In the news affecting a dairy farmer's bottom line the first week of March 2026: GDT index moves higher in fifth consecutive event, AFBF economist examines the Dairy Margin Coverage program, and DMI CEO Barbara O’Brien announces her retirement.

Things could not have ended better for dairy product exports than they did in 2025.

The February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (WASDE) showed this month’s 2025-26 U.S. corn outlook is for greater exports and lower ending stocks. Exports are raised 100 million bushels to 3.3 billion, reflecting sales and shipments to date.

The February Feed Outlook report shows this month’s global coarse grains trade forecasts for both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 trade year are made on the observed pace of shipments and supply adjustments. The forecast for global sorghum trade is unchanged from last month.

In dairy-related news the second week of February 2026: The USDA opened enrollment for CRP programs, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy elects new board executive committee, U.S. and Argentina trade agreement includes dairy, and the DCHA opens registration for its annual conference and trade show.

In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line the first week of February 2026: Agriculture groups join forces for USMCA renewal, farmer sentiment drops sharply, the GDT index takes another big jump, and the annual “Plant a Seed” campaign is now open.

As trade data continues to be released following the six-week government shutdown last fall, records indicate a favorable end to the 2025 year for U.S. dairy products.

The January Feed Outlook report shows estimates of the 2025-26 corn crop were elevated to 17 billion bushels. Corn production was already a record high prior to the update, subsequently the U.S. corn harvest was augmented by gains in harvested area – up 1.2 million acres and 1.3% from the prior forecast to 91.3 million.