The introduction of automated milking systems nearly 30 years ago raised a key question: When should cows be milked?

When employees understand what the farm is working toward and how success is measured, they are better equipped to make decisions that support those goals. Transparency builds trust, reduces confusion and creates a shared sense of purpose across the operation.

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.

Twenty states including Kansas, Texas and Wisconsin boosted milk production a combined 535 million pounds in March.