Here is what is happening in dairy-related news as we start the final month of the year: Fluid milk sales declined in September, Trump nominates Brooke Rollins for secretary of agriculture, Holstein updates pedigrees with slick gene label, and new dairy innovations are promoted.

I know. I know. You just received our magazine with a nativity scene on the cover, and you’re probably thinking, “The Christmas issue, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet!”

Here is a look at news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line: Class I base price falls for December, GDT index up 1.9%, USDA extends application deadline for Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance until Dec. 13, and SNAP Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive program expands to 1,150 stores in 32 states by 2025.

In the news this week: CARB approves Low Carbon Fuel Standard program updates, DFA plans to stop production at Indiana condensing plant in January, checkoff launches new conservation resource, and DCRC annual meeting addresses sustainable dairy cattle management practices.

In coordination with state health departments in Michigan and Colorado, the CDC tested blood from people who were exposed to dairy cows with H5N1 bird flu infection, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Eight of the 115 people tested (7% of participants) showed evidence of recent H5N1 virus infection.

• Requirement for electronic ID tags now in effect
• Utah becomes 15th state with HPAI in dairy, following mandatory surveillance
• GDT index up 4.8%
• November FSA interest rates continue to low
• Farmer sentiment bounced back in October

Here’s an update on news impacting your dairy as October 2024 comes to an end.