Industry News

In early November, AgSTAR announced updates to its comprehensive U.S. livestock anaerobic digester database.

In this column, Progressive Dairy summarizes issues in the news and attempts to describe how they might affect dairy farmers. Look for more extensive background and details atProgressive Dairy.

Additional details are emerging regarding Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program changes announced by the USDA on Dec. 8. (Read: USDA releases supplemental DMC, hay cost adjustment and 2022 enrollment details.)

Strength in cheese and butterfat exports was offset by weaker sales of milk powders and whey, resulting in a small year-over-year decline in U.S. dairy export volume (milk solids equivalent) in October, according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC).

The USDA has released eagerly awaited details related to the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. The announcement, Dec. 8, covers:

• Creation of a supplemental DMC provision for small and midsized dairy producers to update milk production history
• Adjustments in determining average hay prices to calculate monthly feed costs and margins
• Establishment of a sign-up period for 2022 program enrollment

A few questions remain, but here’s what we know so far. Check back with Progressive Dairy for updates.

Digest Highlights

• 2021 DMC payments top $1.1 billion
• DFA regional brands donating 2 million servings of milk
• MMPA to acquire Superior Dairy
• Land O’Lakes seeks to quell butter supply chain concerns
• FMCSA extends COVID-19 emergency exemption
• World Dairy Expo seeks new general manager
• USDA buys nonfat dry milk, cheese
• Input costs, policy changes weigh on producer sentiment
• GDT price index keeps rising
• And in other news …