Futures prices for milk and feed are looking favorable for dairy producers with the fourth quarter of 2024 on the horizon. At the time of this report, the all-milk price forecast was at a staggering $25.06 per hundredweight (cwt) for September and feed costs were at $10.27 per cwt, the lowest since 2020.

Dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants in July lowest since 2017.

From consumer packaged goods (CPGs) and carbon-conscious conglomerates to even the Vatican, who hosted a ‘Climate Resilience” conference in May of this year, sustainability’s hold on economic, environmental, and societal discussions is tight.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its Agricultural Prices report July 31, which includes feed costs used to calculate June Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program margins and indemnity payments. June’s margin was $11.66 per hundredweight (cwt).

Dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants lowest since July 2006 and may lead to increases in July milk production and cow numbers.

In the news this week, Colorado is mandating weekly bulk tank testing for HPAI in milk for all commercial dairy herds. More than 500 organizations call for action on the new farm bill and reports are released for dairy markets and beef-on-dairy.

Margin outlook has significantly improved from a few months ago as sustained high cheese and butter prices drive milk prices higher and lower feed costs all contribute to the positive outlook.

On July 1, 2024, the parent company of Amelicor, DHI Computing Service, Inc., celebrated its 70th anniversary.