despite challenges caused by current trade disputes:
Adjusting to Trade War
Matt Gould, editor and analyst of the Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter, talked with Lee Mielke about this week’s July Dairy Products report and the latest U..S dairy export data:
Aug Class III Up a Nickel
The Agriculture Department announced the August Federal order Class III benchmark milk price at $17.60 per hundredweight, up a nickel from July, $2.65 above August 2018, and the highest Class III price since December 2014.
The 2019 Class III average stands at $15.83, up from $14.44 at this time a year ago and compares to $16.09 in 2017.
The August Class IV price is $16.74, down 16 cents from July but $2.11 above a year ago and the highest August Class IV since 2014. Its eight month average stands at $16.19, up from $13.85 a year ago and $15.46 in 2017.
Courtesy Mielke Market Weekly
Margin Coverage Numbers
Dr. Mike Hutjens looks at the payment numbers of the new Dairy Margin Coverage program:
Prompt Passage of USMCA Critical
The National Milk Producers Federation is pushing for quick passage of the U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement when Congress returns. NMPF’s Chris Galen has more:
Six ‘Spokes’ to Calf Health
Keeping calves healthy is like riding a bike. Dr. Ryan Leiterman of Crystal Creek shares the six “spokes” of a healthy calf wheel Calf Wheel of Health; a more visual way of explaining healthy and sick calves.
Pro Farmer Tour Recap
Results from this year’s Pro Farmer Tour were made public on corn and soybean yields. FC Stone’s Dave Kurzawski talks with Lee Mielke about its message on dairy feed prices:
Feed Inventory On Dairy Farms
We need to have forage for our animals in the coming year. Dr. Mike Hutjens gives us some tips on how to properly manage your feed inventory before it’s too late.
World Dairy Expo Approaching
World Dairy Expo is October 1-5, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. If you are entering cattle to compete on the legendary colored shavings, entry fees increase on Sunday, September 8 after 11:59 p.m. (CST). Electronic entries will remain open through September 19, with paper entries continuing to be accepted until the day of the show, both for an increased fee. Read More
On Farm Health Screenings
Rhonda Strebel joins us again with an update on the Rural Health Initiative, a program that focuses on the health and well being of Wisconsin farmers.
Competing Against Imitators
Competition for the dairy industry is not new. Imitators were a challenge
years ago and plant based beverages are not the only foe dairy faces
today. Hoards Dairyman editor, Corey Geiger, talks with Lee Mielke about it on today’s Dairy Radio:
Corn Silage Update
Dr. Mike Hutjens updates Dairy Radio listeners on corn silage conditions in the Midwest.
U.S. Dairy Needs Strong Deal With Japan
70 dairy companies sent a letter to the U.S. Trade Rep and Sec. of Ag asking the U.S. government to quickly finalize a strong trade deal with Japan in order to secure critical market access for the dairy industry here at home. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation tells us more:
Class I Down 4 Cents
The Agriculture Department announced the September Federal order Class I base milk price at $17.85 per hundredweight, down 4 cents from August but $3.00 above September 2018 and the highest September Class I since 2014. It equates to $1.53 per gallon, up from $1.28 a year ago. The nine month average stands at $16.51, up from $14.58 a year ago and $16.41 in 2017. Courtesy Mielke Market Weekly
Setting The Record Straight
There is a lot of misinformation thrown around these days, especially online. In Hype, Dr. Nina Shapiro distinguishes between the falsehoods and the evidence-backed truth.
Top Priority: Your Health
Established in 2004, the Rural Health Initiative (RHI) is a nonprofit, community-supported program designed to help remove the barriers of understanding and managing health and healthcare for the agricultural community. Executive Director Rhonda Strebel tells us more:
Changes To H-2A
Bob Gray, editor of the Northeast Dairy Farmers Cooperative’s newsletter joined us on today’s Dairy Radio program with Lee Mielke to discuss proposed change to the H-2A program. Link to Newsletter
Dairy Industry Asks For Swift Deal with Japan
In a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, the dairy industry is asking the U.S. government to capitalize on the conclusion of Japan’s national elections and quickly finalize a strong trade deal with Japan in order to secure critical market access for the dairy industry here at home. Read More
Acreage Spotlight: Preventive Planting Provisions
Dr. Mike Hutjens updates Dairy Radio listeners on the latest acreage planting conditions.
