Latest Moos
Hay Quality Indicators
Dr. Mike Hutjens joins us on our Feed Forum Friday to update us on the latest hay conditions.
Ag Labor and Trade Priorities
As public impeachment hearings kicked off in Washington, the National Milk Producers Federation continues to push congress to pass the U.S. Mexico Canada trade deal and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a bipartisan immigration bill that advances agriculture immigration reform. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation joins us:
Dean Foods Files For Bankruptcy
America’s largest milk producer will sell to Dairy Farmers of America:
Geek Out on Calves
Geek out on calves at the PDPW Calf Care Connection® training, repeating in three locations, Nov. 19, 20, and 21, 2019, from 9:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. in Chilton, Eau Claire, and Fennimore, Wis. Click Here For More Info
NMPF Annual Meeting Recap
Hoard’s Dairyman managing editor Cory Geiger recaps last week’s annual meeting in New Orleans.
Immature Corn Silage
Dr. Mike Hutjens looks at immature and frost damaged corn silage:
Annual Meeting Wraps Up in New Orleans
NMPF’s main policy conference of the year, featured discussions of the state of the dairy industry and economy, with remarks from the organization’s chairman, Missouri dairy farmer Randy Mooney :
Don’t Limit Winter Barn Circulation
The Crystal Creek® approach to calf barn air circulation challenges the long standing belief that calf barns should limit ventilation in the winter to 4 air exchanges per hour. Dr. Ryan Leiterman explains in this month’s installment of “A Breath of Fresh Air” on Dairy Radio.
China and Japan Trade Update
The U.S. dairy industry stands to benefit from purchases made by China and Japan, according to HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess. He talks with Lee
Mielke about it.
Corn Stalk Update
Utilizing corn stalks for cow feed is our topic with Dr. Mike Hutjens:
Latest Dairy Market Report
Dairy producers are seeing their highest prices in five years and signup in the improved DMC program has generated support. But, two negative factors are the decline of butter prices and the softening of U.S. dairy export volume growth in the past half-decade. The latest issue of the Dairy Market Report for October 2019 is now available online.
Guest Worker Bill Introduced
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a bipartisan immigration bill that advances agriculture immigration reform and helps dairy operators with year-round employment was introduced in the House. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation tells us more on Dairy Radio:
Class III Hits 5 Year High
The October Federal Order Class III benchmark milk price hit a five-year high at $18.72 per hundredweight, up 41 cents from September, $3.19 above October 2018, and the highest Class III since November 2014. The October Class IV milk price is $16.39, up 4 cents from September and $1.38 above a year ago. Courtesy: Mielke Market Weekly
92nd FFA Convention Underway
Every year, FFA members nationwide converge on the National FFA Convention & Expo to celebrate their accomplishments and find inspiration for their next steps: https://convention.ffa.org/
PA Dairies Show Value
An online tool from the Center for Dairy Excellence shows the value of dairy in each county in Pennsylvania: http://www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/pa-dairy-goodness-that-matters/calculate-dairys-value/
Milk Prices Recovering, Slowly
Bob Cropp and Mark Stephenson discuss the latest dairy market activity on their podcast link:
https://dairymarkets.org/pubpod/podcast/outlook/2019-10.ogv
Herdsperson Workshop Preview
The PDPW Herdsperson Workshop is the place to be if you’re a dairy owner, herd manager, nutritionist, veterinarian or a mid-manager making key herd-health and management decisions on a dairy. The conference will be held Oct. 30 in Arlington, WI. and again Oct. 31 in Marshfield. Dr. Marcia Endres joins us on today’s Dairy Radio with a preview:
U.S. Milk Production Sees Rapid Growth Rate
Matt Gould, analyst and editor of the Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter, reports USDA’s latest Milk Production report “represents the fastest growth rate in milk supply in about a year:”
Lessons Learned in Tunisia
Dr. Mike Hutjens recently visited Tunisia and tells us all about it on this week’s Feed Forum Friday:
Class I Will Move Higher
The Agriculture Department announced the November Federal order Class I base price at $18.14 per hundredweight, up 30 cents from October, $2.62 above November 2018, and the highest Class I since January 2015. It equates to $1.56 per gallon, up from $1.33 a year ago. The 11 month average is $16.78, up from $14.82 a year ago and $16.41 in 2017.
Courtesy: Mielke Market Weekly
Upcoming Herdsperson Workshops
Professional Dairy Producers (PDPW) invites you to the 2019 Herdsperson Workshops, Oct. 30 in Arlington, Wisconsin, and Oct. 31 in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Presenters include Dr. Laura Hernandez, Dr. Marcia Endres and Dr. Mike Hutjens. Read all about it here
China To Purchase U.S. Ag Products
Trade remains a volatile issue with the seemingly never ending dispute with China. FC Stone dairy broker Dave Kurzawski reports there is talk is of a purchase by China of $40-50 billion worth of US agricultural products:
Feeding Molasses
Dr. Mike Hutjens joins us on our Feed Forum Friday to discuss the benefits of feeding molasses to dairy cows.
Global Trade Update
Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation updated listeners on the latest trade talks with Mexico, Canada, China, Japan, and the European Union:
Get A Grip on Ag Economics
Join the PDPW World Class Webinars: “Get a Grip on Ag Economics” with Dr. David Kohl, Professor emeritus of agricultural finance and small business management entrepreneurship at Virginia Tech. The webinar will be held on Thurs. Oct. 17, 2019 from noon to 1 p.m. CT.
Red Meat Study Challenges Negative Charges
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue didn’t have much of a positive response to a question about plant-based meats at World Dairy Expo. Hoards Dairyman Managing Editor, Corey Geiger talks with Lee Mielke about it and reports on a new study that challenges the negative charges against red meat consumption.
Managing Waste Milk
Dr. Mike Hutjens provides tips on handling and feeding waste milk on the farm:
Dairy Startups Compete
Milk-based beverages for active kids and ready-to-drink lattes with collagen are among the nine finalists announced today in the California Milk Advisory Board’s (CMAB) Real California Milk Accelerator dairy startup competition designed to inspire ideas integrating the values of fluid milk into contemporary products and provide resources to help bring them to market. Read More Here
Rural Energy Savings
Jessica Mlsna, dairy energy specialist with Focus on Energy, wrapped up our three-part segment on the Focus on Energy’s role in helping dairy farmers in Wisconsin.
Perdue: Adapt To Survive
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue told dairy farmers at World Dairy Expo in Madison last week that they will have to adapt to survive. HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess was there and talks with Lee Mielke about the reaction.
Feeding Cows in 2020
Dr. Mike Hutjens joined us on today’s Dairy Radio to look at the feed situation for the last quarter of 2019 and what is in store for 2020:
Joint Annual Meeting Fast Approaching
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Dairy Radio to preview the upcoming joint annual meeting with the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) and the United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA). Nov. 4-6, 2019- more info
Benchmark At 5-Year High
The Agriculture Department announced the September Federal order Class III benchmark milk price at $18.31 per hundredweight, up 71 cents from August, $2.22 above September 2018, and the highest it has been since November 2014 and compares to California’s September 2018 4b cheese milk price of $15.62. The Class III price equates to about $1.51 per gallon, up from $1.51 in August and $1.38 a year ago.
The nine month Class III average stands at $16.11, up from $14.62 at this time a year ago and compares to $16.12 in 2017.
The September Class IV price is $16.35, down 39 cents from August and the lowest since May, but is $1.54 above a year ago. Its 2019 average stands at $16.21, up from $13.95 a year ago and $15.51 in 2017.
Courtesy Mielke Market Weekly
‘Tis The Season To Control Air Flow
Fall is an excellent time to review how your calf barn is properly ventilated, especially with colder temperatures upon us. Dr. Ryan Leiterman of Crystal Creek reminds us that shutting everything down is not the answer, but rather controlling the barn’s air flow based on seasonal needs.
Reducing Energy Waste Has Benefits
Many farms, homes and businesses are benefiting from reducing energy waste by partnering with Wisconsin utilities. Part two with Jessica Mlsna, dairy energy specialist with Focus on Energy:
Remembering Jerry Dryer
The dairy industry has lost one of its greatest contributors. Lee Mielke dedicates today’s broadcast to Jerry Dryer whose voice was heard on DairyLine Radio for many many years. Lee and dairy analyst Matt Gould discuss on today’s Dairy Radio :
Robotic Research
Dr. Mike Hutjens looks at data from 635 dairy farms related to robotic milking:
FDA Looks to Modernize Food Standards of Identity
A public meeting is being held in Washington D.C. tomorrow, Sept. 27, 2019, to hear feedback on FDA’s effort to modernize food standards of identity. FDA is particularly interested in horizontal changes, to provide flexibility for manufacturers to develop healthier foods. The dairy industry is warning the FDA to proceed with caution:
Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy offers financial incentives for energy efficient improvements in Wisconsin. Dairy energy specialist Jessica Mlsna joined us on today’s Dairy Radio to tell us more.
The Latest on Production and Disappearance
Lee Mielke checks in with High Ground Dairy’s Lucas Fuess as they review USDA’s recent milk production and U.S. dairy product commercial disappearance.
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:
