Regular readers of the Progressive Dairyman Extra enewsletter know we provide regular updates on Dairy Revenue Protection (Dairy-RP) program sales activity. This week, we take an additional look at the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) data: the percentage of milk by coverage level; and preview the timeline as the first quarter of 2019 comes to a close.

Digest Highlights

• Cows not so dry
• England, Wales losing dairy farms too
• Danone North America expands plant-based ‘yogurt’ alternative facility
• Global dairy price index jumps
• TMP fluid milk bid deadline is near
• NYFB argues against farm worker collective bargaining rights
• Proposal requires overtime pay for all ag workers
• Maryland to fund margin insurance premiums
• Livestock groups seek hauling regulation exemption

• Dairy products: Smaller shipments to China, Asia
• Dairy replacement export outlook promising
• Demand from Japan supports hay exports
• U.S. ag trade surplus grows
• Other trade developments

Four panelists, representing some of the dairy industry’s leaders in building employee engagement, offered their perspectives at the recent Operations Managers Conference, presented by Cornell PRO-DAIRY and the Northeast Dairy Producers Association. The session was moderated by Dr. Richard Stup, Cornell agricultural workforce specialist. Panelists shared how and why to engage employees and build a positive workplace culture.

Safety plays a vital role on every dairy farm because the ideal goal is to end each day with safe and healthy employees and animals. Safety is a role that continues to be evaluated and improved in order to better the industry and the experiences of those who work in and are a part of it.

It has been said the greatest need of any person is to feel appreciated. With low milk prices and the decline of dairy farms, many farmers are left feeling underappreciated, but the Wisconsin-based restaurant chain Culver’s has been thanking farmers personally.