Silage Safety 101
Keith “The Silage Man” Bolsen is going global with silage safety. Learn more about his non-profit foundation and his goal to save lives.
Common Farm Safety Mistakes
Melissa Ploeckelman, Outreach specialist with the National Farm Medicine Center gives Dairy Radio listeners a refresher course in farm safety:
Program Teaches Rural 9-1-1 Response
National Farm Safety Week is a month away but it’s always a good time to discuss farm safety. We continue our discussion with Dr. Casper Bendixsen from the National Farm Medicine Center in Marshfield, Wisconsin.
Cotton Crop Update
Tom Wedegaertner, Director of Cottonseed research with Cotton Incorporated, reports cotton crop “looks fantastic.”
Milk Drinkers Have Plenty of Options
There are plenty of options for milk drinkers in the dairy case at your local grocery store. Dr. Mike Hutjens tells us about A1 and A2 milk in this week’s Feed Forum Friday:
Trade Limits Impact U.S. Farmers
Another round of direct payments to farmers has been announced through the Market Facilitation Program. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation tells us more:
Beat The Heat With Proper Ventilation
Dr. Ryan Leiterman of Crystal Creek discusses how managed air flow is the best way to keep calves cool and comfortable:
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Sign Up Now For Dairy Managers Institute
Join the inaugural 2019 PDPW Dairy Managers Institute to sharpen your leadership skills. Read More. PDPW’s Shelly Mayer gives us a preview:
Eye on China
June trade data is indicative of China’s continuing increase of dairy imports, unfortunately it is of small benefit to U.S. dairy farmers, according to Lucas Fuess, director of dairy market intelligence with HighGround Dairy in Chicago:
Keeping Calves Cool
Dr. Mike Hutjens provides insight on keeping calves cool during the dog days of summer.
Vilsack Asks Congress to Pass USMCA
Tom Vilsack, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council joined us on today’s Dairy Radio urging Congress to ratify the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement:
Improving Farm Safety
The RF-DASH program utilizes existing networks of firefighter/EMS in order to pre-plan emergency responses to local farms and ranches as well as provide brief farm safety consultations. Dr. Casper Bendixsen from the National Farm Medicine Center in Marshfield, Wisconsin explains:
Visiting China’s Dairy Expo
The outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in China continues to have ramifications for dairy farmers, according to Corey Geiger, managing editor for Hoard’s Dairyman:
Impact of Herd Size
Dr. Mike Hutjens looks at the impact of herd size on dairy farms and shares interesting data from the University of Minnesota:
Congress Prepares For Summer Break
National Milk’s Chris Galen updates Dairy Radio listeners on the latest from our nation’s capital.
Domestic Bull Market Emerging
The U.S. dairy market is in its own little world, pretty much ignoring
the global market. FC Stone dairy broker Dave Kurzawski talks about it
with Lee Mielke:
Summer Feed Status
Corn prices have been on the rise this summer. Dr. Mike Hutjens tells us more:
August Class I Up 71 Cents
The Agriculture Department announced the August Federal Order Class I base milk price at $17.89 per hundredweight, up 71 cents from July, $3.74 above August 2018, and the highest Class I price since January 2015’s $18.58. It equates to $1.54 per gallon, up from $1.22 a year ago. The 2019 Class I average stands at $16.34, up from $14.54 a year ago and 3 cents shy of 2017’s average.
