Milk prices declined in 2018, but announced prices again didn’t tell the whole story. Marketing deductions continued to shrink basis as well.

Editor's note: This has been updated from its original posting. Digest Highlights Dairy-related programs suspended during government shutdown 2018 dairy cull cow slaughter nears 3 million Butter inventories see drawdown Canadian dairy farm grants available USDA advances bioengineered food disclosure standard Pfaff appointed Wisconsin ag secretary Illinois milk returns stay negative DairyAmerica lawsuit claim forms revised for Upper Midwest FMMO Global Dairy Trade index rise continues What’s in the mailbox?

For the second consecutive month, November 2018 U.S. milk production increased less than 1 percent from the same month a year earlier, as cow numbers continued to decline. With November’s estimate, U.S. milk production growth has now been under 1 percent in five of 11 months in 2018, according to USDA’s monthly Milk Production report, released Dec. 19.

Digest Highlights October fluid sales steady USDA-procured milk delivered to food banks Schumer critical of Defense milk procurement proposal Global Dairy Trade prices up again Tractor, combine sales resilient STATES: DFA to acquire Agropur facility in Minnesota Six dairy biomethane clusters approved in California Wisconsin farm groups to receive watershed grants Dairy Council of California revises nutrition education program Pennsylvania: CAFO reports due Jan. 1 Farm Credit East provides ‘grant’ resources POLICY: USDA Risk Management Agency offers multicounty crop insurance flexibility USDA offers rural broadband financial support

U.S. dairy farmers will receive a second payment to partially offset losses as a result of the negative impacts of retaliatory tariffs on exports.

Editor's note: Updated with House passage of the bill. After nearly six months in limbo, the 2018 Farm Bill – including substantial improvements in the federal dairy safety net – received critical approval in rapid succession this week.

Digest Highlights EPA proposes repeal, replacement of Waters of the U.S. Dairy-RP activity nears 4.5 billion pounds of milk Wisconsin to host 18 Dairy-RP, MPP-Dairy informational meetings Canola meal values in dairy ration updated Premier Select Sires merger effective Jan. 1 Official judges selected for 53rd World Dairy Expo

Citing declining milk cow numbers and slower growth in milk per cow, the USDA’s December World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report cut milk production forecasts for both 2018 and 2019. However, the outlook for less milk again didn’t translate into improved milk price projections for either year.

You’re busy – milking cows, managing employees and preparing year-end financials. With that in mind, Progressive Dairymanlooks at issues in the news impacting you and your dairy business.

Dave Bohnhoff’s frustration still surfaces when he recalls the dates of April 14-15, 2018. On those days, a heavy spring snowfall resulted in the collapse of numerous dairy barns in Wisconsin.