Industry News

The COVID-19 pandemic has weighed heavily on 2020 dairy markets, and that influence is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, according to Mark Stephenson, University of Wisconsin – Madison director of dairy policy analysis. Stephenson discussed factors impacting milk producers and markets during a northeastern Wisconsin farm management update meeting for agricultural professionals, held virtually on Oct. 22.

Digest Highlights

• Senators urge CFAP 2 payments for cull cows
• November 2020 Class I base: $18.04 per cwt
• Foremost Farms selling Minnesota plant
• USDEC opens center in Singapore
• Dairy supply management video to premiere, Oct. 28
• FARM Program to host ‘Quick Convo’ informational sessions
• Impossible Foods boosting research and development

More cows and stronger milk per cow pushed U.S. milk production higher in September 2020, up 2.3% from a year earlier, according to the USDA’s preliminary monthly Milk Production report, released Oct. 20.

A long-awaited Michigan cheese and whey facility began receiving milk from local farmers on Oct. 20, the first loads of which will eventually grow to up to 8 million pounds of milk intake per day.

Digest Highlights

• Retail dairy sales strong in September
• 2020 fluid sales volumes updated
• Court approves DFA divestiture order
• Dairy Defined: Dairy votes crucial to 2020 elections
• Study: Removing dairy does little for climate, while limiting essential nutrient supply
• Texas dairy producers face tiered pricing system
• Dairy maintains push for higher-fat dairy options in dietary guidelines
• Dairy Download: Dairy walking a tight rope
• Global Dairy Trade index steady
• Progressive Dairy COVID-19 resources

Progressive Dairy provides updates on dairy-related organizations and companies, compiled from staff news sources and industry press releases. Email industry and organization news to Progressive Dairy Editor Jenna Hurty.