High prices cure high prices. Low prices cure low prices.This adage has never been truer than in today’s volatile commodity markets.

Cash receipts for livestock and crops in 2024 are estimated at $11.3 billion, a 4% increase over 2023. Cash receipts for milk, Idaho’s leading agricultural commodity, were estimated to be 11% higher than 2023. Those for potatoes, Idaho’s highest revenue crop, were estimated to be 6% lower than 2023.

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.

Brilman Dairy welcomed Progressive Dairy into his facility to share some of its inner workings and the keys to his farm’s productivity.

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

Is a $15 breakeven possible for a dairy farming business in 2024, given increases in input costs and inflation? Others may have their doubts, but I am a firm “yes.”