The USDA announced updates to school nutrition standards that could extend through the 2023-24 school year. Among the provisions, the rule allows schools to continue to serve low-fat (1%) flavored milk with meals without needing to secure a waiver.

Digest Highlights

• 2022 DMC enrollment deadline nears
• IDFA releases FMMO study report
• USDA funding ‘pop-up’ site to boost dairy, ag exports
• IDFA: Dairy Exporter Working Group formed
• GDT price index up again
• Input costs and availability weigh down producer sentiment
• October 2021 mailbox, all-milk price spread increased

Digest Highlights

• PMVAP payments being released
• FMMO hearing process explained
• Emergency measures designed to address North Dakota milk trucking shortages
• Livestock Forage Disaster Program application period closes Jan. 31
• Taco Bell unveils dairy-based beverage

Digest Highlights

• USDA milk production forecast steady, price outlook improves
• California QIP petitions filed
• Northeast organic partnership launched
• November 2021 butter, powder output lower
• USDA buys milk

In this column, Progressive Dairy summarizes issues in the news and attempts to describe how they might affect dairy farmers. Look for more extensive background and details at Progressive Dairy.

Digest Highlights

• Vilsack says consensus needed on potential FMMO reforms
• Danone extending Northeast organic contracts until February 2023
• Canada issues dairy threat over BBB Act electric car provision
• Amp Americas expands Idaho, Indiana dairy RNG assets
• High Plains Ponderosa, Shell to create RNG facility in Kansas
• Saputo Dairy adding solar power to California plant
• Fluid milk processor board nominees sought
• North Carolina offers dairy assistance payments
• USDA to conduct study about agricultural producers
• And in other news …

The USDA has released eagerly awaited details related to the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. The announcement, Dec. 8, covers:

• Creation of a supplemental DMC provision for small and midsized dairy producers to update milk production history
• Adjustments in determining average hay prices to calculate monthly feed costs and margins
• Establishment of a sign-up period for 2022 program enrollment

A few questions remain, but here’s what we know so far. Check back with Progressive Dairy for updates.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has called on Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to immediately suspend all imports of fresh beef from Brazil to the U.S.

Digest Highlights

• ‘Build Back Better Act’ funds projects to address dairy’s needs
• Bill adds ag representation on foreign transaction panel
• Proposal expands DOT farm truck exemptions
• California flights to measure methane
• Worker strike planned at New York dairy processor
• Agricultural broadband needs identified
• Veterans in agriculture to meet
• ARC/PLC payment, enrollment updates

An online tool is now available to help ranchers document and estimate payments to cover feed transportation costs caused by drought, which are now covered by the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP).