October 2016 U.S dairy product exports rose to their highest value in 16 months, according to Alan Levitt, with the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC). Contributing to the strength were improved sales of nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder (NDM/SMP) to Southeast Asia, whey to China, cheese to South Korea and butter to Canada, plus a recovery in world commodity prices.

U.S. dairy replacement cattle exports turned in pedestrian numbers in October, but they’re breaking into a sprint to end the year.

Dairy policy leaders looking to bolster the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) as a federal dairy safety net may find skeptics in Wisconsin.

Harvest season has wound down, but hay markets have not yet heated up heading into the final month of 2016. Here’s a list of factors (some naughty, some nice) impacting hay producers and marketers as winter approaches.

Regional land values are a mixed bag, but unless there’s a fourth-quarter comeback, Federal Reserve bankers have widespread farm income and credit worries.

Record-high commodity stocks, China and currency value fluctuations are wildcards in determining the global agricultural economy in 2017, with dairy standing as one potential beneficiary, according to a global agricultural outlook from Rabobank.

A number of universities and other organizations compile yield data from annual crop variety field trials. Crops tested varies by state. Data may be useful for seed and crop selection for the coming year. Check these websites for results in your area.

The 2016 joint annual meeting of the United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA), National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB), and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) was held Oct. 31 – Nov. 2 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Here in the U.S., dairy farms continue to harvest a bountiful supply of milk. Elsewhere, lower production is lending support to global prices.

Industry giants in their respective categories, Dean Foods and independent cooperative CROPP, owner of Organic Valley, are partnering in a joint venture to process and distribute organic milk.