California milk output was down despite increase in cow numbers.

The forecast for first-quarter beef production was raised 15 million pounds based on a faster expected pace of cow slaughter in the latter part of the quarter that will more than offset less bull slaughter and lower aggregate carcass weights.

Uniform prices were lower, the "average-of" Class I mover formula provided a small benefit on Class I prices and more Class IV milk returned to the pool.

Moisture conditions are improving, but hay exports and milk prices are weakening, with a likely impact on demand.

The 2023 milk production forecast was raised by 200 million pounds from last month, based on a larger cow inventory.

The USDA released its latest Ag Prices report on Feb. 28, including factors used to calculate January 2023 DMC margins and indemnity payments.

The U.S. Department of Labor on Feb. 27 announced it would publish a final rule to amend how the adverse effect wage rates for the H-2A program are set to improve the rates’ consistency and accuracy based on the actual work performed by H-2A workers and to better prevent their employment negatively affecting the wages of similarly employed U.S. workers.

Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed guidance allowing plant-based beverages to use "milk” in labels and marketing, multiple dairy state lawmakers have introduced a bill to nullify it.