Latest Moos
Weak Production Lately
Lucas Fuess is a Senior Dairy Analyst for RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness and is based in Chicago:
Supporting Calf Immunity
Dr. Mike Hutjens discusses the topic of supporting calf immunity – from a recent webinar from Mississippi State University:
Keep Chocolate Milk In Schools
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation discusses the latest efforts to keep dairy in school meals:
Farmers Are A Trusted Source
John Clark reports from the recently completed Stakeholders Summit from the Animal Ag Alliance:
Managing Feed
Managing feed is our topic on this PDPW Producer Tuesday, brought to you by the Professional Dairy Producers.
Butter Is Beacon Of Hope
Butter was a “beacon of hope” in the USDA’s latest supply and demand data, which was a contrast to several other disappointments last week. Betty Berning, HighGround Dairy contributing dairy economist, talks with Lee Mielke about it.
Fly Control Is A Smart Investment
It is not too late to manage those pesky flies. As we hear today from Brian Hupp, National Accounts Mgr with Central Life Sciences, untreated fly infestation can cut into dairy profitability:
Optimal Feed Efficiency
Dr. Heather White, Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, joins us on our Producer Tuesday to discuss the optimal way to feed our cows. Brought to you by the Professional Dairy Producers:
Restaurant Sales Strong
Restaurant sales are strong and good news for the dairy industry – but why isn’t that showing up in farm milk prices? Lee talks about it with StoneX dairy broker Dave Kurzawski:
Feed Forum Friday
Dr. Mike Hutjens with more research relating to feeding our dairy cows for optimum performance:
Modernizing Milk Pricing In USDA’s Hands
Moving the issue of milk price reform is now in USDA’s court, as we hear from Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation:
Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholders Gather
Founded in 1987, the Animal Agriculture Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that brings together farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, animal feed companies, animal health companies, processors, allied associations and others involved in getting food from the farm to our forks!. John Clark attended the recent Animal Ag Alliance:
Protect Your Farm When Hosting Tours
On our Producer Tuesday, sponsored by the Professional Dairy Producers. Opening your farm up to the public. We hear about some of the liability protections to consider from attorney Troy Schneider, Partner and Attorney at Twohig, Rietbrock, Schneider & Halbach Law Office. Excerpts from a recent PDPW Dairy Signal:
HighGround Dairy’s Newest Contributor
We saw a second strong Global Dairy Trade auction this past week and a 42-cent increase in the Class III milk price; but do they provide hope for U.S. dairy farmers? Lee Mielke talks about it with HighGround Dairy’s newest addition, Betty Berning, Contributing Dairy Economist:
Watch Your Cow’s Lock Up Time
Dr. Mike Hutjens looks at the impact on cows that are locked up in confinement for feeding.
Producer Spotlight
Michigan dairy farmer Tom Wing is also a member of the National Dairy Producers Organization. He joined us on today’s Dairy Radio Now Producer Spotlight:
Mastitis Cases Increase During Warmer Months
Seasons are changing and cases of mastitis tend to increase as the months get warmer. Dr. Ryan Leiterman of Crystal Creek shares his insights into the two separate causes of mastitis, environmental and contagious:
April Class III Up 42 Cents
Farm milk prices are climbing but have a long ways to go before hitting profitability for most U.S. dairy farms. The Agriculture Department announced the April Federal order Class III benchmark at $18.52 per hundredweight, up 42 cents from March but $5.90 below April 2022. The four month average stands at $18.46, down from $22.04 a year ago and compares to $16.40 in 2021.
The April Class IV price is $17.95, down 43 cents from March, $7.36 below a year ago, and the lowest Class IV since October 2021. Its four month average is at $18.80, down from $24.31 a year ago, and compares to $14.14 in 2021. Courtesy of the Mielke Market Weekly
Effective Delegation
Have you reached the brim of duties for the day or is it now overflowing? How about delegating some of the stuff you don’t want to do? Don Tyler, Founder of Tyler & Associates, joined the PDPW Dairy Signal:
March Cold Storage Surprise
The March Cold Storage report had a big surprise in it. Matt Gould, editor of the Weekly Wire talks about it with Lee Mielke; as well as the general sentiment in the dairy industry right now:
Latest On Methane
Dr. Mike Hutjens shares recent research related to methane.
