August 2019 U.S. milk production continued the year-long trend of minimal growth, according to the USDA’s monthly Milk Production report, released Sept. 18.

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Digest Highlights

• USDA providing payments for disaster-related milk losses
• California QIP Phase 2 meetings postponed; opposition continues petition drive
• Global Dairy Trade index moves higher
• Dairy margins start September significantly stronger
• Congress moving to include MFP funds in continuing resolution
• First District Association breaks ground on major expansion
• MMPA delegates approve leadership structural changes
• Wisconsin lawmakers seek plant-based product labeling restrictions
• Cornell Dairy Advancement Program expanding
• Girard promoted at CDI
• Wisconsin groups call for halt to livestock farm siting rule changes

Despite the ongoing challenges of declining fluid milk consumption, the picture of the health of the dairy industry is much brighter than the doom and gloom conjured from selective use of data, according to the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). A new weekly series from NMPF – called "Dairy Defined” – provides a data-based look at today’s dairy farms and industry.

Dairy farmers who procrastinated in signing up for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for 2019 have until Friday, Sept. 20 to enroll.

Have you ever noticed some strange mastitis on your farm? And when you treat it, it doesn't seem to improve? Or it just keeps coming back? This is most likely because you are treating it incorrectly.

Currently, one of the biggest opportunities for increased performance on our dairy farms centers around our fresh cow programs. Fresh cows have a great opportunity for production potential, but if we do not set them up for success properly, they will not be able to achieve an optimal level of production.

The struggles faced by dairy farmers and potential programs to alleviate those issues were the focus of congressional briefings held Sept. 12 in Washington, D.C.

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Compared to a month ago, the USDA’s September World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report expects dairy cow numbers to continue to shrink into 2020, but stronger milk output per cow will buffer overall milk production declines. Price projections moved modestly higher for both years.