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In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line the third week of January 2026: February Class I base milk price hits 68-month low, fluid milk sales were down 1.8% in November, the GDT index is higher again, and a reminder to sign up for the Milk Loss Program and HPAI biosecurity webinars.
Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) uniform milk prices improved in most regions in December, with largest increases in those with higher percentages of milk pooled through Class I markets.
The enrollment period for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for the 2026 coverage year started on Jan. 12. Based on current milk and feed prices and futures markets, the 2026 milk income margins could be the lowest since 2023.
After delays during the six-week government shutdown last fall, reports summarizing 2025 and fiscal year 2026 dairy export data are flowing again. The October 2025 report from the U.S. Dairy Export Council provided good news, although dairy exports remain down since peaking in July.
Higher U.S. average feed costs combined with lower milk prices, tightening the November Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program margin, but not quite enough to trigger indemnity payments.
Most dairy producers should anticipate smaller milk checks again this month, based on a review of Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) milk class prices.
In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line the third week of December 2025: The Class I base milk price slumps to start 2026, fluid milk sales are down slightly in October, and the GDT index drops for ninth consecutive event.
The USDA released catch-up Ag Prices report on Dec. 15, including factors used to calculate the September and October 2025 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program margins.
Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) regional uniform milk prices continued to fall in November, in many cases hitting multiyear lows. Across all orders, uniform prices declined an average of 98 cents per hundredweight (cwt) compared to October, with declines of $1 or more per cwt in five of 11 FMMOs.