Milk Price Reform Discussions Continue
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest efforts to reform the federal milk pricing system:
Preparing For Nuisance Flies
The days are getting longer and temperatures are warming up and that means it is time to prepare for fly season. Reina Lewis, sales development mgr with Central Life Sciences gives us the details on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
A Herd Manager For Each Cow
Alisa Gusterer, Vice President, smaXtec Inc. discusses (in a recent PDPW Dairy Signal) the latest innovation in real time cow monitoring:
GDT Surprises Dairy Industry
Last week’s GDT surprised the dairy industry with a 3.2% rise in the weighted average and US milk output in March was only up 0.5%. Lee Mielke talks
about it with Rabo Banks Senior Dairy Analyst, Lucas Fuess:
Fatty Acids
Dr. Mike Hutjens discusses fatty acids:
Promoting Dairy At NCIMS Conference
The 2023 National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS) was held in Indianapolis from April 3 to 7. The gathering once again highlighted the successful collaboration between the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS)/Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state regulators, and dairy industry representatives in an ongoing effort to promote and protect a safe supply of Grade A milk and milk products. Read More
Focus On Finance
Brady Brewer is an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University. He Joined the PDPW Dairy Signal to discuss the best way to navigate through uncertain economic times.
More Dairy Beef In Supply
Tight finances on dairy farms and high beef prices are tempting producers. StoneX broker Dave Kurzawski says dairy beef is making up a bigger percentage of the U.S. beef supply than it was a year ago, and talks with Lee Mielke about it.
Planting Intentions
Dr. Mike Hutjens shares the latest USDA planting intentions:
Milk Price Reform Reaches Pivotal Point
While the process of a USDA FMMO hearing and a referendum vote by producers will take some time, the National Milk Producers Federation already have come a long way toward achieving improvements to milk pricing that will modernize this important program. NMPF’s Chris Galen shares more on today’s Dairy Radio NOW:
‘Tis The Season For Taxes
Money and budget strategist Marissa Nehlsen, a certified speaker and coach, provides a wealth of information on a recent PDPW Dairy Signal:
Global Dairy Trade Shows Continued Weakness
Last week’s continued weakness in the GDT and the softened February US dairy export numbers are evidence of a weak global dairy market. Ron O’Brien, President of New Zealand-based Nui Markets North America, talks with Lee Mielke about some of the contributing factors:
Rumination Research
Dr. Mike Hutjens discusses recent research from Penn State on rumination.
Herd Health & Nutrition Conference
The Herd Health and Nutrition Conference is a two-day event in East Syracuse for agri-service personnel, feed industry representatives, veterinarians, and dairy producers, featuring educational topics related to current herd health and nutrition management techniques.
The Skin Is Window To Immune System
The skin is the front-line defense mechanism for every animal and as a result, it is under constant challenges from toxins, infectious agents and physical stresses. Dr. Ryan Leiterman discusses in this month’s “Ask the Vet” :
Silage Safety
Connie Kuber, co-owner, Connor Agriscience discusses, on a recent PDPW Dairy Signal, the importance of keeping things safe! Inspired by the late Keith Bolsen aka ‘The Silage Man.’
Eyes On Dairy Markets
Eyes are watching the dairy markets as cheese tops $2 per pound and then falls back; while butter is climbing again. StoneX broker Dave Kurzawski talks with Lee Mielke about it and warns that board room buyers don’t want $3 butter:
Feed Forum Friday
Dr. Mike Hutjens joins us with more research to share when feeding our animals.
