Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) uniform milk prices improved in most regions in December, with largest increases in those with higher percentages of milk pooled through Class I markets.

The enrollment period for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for the 2026 coverage year started on Jan. 12. Based on current milk and feed prices and futures markets, the 2026 milk income margins could be the lowest since 2023.

Since the July 2025 WASDE, corn-harvested area has surged 4.5 million acres. Notably, the record corn crop in 2025 exceeds the prior high set in 2023 by 1.7 billion bushels or over 40 million tons.

Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) regional uniform milk prices continued to fall in November, in many cases hitting multiyear lows. Across all orders, uniform prices declined an average of 98 cents per hundredweight (cwt) compared to October, with declines of $1 or more per cwt in five of 11 FMMOs.

The milk production forecast for 2025 is unchanged from the previous month, based on the data in the most recent Milk Production report. Estimated at 231.4 billion pounds, it was unchanged from November’s report.

In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line the third week of November 2025: Class I base milk price rebounds to $18.21 in December 2025, fluid milk sales move higher, GDT index drops, Latin American trade frameworks announced, and crop disaster assistance and milk loss program applications due.

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.

Dairy producers should anticipate smaller milk checks this month, based on a preview of Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) milk class prices.

In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line the third full week of October 2025: Class I base milk price tumbles in November to $16.75, the USDA plans to resume FSA operations amid government shutdown, the GDT index is down 1.4%, and Secretary Rollins announces plan for American ranchers and consumers.