Here is a summary of news released this week that will have an impact on your dairy operation.

The FDA recently approved the first-ever qualified health claim for yogurt, recognizing a potential link between its regular consumption and a reduced risk of type-2 diabetes. This is significant news for consumers, yogurt manufacturers and the dairy industry.

Here’s an update on economic factors impacting your dairy’s financial picture as we begin March 2024.

Here’s a summary of news impacting your dairy as we close out the month of February.

Here’s an update on economic factors impacting your dairy’s financial picture as we finish out February 2024.

Here’s a summary of news impacting your dairy in this third week of February 2024.

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an existing stocks order for dicamba products previously registered for over-the-top (OTT) use on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybean. This comes as relief to growers who have already placed orders for dicamba-tolerant seed and the herbicide itself for the 2024 growing season.

Every five years, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts a Census of Agriculture. The data collected helps to identify trends and changes in U.S. agriculture over time. The 2022 census released earlier this week shows a continued decline in the total number of U.S. farms, which was down 7% from 2017.

This week, parents weighed in on their support for bipartisan legislation to provide whole and 2% milk in public schools, the dairy checkoff announced a pilot project for hot chocolate milk in schools, and a California congressman called for supply chain changes to ensure the availability of school milk.

On Jan. 30, the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) public hearing came to a close. The national hearing, which took place in Carmel, Indiana, began back on Aug. 23, 2023, and included 12 weeks of testimony and cross-examination. Dairy groups are calling for swift action to change the Class 1 mover formula.