The influx of milk has pushed prices downward, and despite alternative revenue sources helping ease the pain on farms’ bottom lines, pressure is mounting on margins.

In a move to safeguard U.S. livestock and ranching operations from the screwworm threat, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Jan. 21, 2026, announced the launch of the New World Screwworm Grand Challenge, a major funding initiative designed to accelerate innovative tools, technologies and strategies to combat the northward spread of New World screwworm (NWS).

Beef exports data for September took another downturn in September 2025, according to data released by the USDA. As expected, beef exports took another hit in September, with total beef exports dropping to the lowest level in five years.

In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line the third week of January 2026: February Class I base milk price hits 68-month low, fluid milk sales were down 1.8% in November, the GDT index is higher again, and a reminder to sign up for the Milk Loss Program and HPAI biosecurity webinars.

In the news related to dairy farming the second week of January 2026: USDEC launches Voices From The Barn video podcasts, registration is now open for the 2026 PDP Business Conference, and a charitable milk campaign kicks off 2026 with record-breaking donations.

The past year provided ample opportunities for dairy producers to capitalize on market conditions with both longstanding and new risk management strategies.

In the news related to dairy farming mid-December 2025: House passes Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, a milk test finds Wisconsin’s first case of HPAI in dairy, Land O’Lakes doubles down on hunger relief before the holidays, an annual event highlights the Friends of Expo, Alltech announces dairy farm Most Valuable Employee Award winner, and the USDA announces $38.1 million in grant agreement to cover agricultural losses due to Hurricane Helene in Tennessee.

In dairy-related news the final week of November 2025: the Senate passes Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, the EPA and Army Corps unveil WOTUS proposal, the USDA launches a website for New World screwworm, and dairy leaders share progress and priorities at sustainability meeting.