In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line as we begin July 2025: Senate includes dairy provisions in budget reconciliation bill, the USDA announces phased reopening of southern ports for livestock trade, and farmer sentiment weakens on cloudy trade outlook.

In news affecting dairy farmers' bottom lines at the start of June 2025: The Senate Ag Committee advances the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, Darigold opens largest dairy processing facility in the Northwest, and farmer sentiment reaches a four-year high.

Lender surveys from Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City and Minneapolis Federal Reserve districts reflected the pressures of a subdued agricultural economy as interest rates on agricultural loans declined for another straight quarter in the first three months of 2025.

Making headlines as the calendar moved from April to May 2025: The U.S. and Indonesia sign landmark dairy agreement, USTR calls out misuse of common food names, May FSA interest rates slightly lower and news from two dairy cooperatives.

In the news affecting dairy producers' bottom lines this first week of April 2025: Several dairy bills receive support in Congress, producer sentiment slips, global dairy trade is up, and planting intentions are released.

Here’s an update on interest rates from the fourth quarter of 2024 as reported by Federal Reserve districts that share data impacting dairy finances.

In news affecting a dairy farmer's bottom line as we begin February 2025: The USDA confirms second strain of HPAI found in dairy cattle, the GDT index takes a good leap, farmer sentiment remains optimistic despite trade uncertainty and more.

Long-term interest rates, as measured by the 10-year U.S. Treasury, have a strong correlation with the federal funds rate. As a result, long-term interest rates are likely to remain higher until economic risks to the outlook clear and/or the Fed resumes interest rate cuts in the second half of the year.

In this week's news, the FDA plans to test raw cow’s milk cheese nationwide for HPAI, January FSA interest rates continue to rise, the USDA provides more than $8 million in second round of payments to help organic dairy producers, and Saputo's COO steps down after three months.