February 2025 Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) pooling estimates, uniform prices and producer price differentials are scheduled to be released on March 11-14.

Here’s an update on interest rates from the fourth quarter of 2024 as reported by Federal Reserve districts that share data impacting dairy finances.

Bird flu or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was a wild card for the dairy industry in 2024, as the first diagnosis in dairy cattle happened in Texas in late March. Progressive Dairy interviewed state veterinarians and animal health officials in the five states with the most cases of bird flu on dairy farms – Texas, Idaho, Michigan, Colorado and California – to learn more about their approach to managing and minimizing the disease.

On-farm financial margins have improved over the last year, and many organic dairy producers are feeling positive and optimistic thanks to lower inflationary pressure, higher mailbox prices and rising consumer demand.

Most cows experience a drop in blood calcium concentrations at the start of lactation. For many cows, this is an example of normal subclinical hypocalcemia. However, most cows overcome this calcium imbalance quickly by activating calcium regulation pathways in the body. The cows that do not are dyscalcemic and can experience negative outcomes.

Looking ahead, significant questions persist in both the dairy and political landscape for the coming months, with uncertainty and volatility never taking a rest. From tariffs to demand, and labor availability to avian influenza, a variety of topics are likely to command attention throughout this year.

Transition cows are prone to inflammation, hypocalcemia and metabolic disorders that can lead to lower chances of getting pregnant and long-term consequences on the health and productivity of the cow – all of which can take away from a dairy producer’s bottom line.