Prevented Planting Update
Prevented planting is the failure to plant an insured crop with the proper equipment by the final planting date or during the late planting period. Dr. Mike Hutjens tells us more on this week’s Feed Forum Friday:
CWT Update
CWT continues to post strong numbers by assisting member cooperatives in securing contracts to sell dairy products to places like Asia, Central America, the Middle East, Oceania and South America. National Milk’s Chris Galen gives us an update on today’s Dairy Radio:
Vitamin Power
The role of B vitamins in the dairy cow rations and the impact it has on performance and health:
USDA Agencies Should Stay in DC
The move to relocate two USDA agencies (ERS & NIFA) to Kansas City is being questioned by dairy scientists. Dr. Ken Olson from the American Dairy Science Association joined us on today’s Dairy Radio:
Dairying in Russia
The Russian dairy industry proved to be a stark contrast to three other countries recently visited by Dr. Ryan Leiterman. He shares his observations and why he’s thankful to be back home!
Encouraging Milk Prices
Encouraging milk prices starts with the supply, according to Matt Gould, analyst and editor of the Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter. While he does see higher feed prices ahead due to weather conditions affecting crops in the Midwest, he doesn’t see that as being catastrophic.
Managing Capital Costs
Dr. Mike Hutjens addresses some important issues when managing capital costs on the dairy farm:
DMC Signups Underway
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio listeners on the new Dairy Margin Coverage safety net for dairy producers.
Housing Baby Calves
Part two of our conversation with Dr. Sandra Godden from the University of Minnesota, on raising pre-weaned calves.
Consumer Concerns Over Animal Abuse
Consumer concerns from the recent headlines of animal abuse allegations is our topic this week with Lee Mielke and guest, Cory Geiger from Hoard’s:
Transition Feeding and Reproductive Health
Dr. Mike Hutjens tells us about new research in transition cow feeding as it relates to reproductive performance in cow health:
Housing Pre-Weaned Calves
Dr. Sandra Godden at the University of Minnesota joined us on today’s Producer Tuesday to share some of the best management practices when housing and feeding pre-weaned calves:
Dairy at a Crossroads
Dr. Mike Hutjens looks at the current dairy situation:
NMPF Welcomes California Dairies
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) welcomed California Dairies Inc., the second-largest U.S. dairy cooperative by volume, into its membership by unanimous vote during its June board meeting. NMPF’s Chris Galen has more:
Managing Summer Manure Application
Fall and spring seasons are typical times for manure spreading, but summer can prove to have better weather and soil conditions. We learn more with Aaron Pape from UW Discovery Farms:
Latest Reports Mixed
FC Stone’s Dave Kurzawksi recaps last week’s market news with Lee Mielke:
Happy June Dairy Month!
Consumers have many choices these days, even when purchasing products in the dairy case. Dr. Mike Hutjens takes a look at June Dairy Month, from the 1930’s to today:
Class III Milk Price Jumps To Yearly High
The Agriculture Department’s monthly benchmark milk price has reached the highest level in over a year and a half. The May Federal order Class III price was announced at $16.38 per hundredweight, up 42 cents from April, $1.20 above May 2018, and the highest Class III price since November 2017.
It equates to $1.41 per gallon, up from $1.37 in April and $1.31 a year ago. The year to date Class III average stands at $15.05, up from $14.25 a year ago and compares to $16.05 in 2017. By the way; California’s 4b cheese milk price was $14.90 in May 2018.
The May Class IV price is $16.29, up 57 cents from April, $1.72 above a year ago, and the highest it has been since August 2017. Its five month average stands at $15.81, up from $13.42 a year ago and compares to $14.92 in 2017.
Courtesy: Mielke Market Weekly
Observations From Europe
Dr. Ryan Leiterman tells us what dairy practices he observed from his recent trip to the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Russia:
Managing Manure Year-Round
Improving soil conditions for better manure spreading is our topic this week with Aaron Pape from UW-Discovery Farms. Today’s Producer Tuesday, brought to you by PDPW:
Latest Trade Data on China, New Zealand
High Ground Dairy’s Lucas Fuess discusses the latest trade data on today’s Mielke Monday:
Feeding The World
What is the future for food production? Dr. Mike Hutjens discusses feeding the world in 2050:
Mitigation Package In The Works
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio listeners on the federal trade mitigation package for farmers:
Heat Stress Reminder
Record setting heat in the southeastern part of the U.S. is a reminder for dairy operators to properly manage heat stress in dairy cattle. Animal welfare specialist Dr. Jennifer Van Os from UW-Madison joins us again to provide more insight:
Cow Numbers Continue to Decline
Market analyst Jerry Dryer said he expects U.S. cow numbers to continue to decline and looks for milk output to fall below a year, possibly even in April from revisions we will see next month. Listen here:
Rumination Monitoring
Tracking rumination in lactating and dry dairy cows is our topic this week with Dr. Mike Hutjens, retired dairy extension specialist from the University of Illinois:
Farmers Get Trade Package Relief
From National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern:
“Dairy farmers have been harmed substantially by disrupted markets. We know that USDA is concerned about the damage being done to dairy farmers by ongoing tariff battles. We hope it will use the full range of tools available to provide a large segment of the payment in the first tranche to appropriately assist milk producers who have experienced a prolonged downturn in prices because of these conflicts,” he said. “We appreciate USDA’s concern for dairy’s needs, and we look forward to working with USDA, Congress and the White House as the department further develops its plans.”
NMPF estimates that producers have lost at least $2.3 billion in revenues through March due to higher tariffs against U.S. dairy, which has lowered milk prices for all producers.
U.S. Dairy Farmers Remain Dedicated to Healthy Cows
The national dairy FARM program (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) works with dairy producers, processors and industry partners to demonstrate the highest standards on U.S. dairy farms. Dr. Jennifer Van Os from UW-Madison joined us on today’s PDPW Producer Tuesday to provide more insight on the program.
June Dairy Month Is Not Fake
Hoards Dairyman managing editor Corey Geiger echoes our belief that June Dairy Month is not fake milk month. A growing number of consumers believe drinking a beverage from a plant is more beneficial than what comes from a cow. Geiger tells us if consumers really knew the whole story, they probably wouldn’t be drinking fake milk.
Corkscrew Claw Syndrome
Hoof health is our topic this week with Dr. Mike Hutjens, retired dairy extension specialist from the University of Illinois. He tells us about a UW-Madison study that examines a hoof condition in young heifers:
China Trade Concerns
National Milk’s Chris Galen joined us on our Policy Thursday to discuss the
ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China and the new Dairy Margin Coverage program:
African Swine Fever Strikes China
Matt Gould, analyst of the Dairy & Food Market Analyst newsletter joined us on today’s Mielke Monday to update us on African swine fever in China and how it may impact the dairy industry.
Improving Animal Welfare
The U.S. dairy industry continues to evolve by using best management practices to care for their animals. Dr. Jennifer Van Os, assistant professor of dairy science at UW-Madison, joined us on PDPW’s Producer Tuesday to tell us about understanding and improving the welfare of dairy animals from a biological perspective.
MPP Refunds Available
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that dairy producers who had coverage under the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy), which provided payments to producers when the price of milk fell below the feed costs to produce it, are eligible to receive a repayment for part of the premiums paid into the program. Read more from USDA site.
Dairy’s Global Warming Claim Exaggerated
Dr. Frank Mitloehner, an air quality specialist from the University of California at Davis, dispels some myths on livestock’s impact on air pollution.
China Import Update
FC Stone dairy broker Dave Kurzawski discusses China’s latest import
data:
Prepare For Heat Stress
Warmer weather is in the forecast. Dr. Mike Hutjens joins us with important information on caring for animals during times of heat stress.
DMC Signup Info
The National Milk Producers Federation continues to encourage farmers to prepare for Dairy Margin Coverage signup, scheduled to begin June 17. The USDA’s decision tool, designed to help farmers determine their appropriate coverage level, is now online here. Later this week, letters will be sent to producers informing them of their premium refunds under the previous Margin Protection Program. NMPF’s Chris Galen tells us more:
Germans Love Their Cows and Beer
Dr. Ryan Leiterman visited Germany recently and shares with us some of the similarities and differences regarding farming practices and social events:
U.S. Dairy Exports Show Promise
HighGround Dairy’s (HGD) Lucas Fuess joins us on today’s Dairy Radio to update us on U.S. dairy exports.
