The numbers of forage growers producing and marketing organic dry hay and other forages declined between 2019 and 2021, according to latest national survey data from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Here’s Progressive Forage’s monthly look at factors impacting hay markets for January 2023.

Dairy heifer and hay export volumes were weaker in November.

The spread between December Class IV and Class III FMMO milk prices tightened.

Progressive Dairy summarizes issues in the news and attempts to describe how they might affect dairy farmers.

Digest highlights

• IDFA: Milk, dairy cuts would result in lower WIC participation
• Dairy margins ended December weaker
• Scott elected House Ag Committee ranking member
• Fill a Glass with Hope to launch on Jan. 6

The enrollment period for 2023 DMC and Supplemental DMC programs closes on Jan. 31.

Controversy has surrounded Clean Water Act regulatory efforts for decades.

December Federal Milk Marketing Order Class II, III and IV milk prices will be announced Jan. 5.