Continuing from the first half of last year’s trend, interest rates in the third quarter of 2025 fell according to lender surveys from Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City and Minneapolis Federal Reserve districts.

In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line the first week of February 2026: Agriculture groups join forces for USMCA renewal, farmer sentiment drops sharply, the GDT index takes another big jump, and the annual “Plant a Seed” campaign is now open.

Winter has tightened its grip, keeping hay markets steady but cautious as producers navigate uneven quality, feeding demand and slow exports.

In the news affecting a dairy farmer's bottom line the first week of January 2026: Farmer sentiment drifts lower as trade uncertainty hangs over agriculture, GDT index moves higher to start the year, and NEXT assists with nearly 62 million pounds of dairy product export sales.

Looking ahead, current Federal Reserve forecasts project only one more 0.25% rate cut in 2026 and a final 0.25% cut in 2027. In contrast, CME fed fund futures anticipate two rate cuts in 2026, with the first likely at the March or April FOMC meeting.

In the news affecting dairy producers' bottom lines in the middle of September 2025: the October Class I base milk price falls to $18.04, the Federal Reserve makes its first rate cut since December, the GDT index is down slightly, and fluid milk sales were down in July.

In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line this first week of September 2025: The USDA outlines a plan to strengthen the rural veterinary workforce, farmer sentiment weakens, the GDT index tumbles 4.3%, and Westby Cooperative Creamery announces a $14 million expansion.

Lender surveys from Chicago, Dallas and Kansas City Federal Reserve districts demonstrated another weak quarter as interest rates on agricultural loans declined in the second quarter of 2025.

In news relating to dairy farmers' bottom line in early August 2025: Bills related to milk introduced in House and Senate, DFA acquires W&W Dairy, farmer sentiment weakens, and FSA interest rates continue upward trend.