USDA’s monthly report estimated that March 2017 U.S. milk production was up 1.8 percent compared to the same month a year earlier, the smallest year-over-year increase since August 2016. But despite the slowdown, increasing cow numbers in most major dairy states would indicate dairy farmers started spring with both feet on the accelerator. It was winter weather-related problems in the West that reduced the overall speed of growth.

Forty-four Wisconsin dairy farms producing about 500,000 pounds of milk per day are still hunting for a market home for their milk, with their current market access closing on May 1, according to Ben Brancel, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

To start your farm succession plan, you’ve formed a limited liability company (LLC), signed your estate plan and maybe even transferred some interest in the LLC to your successors. Hopefully, you have reviewed and updated your plan and taken periodic actions to move your farm transfer forward.

With Congress expected to tackle immigration reform later this year, two bills introduced in the House of Representatives would provide dairy worker access under a revised federal guest worker program.

Producers are in the fields, and 2017 pre-season hay harvest acreage estimates are out. Moisture levels are the best they’ve been in years – unless you’re in a drought area. Exports provide promise, but prices remain in the doldrums.

Lower returns on corn and hay are pushing crop growers to move more acreage to soybeans and cotton, according to USDA’s 2017 Prospective Plantings report, released March 31.

USDA’s monthly World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report reduced the 2017 U.S. milk production forecast, with a slowdown in the growth of milk per cow offsetting a larger U.S. dairy herd. Despite the reduction, USDA also cut projected 2017 milk and dairy product prices, citing large domestic and international supplies.

U.S. exports of milk powder, whey products and cheese trended higher in February, pushing overall U.S. dairy exports to $438.4 million, up 14 percent from last year (and up 18 percent adjusted for leap day), according to Alan Levitt, vice president of communications and market analysis at the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC).

Northwest hay producers are operating at or below breakeven margins, but the 12-month profitability outlook is improved for those able to start with a clean inventory slate and keep a lid on costs, according to the latest Northwest Farm Credit Services’ Hay Market Snapshot report.

Efforts are underway to find a marketing home for about 100 dairy farmers orphaned after two Wisconsin processors notified them they could no longer take their milk. Meanwhile, the farmers impacted by the loss of milk markets are being urged to contact their lenders, and review any risk management contracts.