Industry News

The USDA’s October World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) and Crop Production reports were released Oct. 9. Slightly higher milk production was forecast for both 2020 and 2021, with the outlooks for milk prices also improved somewhat. Those milk price gains, however, will likely be offset by higher projected feed costs.

The USDA will begin accepting applications for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, for 2021 enrollment. Sign-up will run through Dec. 11, 2020. Earlier this summer, the starting date for 2021 DMC enrollment was announced as Oct. 12. However, Monday, Oct. 12 is a federal holiday.

August was another strong month for U.S. dairy exports, sustaining double-digit growth in both volume and value compared with a year ago. That helped push the overall August ag trade balance into positive numbers for just the second month in 2020. Here’s an update on the U.S. ag export categories tracked by Progressive Dairy and a summary of other trade news.

The transition period (three weeks before to three weeks after calving) is one of those times when cows need a little extra attention. Cows make the transition from a non-lactating pregnant state to a lactating non-pregnant state during transition period.

Digest Highlights

• NMPF supports USDA animal ID proposal
• FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative provides derecho aid
• ADA North East Dairying for Tomorrow award recipients named
• DFA names 2020 ‘members of distinction’
• North Carolina offers dairy aid
• Ohio State plans November risk management series
• PDPW enhances ‘financial literacy’ program

Update Highlights

• Formula change has added to market disorder
• U.S. per capita cheese consumption moves higher again
• Dairy Download: Dairy sales concerns ahead
• Global Dairy Trade index improves
• Ag Economy Barometer reveals improving outlook