In the news affecting a dairy farmer's bottom line the fourth week of July 2026: The August Class I base milk price falls more than $2, the U.S. imposes 50% tariffs on dairy imports from Canada, fluid milk sales fall in May, and the GDT index is up 1.5%.

Twenty-two states including Texas, Kansas and Wisconsin boosted milk production a combined 444 million pounds in June.

For the sixth consecutive month, the average Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) uniform milk price climbed from the month prior. The year began with an average uniform milk price of $17 per hundredweight (cwt) and reached $21.59 per cwt in June, according to the latest FMMO reports.

USDA’s July WASDE raised 2026 milk production slightly to 236.6 billion pounds on expectations of a larger cow herd and a decrease in milk output per cow.

While the market for Class IV milk is still strong, the markets are signaling a retreat is near. The June USDA Announcement of Class and Component Prices report indicated the Class IV milk price falling more than $2 from the month prior, and while the Class III price also fell, the gap between the two is closing as the markets search for balance.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Agricultural Prices report, released June 29, established May’s Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program calculations. As the all-milk price rose 50 cents, the total feed costs rose 42 cents, boosting the DMC margin 8 cents to $10.62 per hundredweight (cwt) for the month.

Milk production across the U.S. has been rampant in 2026 with both processing capacity and global demand pressuring dairy farms to produce more, and a larger national dairy herd is helping keep the pace. Despite all the dynamics working in favor for U.S. dairy farmers, milk margins remain tight and risk management strategies remain critical.

Nineteen states including Kansas, Wisconsin and Texas boosted milk production a combined 494 million pounds in May.

In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line the third week of June 2026: Class I base milk price dips after up-and-up run, fluid milk sales shift higher again, CoBank reports on dairy heifer inventories, and DFA announces idling of plant and closure of store in Vermont.