Latest Moos
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:
DMC, CFAP Deadline December 11th
December 11th is the deadline to register for round two of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and also the Dairy Margin Coverage Program. Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation provided us with an update:
Dairy Margin Coverage Questions?
Marin Bozic answers a few questions about USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage program.
COVID Spread Continues
From a recent PDPW Dairy Signal, Kathrine Barnes with the National Farm Medicine Center shares her thoughts about the spread of COVD-19:
Milk Production Ramifications
We saw a pretty bearish October Milk Production report last week. HighGround Dairy’s Lucas Fuess talks about the ramifications with Lee Mielke on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
Feed Outlook
Dr. Mike Hutjens provides the latest feed outlook:
Class I Up $1.83
The Agriculture Department announced the December Federal order Class I base milk price at $19.87 per hundredweight, up $1.83 from November, the highest Class I price since December 2014, and 54 cents above December 2019. That put the 2020 Class I average at $16.91, down from $16.99 in 2019 and compares to $14.84 in 2018. Courtesy of the Mielke Market Weekly
Winter Ventilation Tips
Just because we are entering the cold winter months doesn’t mean to reduce the ventilation exchange rates in your barn. Dr. Ryan Leiterman from Crystal Creek tells us more:
Preparing For Transition
Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company updated Dairy Signal viewers on how the dairy industry is dealing with the global pandemic and government leadership transition.
Cheese Prices Falling, Feed Prices Rising
Cheese prices are falling and will pull milk prices lower but feed prices are rising. StoneX dairy broker, Dave Kurzawski, says last week’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report shows record corn exports and smaller crops. He talks with Lee Mielke about it:
Margin Coverage Update
Dr. Mike Hutjens tells us about the safety nets offered to dairy producers as we close out 2020.
Election Recap & DMC Reminder
National Milk’s Chris Galen joined us with an update from our nation’s capital:
Thank You Rep. Peterson
A big “Thank you” to Minnesota Democrat Collin Peterson, ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, who was defeated in his re-election bid. Hoards Dairyman’s Corey Geiger called Peterson a “champion for agriculture.”
Milk Price Up $5.18
The U.S. benchmark Class III milk price pole vaulted $5.18, to $21.61 per hundredweight, highest October price since 2014, with more to come, thanks in large part to Uncle Sam’s Farmers to Families Food Box program. The November Class III futures settled Wednesday at $23.77 and December at $20.17. Courtesy of the Mielke Market Weekly
Rumination Devices Prove Effective
Dr. Mike Hutjens recaps a Penn State study in relationship to milkfat and rumination times.
Dear President Trump and Secretary Perdue
Ketosis Testing & Treatment Options
Dr Ryan Leiterman from Crystal Creek continues his series on ketosis and offers some recommendations on how to test and treat the disease:
Election Day Is Here
U.S. Milk Production Keeps Climbing
Matt Gould of the Dairy Market Analyst Weekly Report newsletter joins us on the day before the general election to discuss the dairy markets:
Trace Minerals 101
Today’s Feed Forum Friday, Dr. Mike Hutjens looks at recent research from the Netherlands looking at different sources of trace minerals in the feeding program:
December Deadline To Apply For CFAP-2 and DMC
National Milk Producers Federation’s first-ever virtual annual meeting was held this week. Chris Galen joined us on Dairy Radio Now with a recap and a reminder of an important December 11th deadline for both CFAP-2 and DMC:
Wisconsin Dairy Farmer On NPR
Wisconsin dairy farmer Rick Roden of West Bend shares his candid thoughts about the election and Covid-19 with NPR’s Noel King: Listen on NPR’s site
“Biggest Challenge Of Our Lifetimes”
The extreme disruptions and financial upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have created real struggles for dairy producers – and the industry has responded by rising to an unprecedented occasion, said Randy Mooney, chairman of the National Milk Producers Federation, to delegates Monday at NMPF’s first-ever virtual annual meeting. He says “dairy is meeting biggest challenges of our lifetime.”
The Importance Of Animal ID Tags
Animal identification and traceability continues to evolve. Today’s guests are Jodi Legge, executive director of the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium and Curt Larson with Equity Livestock Cooperative Sales Assn from a recent Dairy Signal:
Is U.S. Dairy Herd in Expansion Mode?
September milk production was up more than expected. Is the U.S. dairy herd in an expansion mode? Lee Mielke poses the question to HighGround Dairy’s Lucs Fuess:
Reducing Methane
Dr. Mike Hutjens has ways to feed cows and also reduce methane:
FARM “Quick Convos” Scheduled
The National Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program will host a series of online informational sessions beginning Nov. 4. The “Quick Convos” will feature FARM staff and industry stakeholders discussing program components, expectations, and available resources. Visit the FARM Quick Convos webpage and follow the Register link by each session.
Market Update
Strong dairy prices would seem to indicate that dairy product commercial disappearance must really be great. Not necessarily, according to Matt Gould, analyst and editor of the Dairy and Food Market Analyst newsletter. He talks with Lee Mielke about it:
Useful DHIA Records
Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) helps dairy producers create and manage important records and data about their cows Dr. Mike Hutjens tells us more on today’s Feed Forum Friday:
DMC and CFAP Deadline is December 11th
National Milk’s Chris Galen joined us on today’s Dairy Radio Now broadcast to update listeners on round two of the Coronvirus Food Assistance Program, as well as the new Dairy Margin Coverage Program:
Milk Price Roller Coaster Continues
The September benchmark milk price is dropping, however October is poised to shoot back up above $20. StoneX dairy broker Dave Kurzawski talks about it with Lee Mielke; as well as current cheese prices and the government’s Food Box program:
Marketing Milk Solids
The price of milk protein has been on the rise. Dr. Mike Hutjens tells us more:
Options For CFAP 2 Signup
Producers have multiple options to apply for the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program or CFAP 2. Wisconsin FSA’s Sandy Chalmers updated producers on a recent PDPW Dairy Signal webcast.
Testing For Ketosis
Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison predicts that 40-45% of dairy cows develop ketosis within the first 30 days of milk. Dr. Ryan Leiterman begins a series on why testing for ketosis is crucial for a dairy producers bottom-line.
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China Buying Up Soybeans
Dan Basse, President of AgResource Company updated PDPW Dairy Signal attendees on China’s latest purchases of U.S. soybeans:
Food Box Deliveries Slowing Down
U.S. milk prices promise to remain relatively strong, however StoneX Dairy warns that government Food Box deliveries are beginning to slow. What does this mean for the dairy complex? Dairy broker Dave Kurzawski talks with Lee Mielke about it:
Fine Tuning DCAD Rations
Dr. Mike Hutjens highlights a recent study that farmers should be thinking about when feeding transition cows:
CFAP – Round 2
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio listeners on round 2 of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program: