Update Highlights

• Formula change has added to market disorder
• U.S. per capita cheese consumption moves higher again
• Dairy Download: Dairy sales concerns ahead
• Global Dairy Trade index improves
• Ag Economy Barometer reveals improving outlook

Average U.S. agricultural land values and cropland rental rates were steady in 2020, according to the USDA’s annual report.

You’re busy. With that in mind, Progressive Dairy looks at issues in the news impacting you and your dairy business. In recognition of your time, we’ll attempt to summarize recent events or actions making dairy headlines and reported in our weekly digital newsletter.

The coronavirus threw a monkey wrench in dairy sales. State and local governments issued stay-at-home orders. “Non-essential” businesses were mandated to close in many localities and states.

Progressive Dairy provides updates on dairy-related organizations and companies, compiled from staff news sources and industry press releases. Email industry and organization news to Progressive Dairy Editor Jenna Hurty.

A settlement agreement has been reached in a lawsuit involving Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and about 115 dairy farmers marketing milk in the northeast U.S. The agreement came one day before a jury trial, postponed from July due the COVID-19 pandemic, was scheduled to begin, Sept. 30. Details of the settlement were not made available at Progressive Dairy's deadline.

Declining milk prices shrunk the dairy income margin calculated under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program in August. However, slightly lower feed costs kept the monthly margin well above DMC indemnity payment trigger levels for a third straight month.

Watch for a special insert included in your Oct. 1 issue of Progressive Dairy magazine. See what products and services our sponsoring advertisers have to share with you, and enter to get access to special deals, offers and giveaways.

Digest Highlights

• House ‘Heroes Act 2.0’ includes DMC provisions
• Dairy-RP: The need for speed
• Empty desks mean empty lunchrooms
• Restaurants need a shot
• USDA appoints members to National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board
• Implementation of new U.S. Dairy Sanitary Certificate to China announced
• DOL seeks to clarify worker, independent contractor status
• Vermont receives $7 million USDA grant for phosphorus reduction program
• Minnesota Dairy Promotion Council seeks candidates
• USDA offers aid to cover Oregon livestock losses due to wildfires
• Progressive Dairy COVID-19 resources

Update highlights

• October setting up for more negative PPDs
• NMPF: Dairy’s unusual year to stabilize?
• Dairy cow slaughter hits four-year low in August
• Rabobank: Dairy in a delicate balancing act
• Coming this week: August DMC margin