The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its Agricultural Prices report Aug. 30, which includes feed costs used to calculate the July Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program margins and indemnity payments. July’s margin was $12.33 per hundredweight (cwt).

To date in 2024, total dairy exports are valued at $5.9 billion with the fiscal year-end forecast at $8 billion.

Futures prices for milk and feed are looking favorable for dairy producers with the fourth quarter of 2024 on the horizon. At the time of this report, the all-milk price forecast was at a staggering $25.06 per hundredweight (cwt) for September and feed costs were at $10.27 per cwt, the lowest since 2020.

In the news this week: Environmental groups intend to sue the EPA over establishing emission factors for livestock operation, a workshop will be held for the FMMO proposed changes, Grande Cheese launches an on-farm sustainability program, and MMPA appoints a new CFO.

Dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants in July lowest since 2017.

Seventeen states including New Mexico, Minnesota, Arizona and Idaho reduced production a combined 176 million pounds.

Here is a look at news impacting the bottom line of dairy operations in the third week of August 2024.

Several big initiatives are making headlines. Here is the latest news affecting dairy producers across the country.