Progressive Dairy

Payments triggered for February DMC margin of $8.46 per cwt

A modest increase in feed costs was enough to offset a strengthening milk market for a February Dairy Margin Coverage margin of $8.46 per hundredweight.

March 30, 2026

Jenn Coyne

Despite dairy margins strengthening – particularly in Class III and Class IV – which offered an increase in the all-milk price and offset sturdy feed costs, it was not enough for February’s margin to sit above the maximum payment threshold of the DMC program.

Improving culture and employee engagement through meaningful conversations

Meaningful conversations include clarity, alignment on priorities, recognition, appreciation, consistency and collaboration.

March 30, 2026

Santiago Ledwith

This article looks at one of the most practical ways to strengthen culture and boost engagement: holding meaningful conversations between supervisors and employees.

High-oleic soybeans: Do they make cents?

Farms feeding high-oleic soybeans can capitalize on the crop’s unique fatty acid profile to reduce purchase feed costs and increase energy-corrected milk production, making cents for the bottom line.

March 27, 2026

Zach Sawall

Growing and feeding high-oleic soybeans is a rapidly evolving opportunity for today’s dairy farms. As high-oleic soybeans gain more attention and adoption in the industry, consider how they may find a place on your farm.

Dairy risk management calendar: April 2026

Progressive Dairy provides monthly updates to important dates, reports and advice affecting risk management decisions.

March 26, 2026

Jenn Coyne

As we look to the second quarter of 2026, dairy markets have improved and margins are historically strong with forecasts playing in producers’ favors, particularly with incremental improvements in Class III and Class IV.

Automated feeding benefits transition cows

Automated feeding systems support overall herd health with consistent and precise feedings. This can be especially beneficial to transition cows during their critical stage of production.

March 26, 2026

Dan Schreiner

Automated feeding systems support herd health and performance by delivering consistent, precise rations around the clock on dairies. It can also benefit more targeted feed groups like dry cows and transition heifers so that cows receive the right nutrients at the right time, supporting a stronger start to lactation.

How does your manure handling compare?

The key to handling manure properly is to treat it as a part of the nutrient economy and not a disposal problem.

March 26, 2026

Kurt Grimm

Manure isn’t just a byproduct – it’s a balance sheet item. On some dairies, it’s a cash-flow generator. On others, it’s a liability that costs more to move than it’s worth. The difference isn’t in the cows – it’s how you manage the nutrients, equipment and economics between the barn and the field.

Checkoff Watch: Checkoff collaboration delivers marathon moment for dairy

March 25, 2026

One of the most rewarding parts of dairy promotion is when the industry collaborates in ways that truly make a difference. The Every Woman’s Marathon is a powerful example of what coordination looks like.

[Podcast] Optimizing energy and productivity during busy seasons with Leslie Bonci

March 24, 2026

Sleep and healthy habits are often the first to be deprioritized during busy seasons on the farm. Join Registered Dietitian Leslie Bonci and host Kimmi Devaney for an energetic discussion about how to feel great and set ourselves up for success when life gets busy.

Foundation Watch: Building dairy’s future one student at a time

March 24, 2026

On paper, it may seem like a small interaction: hosting a student for a single day on a dairy farm. In reality, that one-day experience can spark career paths, build lasting mentorships and strengthen the future of the dairy industry, one student at a time.

6 steps to maximize dry-off comfort and productivity

A well-managed dry-off period pays dividends in higher milk yield, healthier cows and fewer fresh cow problems.

March 24, 2026

Jenna Williamson

A well-managed dry-off period pays dividends in higher milk yield, healthier cows and fewer fresh cow problems. By prioritizing comfort, health and body condition, producers can turn this resting phase into one of the most productive investments in the herd’s future performance.