The COVID-19 outbreak is affecting milk demand and plant capacity to process it. As a result, reports of surplus milk being dumped are on the rise. While the thought of dumping milk is deplorable at a time when so many people need it, market disruptions sometimes make it the only alternative.

Progressive Dairy shares the latest news, industry statements and press releases, and educational resources for dairy producers to help deal with the impacts of COVID-19. Email additional news and resources to Dave Natzke.

I have experienced crises many times during my career. One thing I have learned is that during these times, national organizations and trade associations become more vital than ever to their member owners.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to include comments from Dairy Farmers of America and Dean Foods. Court documents filed by attorneys representing Dean Foods have identified Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) as the “successful” bidder for more than 40 Dean facilities as part of ongoing bankruptcy proceedings.

You’re busy milk cows and finalizing cropping plans. With that in mind, Progressive Dairy looks at issues in the news impacting you and your dairy business.

Ending the first quarter of 2020, dairy markets have been characterized by two images: a coronavirus hangover and toilet paper. Latest information from the USDA’s Dairy Market News and retail data provides an overview of regional and national dairy conditions as they relate to the COVID-19 outbreak.

In normal times, dairy risk management tools are a means to provide break-even protection and even lock in some profitability. With the current and likely prolonged impact of COVID-19 on dairy markets, producer should implement risk management strategies as a means to mitigate further losses, warns Marin Bozic, University of Minnesota dairy economist.

U.S. dairy industry leaders are pleased an economic stimulus package contains provisions to help support the nation’s dairy producers and processors, but they remain hopeful additional financial aid and other USDA policy and program changes will be forthcoming to offset anticipated losses due to COVID-19.

Digest Highlights

• Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers donate milk to food banks
• FDA relaxing VCPR requirements to allow telemedicine
• DHS announces flexibility in requirements related to Form I-9 compliance
• DFW accepting nominations electronically
• More dairy meetings canceled due to coronavirus concerns
• U.S.-China Phase I agreement moves forward