Dairy farmers attending a summit to explore dairy policy and marketing options overwhelmingly supported some method of milk supply management, but worried congressional action might take too long for many of them to survive.

The USDA plans to purchase $50 million worth of fluid milk for distribution to domestic food assistance programs, the agency announced on Aug. 14. These purchases will be separate from any USDA dairy product purchases under another program designed to provide financial assistance to dairy farmers negatively impacted by the ongoing tariff war with major U.S. dairy export customers.

Digest Highlights

• St. Johns, Michigan, selected for cheese and whey production facility
• California’s share of dairy exports should influence aid distribution
• Labels, labels, labels
• September California Class 1 prices improve
• July global dairy price index weakens
• USDA releases three-year Chesapeake Bay watershed action plan

Now more than ever, it is important to make sure each stall on your dairy is occupied by the most profitable cows. One way to improve profit per stall is to change the makeup of your herd and milk a higher percentage of older cows, as they are typically the best producers.

Whether it’s a piece of property or a tractor, once you’ve decided to make an investment in your business, the question then turns to the source of capital to finance that investment. Do you invest your cash? If so, how much?

Every year, Dairy Nutrition and Management Consulting (DNMC) holds a dairy summit. It’s an opportunity for dairy industry experts to meet together in the spirit of learning and community, and to discuss the changes in the business.