NY Spring Dairy Carousel Kicks Off
The 2023 NY Spring Dairy Carousel kicks off Thursday, featuring 7 breed shows, youth Showmanship, judging contests and more. John Clark visited with Jason Lloyd, NY Holstein VP & Board Member:
Robotic Calf Feeding Tips
Amy Penterman, manager of Dutch Dairy LLC, recently joined the PDPW Dairy Signal to discuss robotic calf feeding practices:
Rabobank Quarterly Insights
Rabobank’s Global Dairy Quarterly had some insights for U.S. dairy producers. Senior Dairy Analyst Lucas Fuess shared some of them with Lee Mielke:
Monensin Research
Dr. Mike Hutjens shares the latest research from Iran regarding monensin in dairy cattle.
April Class I: $18.85
The Agriculture Department announced the April Class I base at 18.85 per hundredweight, down 14 cents from March, $5.53 below a year ago, and the lowest Class I since November 2021. It equates to $1.62 per gallon, down from $2.10 a year ago. The four month average stands at $20.26, down from $22.15 a year ago and compares to $15.35 in 2021. Courtesy of the Mielke Market Weekly
Provide Your Feedback on Fake Milk
National Milk’s Chris Galen joins us to discuss the public comment period for FDA’s guidance of plant based labels. Dairy advocates may learn more about the issue and offer comments here. Galen also updated us on legislation called DAIRY PRIDE, an acronym for the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese to Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act.
Dairy Leaders Honored By World Dairy Expo
World Dairy Expo® is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2023 Expo Recognition Awards. Nominated and selected by their peers, these individuals have made remarkable contributions to the dairy industry and their communities. Honorees will be formally honored during the Recognition Awards Banquet at World Dairy Expo on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Banquet tickets will be available at www.worlddairyexpo.com beginning on July 1. TThe 2023 Expo Recognition Award honorees are as follows:
Dairy Producer of the Year Randy Kortus, Lynden, Wash., Mainstream Holsteins, Jerseys and Ayrshires
Randy Kortus, Lynden, Wash., has built a dynasty of elite cattle genetics with his family’s herd, focusing on solid production cows while encompassing multiple breeds. Kortus and his family’s commitment to detailed and consistent herd management has provided each cow the opportunity to express her genetic potential, and it shows, as Kortus has developed 22 Dam of Merit cows, 41 Gold Medal Dam cows, and 13 cows achieving individual lifetime productions over 300,000 pounds of milk. He has also developed prominent sires in the Holstein and Jersey breeds, such as Mainstream Manifold and Mainstream Iatola Sparky. Beyond impacting the dairy industry through elite genetics, Kortus has committed over 25 years of service and leadership to Holstein Association USA and Select Sires, providing consultant services for herd owners and presenting seminars on a variety of dairy industry topics. Kortus has traveled to 27 countries on over 50 different trips, serving as a welcomed ambassador for the US dairy industry.
Industry Person of the Year Tom Morris, Amery, Wis., Deronda Farm, Tom Morris Ltd., Cattle CONNECTION
A successful Registered Holstein breeder, educator, auctioneer/sale manager, publisher and industry leader, Tom Morris’ pedigree is as storied as any sale topper he’s sold. Morris and his wife Sandy, owners of Deronda Farm, developed more than 200 Excellent cows and held three complete dispersals during the 1980s, each boasting the highest average in the USA for the year. Owners and operators of Tom Morris Ltd., the couple has managed over 500 dispersals and consignment sales, including the World Classic at World Dairy Expo. Always an innovator, Morris helped launch the first 9-month Dairy Herdsman Technical College Program in the country, serving as an instructor for ten years. As owner/publisher of the Cattle CONNECTION, he connected buyers and sellers with the monthly dairy publication for 32 years. Morris is also a valued industry leader, currently serving as World Dairy Expo’s Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Committee chair and as Vice President of the Executive Committee.
