USDA reports influencing dairy markets remain delayed following the conclusion of the government shutdown, and at the same time, seasonal pressures from the holiday season are shaping the U.S. dairy outlook for December. Producers should evaluate their current risk management options and secure additional coverage as 2025 comes to a close.

The November World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (WASDE) showed this month’s 2025-26 U.S. corn outlook is for increases in supply, exports and ending stocks. Total supply is 144 million bushels higher as larger beginning stocks are partially offset by lower production.

The Progressive Cattle editorial staff cover the top news stories from 2025.

The milk production forecast for 2025 is raised from the previous report based on higher milk cow inventories and robust milk per cow through the third quarter of 2025. Estimated at 231.4 billion pounds, it was raised 1,400 million pounds from September’s report.

Twenty states including Idaho, Texas and New York boosted milk production a combined 789 million pounds in September.

In dairy-related news this first week of November 2025: The USDA plans to release key production data in November, IDFA submits comments on global dairy trade barriers, a carcass composting bill passes in California, and Chobani partners with U.S. Soccer.

At the time of this writing, the government shutdown is now in its fourth week. While the shutdown has many USDA reports delayed and data unpublished, dairy insurance programs are available even if a prolonged shutdown could delay claim processing if indemnities are triggered.

Starting in late July and throughout August, weekly cattle slaughter slowed seasonally but to levels that were the lowest since 2015. Adjusting for one fewer slaughter days in 2025, August saw a 10% decline in cattle slaughter, the largest year-over-year decline for any month in 2025.