Dairy farmers banking on the surge in cheese prices to have an immediate and equally explosive impact on their milk checks should rein in expectations. Analysis by leading U.S. dairy economists warn that negative producer price differentials (PPDs) and depooling will sharply limit any price increases many dairy farmers will receive in their milk checks this summer.

As expected, a further downturn in May’s U.S. average milk price has triggered monthly Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program indemnity payments even larger than the payments in April.

Digest Highlights

• CFAP dairy payments move above $1 billion plateau
• Borden Dairy sale approved
• CME change affects dairy daily price limits
• CDI closes plant in Artesia, California
• USDA ending Chinese export certification audits of dairy, infant formula plants
• North American Open Dairy Cattle Show set for Oct. 13-18 in New York
• ‘Climate Solutions’ bill also introduced in House
• Catching up on navigable waters rule, dietary guidelines
• NMPF task force investigation farmer payment protection
• Progressive Dairy COVID-19 resources

When feeding whole milk or milk replacer to calves, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution for dairy producers. The choice of which one to feed often comes down to each farm’s whole milk availability, its costs, the current milk price and the farm’s management capabilities. Whether you’re feeding whole milk, milk replacer or a combination of the two, here are three things to consider.

When people across the planet were asked to shelter in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, there were some stark changes in the atmosphere.

Your total cost to raise calves is an important metric, but it's especially important when profit margins are tight. Total feed costs or feed cost per pound of gain are common metrics; however, those figures may be misleading because they don't include the full picture.