International Person of the Year Bonnie Cooper, North York, Ontario, Canada, Holstein Journal
Bonnie Cooper of North York, Ontario, Canada, is a well-known, highly respected and trail-blazing journalist who has dedicated her distinguished career of over 45 years to chronicling Canada’s dairy cattle industry as Editor of Holstein Journal. Throughout her time at Holstein Journal, Cooper devoted her way with words to telling meaningful stories about industry challenges and successes, genetic advancements, cow families and shows and sales. Cooper also managed the distinguished All-Canadian contest. Although Holstein Journal ceased publication in March 2019, Cooper continues her passion for writing about the dairy industry as a freelance journalist for a variety of publications, both in Canada and around the world. Most notably, she wrote “Holstein Milestones at the Royal” in honor of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair’s 100th anniversary for Holstein Canada’s Info Holstein publication last fall. Cooper also continues to write and distribute throughout Canada a free, monthly Holstein Coming Events column called “Bonnie’s Holstein Dairy Events Listing”.
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. The global dairy industry will return to Madison, Wis. for the 56th event, October 1-6, 2023, when the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, dairy and forage seminars, a world-class dairy cattle show and more will be on display. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile event app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Spotify, Instagram or YouTube for more information.
Investing In Transition Cows
Dr. Robert Van Saun, extension veterinarian at Penn State College of Agriculture Sciences, from a recent PDPW Dairy Signal:
Sick Calf Care
Dr. Tom Earleywine, Director of Nutritional Services with Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Solutions, joined the PDPW Dairy Signal with some tips on how to detect and care for sick calves:
Cheese Prices Converge
Cash cheese prices converged and strengthened this week. Was that a result of demand or supply? Matt Gould, editor of “The Weekly Wire” gives Lee Mielke the answer:
Clean Feed Approach
Dr. Mike Hutjens discusses the topic of clean feed:
Producer Spotlight: “A Little Help?”
Gary Genske with the National Dairy Producers Organization recently wrote a letter to his processor. He explains on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
Feeding Young Calves
Dr. Ryan Leiterman joins us for another “Ask the Vet” segment:
Having A Plan
Marissa Nehlsen, Money and business strategist, certified speaker and coach, discusses strategies for a successful operation and life
Milk Prices Lowered
Lee Mielke discusses the latest dairy production and prices with StoneX dairy broker Dave Kurzawski:
Cover Crops
Dr. Mike Hutjens shares research on the efficiency of cover crops:
Sen. Baldwin Comments On Fake Milk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) unwillingness to limit dairy terms to true dairy products makes passage of the DAIRY PRIDE Act more necessary than ever, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-WI, said in a Dairy Defined podcast released this week. Listen to the full podcast here
Five Key Steps For Calf Care Protocol
This week’s PDPW Producer Tuesday, we’re joined by Dr. Vicky Lauer with Armor Animal Health discusses the Five C’s for calf care:
Fluid Milk Sales Flounder
US fluid milk sales continue to flounder, down 2.4% in 2022 from 2021. Some of the blame is put on plant-based beverages, and the dairy industry has been calling on the Food and Drug Administration to stop such products from using dairy terms like “milk. Lee talks with HighGround Dairy President Eric Meyer over the FDA’s latest position on this issue.
Economic Benefits Of Cow Comfort
Dr. Mike Hutjens discusses the best ways to keep your cows comfortable:
Dairy Pride Act Would Help End Consumer Confusion
The National Milk Producers Federation commended a bipartisan group of senators for re-introducing the DAIRY PRIDE Act, which would end the problem of consumer confusion of the nutritional content of plant-based beverages the Food and Drug Administration took inadequate steps to remedy last week.
FDA is accepting comments on its draft guidance until April 24. Meanwhile, DAIRY PRIDE introduction in the House of Representatives is expected within weeks. NMPF’s Chris Galen gave Dairy Radio Now listeners an update from our nation’s capital:
February Class III Drops To $17.78
The February Federal Order Class III benchmark milk price was announced by the USDA at $17.78 per hundredweight Wednesday, down $1.65 from January, $3.13 below February 2022, and the lowest it has been since Sept. 2021.
The February Class IV price is $18.86, down $1.15 from January, $5.14 below a year ago, and the lowest Class IV since November 2021.
Courtesy of the Mielke Market Weekly
Strange Vet Visits
Dr. Ryan Leiterman from Crystal Creek shares some of the different and odd experiences he has witnessed as a veterinarian:
Keeping An Eye On Cattle Stress
Highlights from a recent PDPW Dairy Signal, Dr. Nicole Burdick Sanchez PhD, Research Animal Scientist, Livestock Issues Research Unit, USDA-ARS:
The Weekly Wire Debuts
Matt Gould, former analyst and editor of the Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter and now editor of The Weekly Wire. He talks with Lee Mielke about the publication’s change over and comments on the January Milk Production report.
Adding Beta Carotene In Dry Cows
Supplementing Beta Carotene in dry cows is our topic on this week’s Feed Forum Friday with Dr. Mike Hutjens:
March Class I: $18.99
The Agriculture Department announced the March Federal Order Class I base milk price at $18.99 per hundredweight, down $1.79 from February and $3.89 below March 2022, lowest Class I since Nov. 2021. The three month average stands at $20.73, down from $21.41 at this time a year ago, and compares to $15.29 in 2021. Courtesy of the Mielke Market Weekly
Spotlight On Technology
Holstein Association USA is the world’s largest dairy cattle breed organization, offering information services to all dairy producers.
Vermont Dairy Farmers Gather
Vermont dairy farmers are back together after the global pandemic halted the conference last year. John Clark reports from Burlington:
Marketing Wisconsin Cheese
Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin updated PDPW Dairy Signal viewers and listeners on the latest efforts of marketing Wisconsin cheese across the nation and around the world:
2022’s Disappearing Act
The Agriculture Department’s latest data shows dairy’s commercial disappearance in 2022 was strong, up 1.6%, according to StoneX broker Dave Kurzawski. He talks with Lee Mielke about the highlights.
Dairy Farming In Ireland
Dr. Mike Hutjens updates Dairy Radio Now listeners on the what the Irish dairy industry is up to.
Farm Bill Discussion An Example of Bipartisanship
The National Milk Producers Federation commended three NMPF cooperative members who spoke up for dairy producers today at a bipartisan House Agriculture Committee farm bill listening session held in Tulare, CA. California earlier this week. Chris Galen provided an update on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
Update On Genomics
Dr. Kent Weigel, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, updated PDPW Dairy Signal viewers and listeners on the latest in genomics:
Not As Optimistic On ’23 Exports
US dairy exports ended 2022 on a strong note and added value to U.S. farm incomes, however HighGround Dairy President Eric Meyer is not optimistic about 2023 exports. He talks with Lee Mielke about it.
Feed, Fuel, Fertilizer
Dr. Mike Hutjens discusses three researched topics that were recently presented, feed, fuel and fertilizer:
Ag Transportation Top Priority
Richard Ball, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, joined John Clark at the recent Transportation Summit in NY.
Dealing With Difficult Workers
Michael Hoffman of Igniting Performance recently gave a presentation on the PDPW Dairy Signal on how to deal with difficult people, particularly the workers you manage on the farm.
