Strong global demand and tight supply helped drive U.S. dairy product exports to a second consecutive volume record in 2021 and a new all-time high in value. Export volume in 2021 was equivalent to more than 17% of U.S. milk produced last year, also an all-time high, according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC).

The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report reduced the 2022 milk production forecast due to lower cow numbers, while raising the projected all-milk price to more than $23.50 per hundredweight (cwt).

Debate will begin in earnest this year on updating and improving Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). The process is a bit like having your molars removed. You know you need painful surgery, but you can always put it off for another year. But too many years have already gone by.

Progressive Dairy provides updates on dairy-related organizations and companies, compiled from staff news sources and industry press releases. Email industry and organization news to Progressive Dairy Editor Jenna Hurty.

The USDA announced updates to school nutrition standards that could extend through the 2023-24 school year. Among the provisions, the rule allows schools to continue to serve low-fat (1%) flavored milk with meals without needing to secure a waiver.

Stronger milk prices and margins and a shrinking cow and heifer supply likely contributed to a slight uptick in U.S. average prices for dairy replacement cows in January, according to latest estimates from the USDA.

Feed prices were up but milk prices rose even more, meaning there will be no Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program indemnity payments at any level for December milk marketings.