April 2018 U.S. milk production posted its smallest year-over-year increase dating back to January 2016, inserting some optimism into the price picture.

The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy’s seventh annual U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards were presented during a ceremony at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, on May 16.

Digest Highlights: The farmers’ share of food dollars shrinks as more food is consumed outside the home. Dean first-quarter milk costs declined. Florida FMMO ‘hurricane surcharge’ approved. Find these and other news summaries affecting dairy farmers here.

The USDA’s May World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report reduced 2018 milk production projections and offered a slightly better price outlook for the year.

Hay inventories stored on farms as of May 1 were the second-lowest total for that date in the past decade, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Crop Production report, released May 10. 

While corn, soybeans and alfalfa hay prices have garnered substantial attention as feed costs rise, prices of other ingredients in dairy rations are increasing too. One such ingredient is blood meal, which is adding to feeding costs as producers struggle with low milk prices and higher break-even levels.

Digest Highlights: Informational meetings on the Farm Bureau’s Dairy Revenue Protection program are planned in Idaho. Arla to cut ties with 11 Wisconsin dairy farms. Multiple component pricing may get a hearing in Southeastern FMMOs. Find these and other news summaries affecting dairy farmers here.

U.S. dairy export total volumes set a new record high in March. Exports of milk powder, whey protein concentrate and lactose were each at all-time highs, helping push overall volumes above the previous high set in March 2014, according to a monthly summary from Alan Levitt, U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) vice president of communications and market analysis.

Hay shortages and delays to stand evaluation and first-crop harvest pressured regional prices higher, but weaker dairy and export demand could have an impact.

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