Caseload statistics from the U.S. Courts indicate that for the three-month period ending on March 31, 2018, there were 116 Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings in the U.S. These Chapter 12 bankruptcies are designed for "family farmers" or "family fishermen" with "regular annual income."

Digest Highlights: The farmers’ share of food dollars shrinks as more food is consumed outside the home. Dean first-quarter milk costs declined. Florida FMMO ‘hurricane surcharge’ approved. Find these and other news summaries affecting dairy farmers here.

The USDA’s May World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report reduced 2018 milk production projections and offered a slightly better price outlook for the year.

While corn, soybeans and alfalfa hay prices have garnered substantial attention as feed costs rise, prices of other ingredients in dairy rations are increasing too. One such ingredient is blood meal, which is adding to feeding costs as producers struggle with low milk prices and higher break-even levels.

Digest Highlights: Informational meetings on the Farm Bureau’s Dairy Revenue Protection program are planned in Idaho. Arla to cut ties with 11 Wisconsin dairy farms. Multiple component pricing may get a hearing in Southeastern FMMOs. Find these and other news summaries affecting dairy farmers here.

U.S. dairy export total volumes set a new record high in March. Exports of milk powder, whey protein concentrate and lactose were each at all-time highs, helping push overall volumes above the previous high set in March 2014, according to a monthly summary from Alan Levitt, U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) vice president of communications and market analysis.

Earlier this year, the National Mastitis Council (NMC) launched a new online resource to its 1,000 members. The Teat Condition Portfolio allows users to quickly see and compare various teat conditions. They can then use this information to assess teat health and make recommendations for treatment.

CWT continues to focus its export-assistance efforts on dairy products that most directly impact producers’ milk checks: American-type cheeses and butter containing 82 percent butterfat.

Globalization touches virtually every aspect of our business from sales and demand to nutrition and environmental policy, trade, the economy and more.

A group of southeast U.S. dairy farmers previously marketing their milk independently have formed the Appalachian Dairy Farmers Cooperative (ADFC) and expect to begin operations on June 1.