The USDA’s Announcement of Class and Component Prices report for April confirmed the good news buzzing throughout the dairy industry, with prices rising in Class II, III and IV for the fourth straight month in 2026.

American Dairy Coalition greenhouse gas survey results say farm data demands not really voluntary, and responses shed light on key concerns.

In dairy-related news the last week of April 2026: The USDA eases requirement for HPAI testing of dairy cows for interstate movement, a few dairy-related bills have been placed before Congress, the USDA issues second supplemental disaster payment to farmers, leaders elect board officers to guide dairy checkoff strategy, and the National FFA Organization partners with World Dairy Expo.

Based on the latest USDA monthly Livestock Slaughter data, the number of dairy cull cows marketed through U.S. slaughter plants in March 2026 was estimated at 239,200.

Milk prices are moving in favorable directions, with May Class IV futures closing at $22.29 per hundredweight (cwt) on April 24 and May Class III futures closing at $17.56 per cwt. But markets can quickly change. Add in the record prices dairy producers are receiving for cull cows and beef-on-dairy animals, and an established risk management plan becomes even more critical.

Interest rates in the fourth quarter of 2025 dipped to rates not seen since 2022 – lower than the peaks of 2023 but remained above the 10-year average – a signal lending conditions were more favorable for farmers despite overall credit conditions deteriorating as the year came to a close.

In dairy-related news the second week of April 2026: NMC announces agenda for June regional meeting in Wisconsin, the GDT index drops 3.4%, farmer sentiment improves despite rising input costs, and Hiland Dairy hosts a grand opening at its Texas production facility.