Digest Highlights

• PMMB issues Dean Foods bond claim orders
• USDA purchasing $27.1 million worth of FMD vaccine
• U.S.-Japan organic arrangement expanded to cover livestock products
• Dairy Defined: Value versus volume key to understanding dairy, plant-based sales
• DMI partnership adds more dairy to Taco Bell menu
• Dairy groups urge further dietary review in support of full-fat milk

The USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) reached another milestone this week, with direct payments totaling nearly $1.2 billion approved for more than 20,000 dairy producers since May 26.

Core organizational values and enhanced employee health monitoring helped one of the largest dairies in the U.S. avoid work disruptions due to COVID-19.

Update Highlights

• USDA cuts milk production forecast for 2020, with price outlook improved
• Grocery store dairy sales: Lots of ‘everydays’ ahead
• Another look at negative PPDs: A Northeast perspective
• Greater U.S. dairy access to Japan’s markets sought
• ADC seeks delay, review of dietary guideline process

In June, the USDA announced the enrollment period for the 2021 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program will be held Oct. 12 – Dec. 11, 2020, through Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices.

Digest Highlights

• APHIS seeks public comment on RFID eartag transition timeline
• Darigold, NDA target carbon neutrality by 2050
• Lawmakers want action on organic dairy heifer ‘loophole’
• USDA ‘climate hub’ includes hurricane guidance for dairy, forage producers
• Dairy-state hay acreage takes another small step back
• California QIP goes to court, July 28
• Study warns consumers of raw milk about anti-microbial resistance
• Livestock groups seek ‘mandatory price reporting’ hearing
• Progressive Dairy COVID-19 resources

If there was any silver lining in the terrible milk prices earlier this spring, it was that U.S. dairy product prices were competitive on the global market, resulting in the highest export volumes in more than two years. While enjoying those numbers, U.S. dairy industry leaders also celebrated the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) going into force on July 1.

Update Highlights

• CFAP dairy payments move into sixth week
• About one-third of CFAP funds distributed through June
• Dissolved dairies and CFAP payments
• June Class III milk price tops $21
• Thanks, Dad: Grocery store dairy sales stronger
• CoBank: Dairy supply chains will need to adjust
• Acreage report: Feed cost implications
• May cheddar output lower; butter, SMP post gains

Dairy farmers banking on the surge in cheese prices to have an immediate and equally explosive impact on their milk checks should rein in expectations. Analysis by leading U.S. dairy economists warn that negative producer price differentials (PPDs) and depooling will sharply limit any price increases many dairy farmers will receive in their milk checks this summer.