President Donald Trump on March 6 signed executive orders announcing another 30-day postponement of implementation of across-the-board 25% tariffs on goods entering the United States from Mexico and Canada. All products covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) of 2020 are exempt from the new tariff until at least April 2.

Higher milk and beef prices are two bright spots that have contributed to healthier financial margins across much of the Pacific Northwest.

Many dairy producers in California are cautiously optimistic about what 2025 has in store, including Tyler Ribeiro from Rib-Arrow Dairy in Tulare. Topping his list of concerns right now are feed and water costs.

Dairy continues to reduce animal drug residues found in milk and meat, supporting its greater mission countering antimicrobial resistance, as shown in the 2024 annual report from the National Milk Drug Residue Database (NMDRD) released in December.

The U.S. dairy export market noted gains in most major product categories, a trend that was apparent as 2024 came to a close. Cheese exports saw year-over-year volume gains for the 13th consecutive month and low-protein whey shipments rose 6%, contributing to an impressive 20% rise in year-over-year U.S. export value. Yet, there are plenty of uncertainties that will shape exports in 2025. Here’s Progressive Dairy’s 30,000-foot look at dairy-related export categories.