The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced Dec. 5 that it is updating the voluntary U.S. Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef.

Dairy producers hoping for a year-end price rally didn’t have much to cheer about as the 2017 calendar turned to the last page. Meanwhile, the USDA updated milk prices, feed costs and income margins from October.

Digest Highlights: Federal order Class I proposal analyzed. NAFTA outlook shared. New rules affecting dairy coming to Texas, Ohio. Find a summary of these and other news here.

Editor's note: While this article seeks to explain different options to protect milk prices and income margins, it's imperative you talk to professional milk marketers and insurance agents before making risk management decisions.

The latest weekly carcass weight data for the week ending on Nov. 18 showed steer carcass weights at 902 pounds for the third consecutive week. This is likely the seasonal peak in carcass weights and is up 70 pounds from the seasonal low of 832 pounds in early May.

Many forage growers have recently had “sticker shock” at their ag-supplier’s counter. The best varieties are considerably more expensive than what most growers have grown accustomed to paying. Consequently, some forage growers have been tempted to either use inferior varieties or substantially reduce seeding rates in the superior varieties to save on seed costs during establishment. But, there is a difference between cutting costs and cutting corners.

On Oct. 17-19, the Progressive Dairy Operators set out on a second trip to farms and businesses in Michigan and Indiana. The group took buses on a similar tour in August and the popularity of the trip led to plans for a second visit for the members that ended up on the waiting list.