The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its Agricultural Prices report Jan. 31, 2025, which includes feed costs used to calculate the December 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program margins and indemnity payments. December’s margin came in at $13.38 per hundredweight (cwt), concluding a year of mostly confident margins for dairy producers.

The new year is taking shape with risk management policies offering enrollment for 2025 as the 2018 Farm Bill was granted a one-year extension, as well as the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) referendum passing with the new rule to take effect June 1.

In news affecting dairy's bottom line in mid-January, the Class I base price edges higher and the GDT index is back up. However, November fluid milk sales are down compared to the same month last year.

In dairy news this week: The USDA added six more states for national HPAI milk testing, the U.S. partners with Indonesia to enhance its dairy sector, and Dairy's Foundation awards education and outreach grants.

Enrollment for the Dairy Margin Coverage program for the 2025 coverage year is set to begin Jan. 29 and will remain open through March 31.

As January 2025 gets underway, here is a look at the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line.