Progressive Dairy summarizes issues in the news and attempts to describe how they might affect dairy farmers.

Class IV pooling across all FMMOs represented about 7% of the total milk pooled. It was the ninth month so far in 2022 that Class IV pooling was below 10% of total milk pooled.

• Two more dairy projects receive ‘climate-smart’ funding
• 13 named to National Dairy Board
• Thompson elected House Ag Committee chair
• Canada’s AAFC announces CUSMA dairy compensation
• Other news, briefly

Dairy heifer and hay export volumes were lower in October.

The USDA’s December World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates and Crop Production reports provide production and price forecasts.

The USDA’s Farm Service Agency has extended the 2023 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) enrollment and coverage election period until Jan. 31, 2023. The program deadline was originally scheduled to close on Dec. 9, 2022.

Digest highlights

• Petition seeks higher transportation credits in southeastern U.S. FMMOs
• USDA publishes ‘cattle contracts library’ rule
• Other news, briefly

The spread between Class IV and Class III milk prices continues to decline, suggesting a reduction in Class IV depooling – but maybe not yet.

Reminder: Dairy producers can enroll and make 2023 DMC coverage elections through Dec. 9 at USDA Farm Service Agency offices.