Update On Direct-Fed Microbials
Live bacteria can benefit your dairy animal. Today we learn about direct-fed microbials or DFM’s, particularly for calves on liquid milk replacer. Dr. Mike Hutjens tells us the different types and benefits of DFM’s on today’s Feed Forum Friday:
Staffers Briefed On Dairy Issues
Bob Gray, executive director of Northeast Dairy Farmers Cooperatives, is briefing agriculture committee staffers on important dairy issues. He tells us more on today’s Dairy Radio:
Selling The Farm? Maximize Every Acre
Choosing the right service and auction structure specific to your property is the key to selling for value. Joe Gizdic, president of Ranch & Farm Auctions joined us on today’s Dairy Radio to explain how their service enables rural land buyers to bid concurrently live onsite, live online and by phone-in bidding in real time in all 50 states.
PDPF Grant Applications Available
Education is the key to healthy and vibrant dairy communities. The Professional Dairy Producers Foundation supports various programs by offering two grant cycles per year. Dairy Foundation executive director Janet Keller tells us more on Dairy Radio:
Focus On Health & Well Being
Just like big city stress – dairy producers have a lot on their shoulders Dr. Josie Rudolphi, Associate Research Scientist with the National Farm Medicine Center joined us to spotlight the resources available and what Congress is doing to put farmers first.
This is the second part of our interview with Dr. Rudolphi, brought to you by the PDPW, dairy’s professional development organization.
DMC Is Timely
Safety nets have been a part of dairy’s financial landscape for many years but the net has changed since the old price support program and keeps changing. Hoard’s Dairyman managing editor Corey Geiger talked about the new Dairy Margin Coverage on today’s Dairy Radio Now broadcast:
Managing Methane Emissions
Dr. Mike Hutjens, retired dairy extension specialist from the University of Illinois joins us on Dairy Radio to tell us more about reducing methane emissions on the dairy farm.
Substituting Real Milk For Fake Milk Could Put Kids At Risk
An important new study from the European Journal of Nutrition reveals that young children fed a diet relying on plant based beverages “may risk deficiencies of calcium, zinc, iodine, vitamins B2, B12, D, A, and indispensable amino acids.” National Milk’s Chris Galen on Dairy Radio:
What’s the Impact of Winter Kill?
Spring is finally here and alfalfa will be ready to harvest before you know it. After a tough winter of flooding and a polar vortex, there are a lot of questions around the topic of winter kill.
Dr. David Combs, professor of Dairy Science at UW-Madison, discusses these questions and more in PDPW’s World Class Webinar Wednesday.
Will Spring Flush Affect Cheese Prices?
Jerry Dryer, analyst and consultant with JDG Consulting, says cheese prices popped higher earlier than he expected this spring, although he warns the price could slip due to the spring flush, which USDA says is occurring in parts of the West and Southern Central regions. Listen here:
Milk Margin Data Shows 65 Cent Loss Per Cow
Dr. Mike Hutjens recaps new data from dairy CPA firm Genske, Mulder & Company on today’s Feed Forum Friday:
Vilsack Bullish On Dairy Exports
Tom Vilsack, President and CEO of the U.S Dairy Export Council updates Dairy Radio listeners on an initiative that hopes to build U.S. dairy export volume from 15 to 20 percent. The former ag secretary spoke at today’s Oregon Dairy Industries Conference in Salem, Oregon.
Research Looks At Farmer Mental Health
Dr. Josie Rudolphi, associate research scientist at the National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, joined us on Dairy Radio to share some of the research in the area of farmer mental health.
2,700 Dairies Quit in 2018
Lee Mielke discusses the current state of the industry with Corey Geiger, Managing Editor of Hoard’s Dairyman:
New Recommendations When Feeding Calves
Dr. Mike Hutjens tells us about new research from the University of Guelph
on feeding young calves:
Border Closing Would “Wreak Havoc” For U.S. Dairy
An administration proposal to close the U. S. southern border with Mexico would send shock waves through the U.S. dairy industry, closing off access to its largest dairy export market, according to leading U.S. dairy organizations. NMPF’s Chris Galen joined us on Dairy Radio to discuss:
