The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its Agricultural Prices report July 31, which includes feed costs and milk prices used to calculate the June Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program margins and indemnity payments.

After a nice run of Class III milk prices, July’s forecast price fell more than $1, reflective of a sharp drop in cheese prices from the growing processing capacity that is being met with a hardy supply. 

Here are the dairy-related headlines as we start the last week of July 2025: DFA, Select Milk Producers settle milk price-fixing lawsuit; the U.S. dairy industry praises Indonesia trade agreement; a new study shows genetic selection with DWP$ supports measurable productivity gains; and more.

Cull cow slaughter rates have slowed since March due to a smaller dairy herd and increased demand and prices for dairy cow replacements.

Twenty states including Idaho, Texas and California boosted milk production a combined 659 million pounds in June.

Ran in print 1425 PD page 

The Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) advanced Class I base price rose 11 cents per hundredweight (cwt) from July to August for a Class I base price of $18.93 per cwt.

The first milk checks reflecting the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) revisions are arriving in producers’ mailboxes, reflecting both benefits and drawbacks of the revisions. At the same time, milk prices are softening after several months of relatively strong performances, perhaps the result of increased cow numbers and expanded processing capacity available in the marketplace now, among other influencing factors.

In the news affecting dairy producers this fourth week of July 2025: A partnership has been formed to increase revenue opportunities for dairy farm sustainability practices, fluid milk sales in May remain lower than 2024, the U.S. dairy industry celebrates Julie Callahan nomination for chief agricultural negotiator, and World Dairy Expo announces its 2025 virtual farm tours.

In dairy-related news the third week of July 2025: A group of California dairy farmers files a lawsuit over the state's milk quota program, U.S. ice cream makers pledge to eliminate certified artificial colors by the end of 2027, GDT index bounces back up after four lower sales, landowners can now enroll in the USDA’s Grassland Conservation Reserve Program, and experience World Dairy Expo in person or online.

The global dairy sector made unexpectedly strong gains, growing by 3.2%. Robust consumer demand, favorable milk prices and a shift toward more intensive farming practices largely fueled this expansion, with Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa and Latin America all displaying growth. While dairy feed production remained stable in North America, Oceania’s reliance on abundant pasture led to a slight dip in its feed tonnage.