Heifer Numbers Down
The number of dairy heifers expected to calve and enter the milking herd this year is down 2% from 2022. What impact will that have on U.S. milk output. StoneX dairy broker Dave Kurzawski talks about it with Lee Mielke on Dairy Radio Now:
Energy Diets For Dry Cows
Dr. Mike Hutjens, professor emeritus from the University of Illinois discusses recent research as it relates to the impact of energy in the dry period and its role in terms of inflammation in liver function:
Holding Canada Responsible For Trade Violations
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) commended a recent announcement that the U.S. Trade Representative has formally moved to advance a U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dispute settlement proceeding and establish a second panel to determine whether Canada has been in violation of its market access obligations under the agreement. NMPF’s Chris Galen tells us about it on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
Calf Friendly Feeding
What is the best way to prepare a baby calf’s rumen for grain and hay? Dr. Ryan Leiterman from Crystal Creek answers this month’s Ask the Vet mailbag on Dairy Radio Now:
The Five C’s Of Calf Care
Dr. Vicky Lauer, Professional Services Veterinarian, Armor Animal Health, joined the PDPW Dairy Signal to share the Five C’s of Calf Care, a list originated by Dr. Sheila McGuirk:
IDFA Forum Recap
The International Dairy Foods Association’s annual Dairy Forum took place last week in Orlando. Ron O’Brien, President of Nui Markets North America, shares his perspective of the Forum with Lee Mielke:
Calcium Homeostasis Research
Dr. Mike Hutjens discusses Dr. Laura Hernandez recent research relating to homeostasis:
Farmer Angel Network
Farming is a uniquely stressful occupation, and farmer mental-health needs tend to be underserved, said Loganville, WI dairy farmer Randy Roecker in the latest Dairy Defined podcast. Roecker, a board member for Foremost Farms USA, is a co-founder of the Farmer Angel Network, a Wisconsin organization that helps support farmers’ mental health needs. More info about the Farmer Angel Network here: https://www.farmerangelnetwork.com/
Climate Change A Reality
Pennsylvania Agriculture Director Russell Redding discusses the challenges of dealing with climate change:
Optimizing Calves Behavior
Dr. Trevor DeVries, Ph.D., Professor and Canada Research Chair Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph recently gave a presentation on the PDPW Dairy Signal relating to managing socially-housed calves by optimizing behavior, nutrition and management. Listen and/or View Here
CME Dairy Product Prices Falling
CME dairy product prices are falling to levels not seen in months, or even years. Part of the reason is explained in the USDA’s latest utilization data. HighGround Dairy’s Eric Meyer talks with Lee Mielke about it:
Dairying in Canada
Dr. Mike Hutjens recently attended a dairy seminar in Ontario and recaps what Canadian dairy farmers are up to.
How Much ‘Farm’ Is In The Farm Bill?
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Dairy Radio Now to discuss the challenges of getting a new Farm Bill passed.
GT Thompson Ready For House Ag Chair Seat
U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) is excited to roll up his sleeves to help American dairy farmers. John Clark caught up with the newly elected Chair of the House Ag Committee:
Insurance: How Much Is Enough?
Sara Grade, Rural Mutual Insurance Company, spoke on a recent PDPW Dairy Signal about the importance of covering your assets during these inflationary times:
Rabobank Welcomes Fuess As New Sr Dairy Analyst
Lucas Fuess joins Lee Mielke in discussing the dairy markets as we enter 2023, but Fuess is wearing a different hat. He is now senior dairy analyst with Rabobank, and headquartered in Chicago.
Dr. Hutjens Recaps Mark Stephenson’s Report
Dr. Mike Hutjens recaps the latest dairy market numbers:
Calving Corner Grows In Popularity At PA Farm Show
John Clark recently visited the Calving Corner at the Pennsylvania Farm Show:
Heifer Talk
Dr. Gavin Staley, Technical Services Specialist with Diamond V – excerpts from a recent PDPW Dairy Signal:
Recent Global Dairy Trade Shows Weakness
The first Global Dairy Trade (GDT) of 2023 saw continued weakness Tuesday. Global markets enter 2023 on the defensive, according to Nui Market’s Ron O’Brien. He talks with Lee Mielke about it:
The Benefits Of Switchgrass
Dr. Mike Hutjens recaps a Guelph University study on the benefits of feeding switchgrass.
NMPF Keeps New Farm Bill On Radar
The 118th Congress convenes and clear policy challenges lie ahead. Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Dairy Radio Now to discuss the top priorities for ’23:
Feeding Young Calves More Frequently
Dr. Ryan Leiterman continues the important topic of why we should be feeding young calves three times a day, with the same amount of intake, rather than two times per day.