Hay equipment choices hinge on system-wide efficiency, not sticker price, as producers push every acre and hour to deliver real return on investment.

This year’s survey of dairy producers and industry leaders from coast to coast paints a fairly grim picture of the current state of the U.S. dairy industry. However, dairy producers are the eternal optimists – especially during bad times – and there is plenty that they are excited about.

Labor challenges, low milk prices and tighter financial margins on many dairy operations are top of mind for producers heading into 2026, as well as growing concerns about labor availability, labor policy and staying competitive with surrounding non-agriculture industries.

The latest Zisk report projects profitability on dairy farms for 2025. It shows that U.S. dairy producers are expecting a profitable next 12 months, but as with previous reports, the picture isn’t equally as rosy for all producers.

Whether we’re at the high point of a cycle or in the depths of a downturn, the best managers regularly manage their margins. They understand that margin management is an “always” mindset, one that builds stronger positions during the good times so they can get through the bad.

Extra revenue is great, but remember to weigh changes in expenses between alternative plans.