The enrollment period for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for the 2026 coverage year started on Jan. 12. Based on current milk and feed prices and futures markets, the 2026 milk income margins could be the lowest since 2023.

After delays during the six-week government shutdown last fall, reports summarizing 2025 and fiscal year 2026 dairy export data are flowing again. The October 2025 report from the U.S. Dairy Export Council provided good news, although dairy exports remain down since peaking in July.

Since the July 2025 WASDE, corn-harvested area has surged 4.5 million acres. Notably, the record corn crop in 2025 exceeds the prior high set in 2023 by 1.7 billion bushels or over 40 million tons.

In the news related to dairy farming the second week of January 2026: USDEC launches Voices From The Barn video podcasts, registration is now open for the 2026 PDP Business Conference, and a charitable milk campaign kicks off 2026 with record-breaking donations.

The U.S. departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture released the 2025-30 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, signaling a shift in federal nutrition policy toward whole, nutrient-dense foods and away from highly processed foods.

In the news affecting a dairy farmer's bottom line the first week of January 2026: Farmer sentiment drifts lower as trade uncertainty hangs over agriculture, GDT index moves higher to start the year, and NEXT assists with nearly 62 million pounds of dairy product export sales.

Obesity sparks intense debates, but a subtler shift is reshaping the dairy industry. GLP-1 medications, originally designed for diabetes, have surged into prominence for weight loss. GLP-1 drugs are set to redefine not just bodies but food markets, including dairy.

The USDA released its Ag Prices report on Dec. 31, including factors used to calculate the November 2025 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program margins.

Most dairy producers should anticipate smaller milk checks again this month, based on a review of Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) milk class prices.