In the news affecting a dairy farmer's bottom line the third week of March 2026: April Class I base price gets a boost to $18.66 per cwt, the dairy checkoff launches an online database to help farmers find grant opportunities, fluid milk sales start the year lower, and applications are now open for Holstein Foundation memorial scholarships.

The momentum of U.S. dairy exports in 2025 carried on as the calendar turned to 2026. January proved international interest in U.S. dairy products remains as year-over-year growth reached 12% in milk solids equivalent volume, with cheese and butterfat continuing to lead the way.

In the news affecting dairy farms the third week of March 2026: A class action lawsuit alleges price fixing in the U.S. fertilizer industry, most of the U.S. rented farmland is owned by non-farmers, and an agreement between Ecuador and the U.S. improves dairy market access.

In the news affecting a dairy farmer's bottom line the first week of March 2026: GDT index moves higher in fifth consecutive event, AFBF economist examines the Dairy Margin Coverage program, and DMI CEO Barbara O’Brien announces her retirement.

In dairy-related news the last week of February 2026: OSHA fines three companies after six deaths at Colorado dairy farm, the USDA opens its enrollment period for Farmer Bridge Assistance payments, a new U.S.-Indonesia agreement secures access to critical dairy market, and the U.S. dairy community announces the launch of the Latin American Dairy Nutrition Congress.

Things could not have ended better for dairy product exports than they did in 2025.

In dairy-related news the second week of February 2026: The USDA opened enrollment for CRP programs, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy elects new board executive committee, U.S. and Argentina trade agreement includes dairy, and the DCHA opens registration for its annual conference and trade show.

In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line the first week of February 2026: Agriculture groups join forces for USMCA renewal, farmer sentiment drops sharply, the GDT index takes another big jump, and the annual “Plant a Seed” campaign is now open.

As trade data continues to be released following the six-week government shutdown last fall, records indicate a favorable end to the 2025 year for U.S. dairy products.