In this week's news, the FDA plans to test raw cow’s milk cheese nationwide for HPAI, January FSA interest rates continue to rise, the USDA provides more than $8 million in second round of payments to help organic dairy producers, and Saputo's COO steps down after three months.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its Agricultural Prices report Dec. 31, 2024, which includes feed costs used to calculate the November Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program margins and indemnity payments. As expected, the margin fell to $14.29 per hundredweight (cwt).

Francisco Peñagaricano, with the University of Wisconsin – Madison, believes selective breeding could provide practical and effective options for dairy farmers seeking to mitigate emissions from their future herds.

The 2024 year ended with Class III prices showing more traction in December than in previous months as cheese and whey protein prices improved, and Class IV prices remained elevated to reflect strong market conditions.

Last week was an abundance of activity to conclude the 118th Congress, as a potential government shutdown loomed over Friday. By the end, an agreement was reached to not only temporarily fund federal operations, but also extend the farm bill.

Dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants in November lowest since 2009.

Ten states including California, New Mexico and Idaho reduced milk production a combined 370 million pounds in November.

Here is a look at news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line this third week of December 2024.

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced the second round of states coming on board as part of its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS) that was launched Dec. 6.