Here’s a review of what we do know about hay and forage markets as you continue to look for answers.

U.S. beef exports have faced considerable headwinds in 2025, largely in the form of high tariff rates and the ensuing trade policy fallout in key markets for U.S. beef, especially in China.

From the Maritimes to the Prairies and the mountains of the West Coast, dairy producers across the country face their own unique challenges from year to year. Progressive Dairy talked with producers and professionals in several provinces to learn about the challenges, triumphs and opportunities found within 2025 thus far.

The forage market continues to be influenced by several key factors including drought conditions, fluctuating hay prices and continuing trade policies.

As 2025 progresses, dairy markets remain soft with somewhat mixed – though more bearish than bullish – signals. That said, prices and IOFC have, thus far, held up better than many expected. The scale and duration of current market pressures, however, remains uncertain.

The opening session of the 2025 Business Conference presented by the Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) will bring together leading experts in each of these areas to provide strategies to those navigating dairy businesses through unpredictable times.