Progressive Dairy

Cows move into multiple new university dairy facilities, others nearing completion

kimmi@agproud.com — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Cattle moved into new facilities at Michigan State University and Ohio State University this past year, and construction continues at the University of Idaho and Washington State University. Kansas State University is currently in the fundraising and planning stages of their project.

Top 5 metrics dairy producers should monitor to optimize profitability

curtis.gerrits@compeer.com — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In an environment where margins can quickly tighten, successful dairy operations consistently monitor the right financial and operational metrics. There are several core benchmarks that can help producers evaluate performance, improve decision-making and optimize long-term profitability.

Weekly Digest: FTC settles right to repair with Deere & Company

karen@agproud.com — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:01:29 -0400

In the news related to dairy farming the second week of July 2026: FTC settles right to repair with Deere & Company, the USDA introduces more crop insurance options for forage producers, the Annual Dairy Strong conference moves to Lambeau Field in 2027, and the American Dairy XPO is positioned to support Northeast dairy growth.

Bankerisms and other wise words

bradley.guse@bmo.com — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Good banker sayings endure because banking fundamentals don’t change nearly as fast as markets or technology. While they may sound like short, simple phrases, they offer real insight into how a banker is thinking about risk, relationships and, ultimately, how we’re looking at your operation. Let’s go over a few of them.

New Hires: Erik Sheppelman

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Meet Erik Sheppelman, dairy specialist at Vita Plus.

USDA milk production forecasts edge slightly higher

audrey@agproud.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:47:59 -0400

USDA’s July WASDE raised 2026 milk production slightly to 236.6 billion pounds on expectations of a larger cow herd and a decrease in milk output per cow.

From reactive to proactive: Using pen-level data to protect dairy herd profitability

tim.kinches@datamars.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Without hard data, it’s challenging to truly evaluate ration changes with your nutritionist, review trends in rumination data with your veterinarian or plan management adjustments with confidence.

Economic Update: FARM Program opens comment period for version 2028

karen@agproud.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:46:19 -0400

In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line: The FARM Program opens comment period for version 2028, Rabobank provides an update on global dairy trade, high input cost concerns weigh on farmer sentiment, and Land O’Lakes Inc. announced an investment to expand dairy protein production in California.

Domestic NDM/SMP prices create headwinds for U.S. export market

jenn@agproud.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:38:36 -0400

May proved to be another enthusiastic month for U.S. dairy exports, with the year-over-year volume growth streak now reaching eight consecutive months as exports rose 14% in milk solids equivalent terms. All of this is despite low nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder (NDM/SMP) shipments – due to steep price comparison – reigning in what might have been a record month.

Growing together: Danone and its dairy farm partners embrace regenerative agriculture

karen@agproud.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

At a recent Soil-to-Spoon Event in Celina, Ohio, Danone showcased two dairy farm partners and how their regenerative agriculture practices lead to the production of nutritious foods.

Is your I-9 paperwork in order?

karen@agproud.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Immigration enforcement is on many dairy producers' minds, but the threat most likely to affect your operation isn't an ICE raid – it's a notice of inspection. With only 72 hours to produce your I-9 forms, incomplete or missing paperwork can lead to significant fines and employee terminations that disrupt your entire operation.

Strengthen reproductive strategy with a full-picture approach

craig.walter@vas.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Dairies making the most genetic progress are not just collecting data. They are using it intentionally and holistically to guide decisions that shape the future of their herd.

PDP calf facility tours to feature three Wisconsin dairy farms

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 07:39:15 -0400

The 2026 Calf Facility Tours presented by Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) will provide the opportunity for a behind-the-scenes perspective of three progressive dairy operations and the management practices, equipment and technologies they use to care for the youngest members of their herd.

Essential elements of barn design

courtney.halbach@wisc.edu — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Whether a farm is in the initial planning stages of building a new dairy, wanting to remodel their existing facilities or looking to expand, it is important to consider the following elements of barn design.

Are your high-producing cows producing high enough?

ruby.wu@churchdwight.com — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

There’s nothing more frustrating than looking at production reports, realizing that your herd isn’t reaching its potential and wondering what can be done about it. Here’s a checklist to help identify areas that need attention or could be tweaked to help enhance performance.

Weekly Digest: U.S. declines USMCA renewal in current form

karen@agproud.com — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:00:47 -0400

In the news related to dairy farming the first week of July 2026: The U.S. declines USMCA renewal in current form; NASS report shows corn planted acreage down 3%, soybean acreage up 5%; nominations are open for NMC’s National Dairy Quality Awards program, and World Dairy Expo cattle show entries are open too.

Heat stress in dairy cows: How probiotics can help

evish@novonesis.com — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In recent years, researchers have discovered that heat stress affects the gut at a very basic level. This has led to a growing interest in nutritional strategies that support gut health, with probiotics emerging as a promising tool to help cows better cope with high temperatures.

What’s happening inside when rumination alerts occur?

gmazon@axiota.com — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Instead of ignoring low rumination alerts, understanding what may be causing them is key before taking action. Establishing management practices to support individual animals and prevent rumination drops on herd and group levels can make a big difference.

Milk from Family Dairies Act gains widespread industry support

kimmi@agproud.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:18:27 -0400

The Milk from Family Dairies Act, which aims to stabilize the dairy market, was introduced in the Senate on June 29, led by Peter Welch (D-Vermont) and co-sponsored by Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont). The bill would ensure market transparency and fair prices for dairy farmers, maintain consumer access to reliable and reasonably priced dairy products, and revitalize rural communities by establishing a Dairy Market Stabilization Program to ensure dairy farmers get a fair price for their milk based on their cost of production.

New legislation would expand access to H-2A beyond seasonal workers

kimmi@agproud.com — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:27:29 -0400

The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act was introduced in the House on June 30, led by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pennsylvania). The legislation would modernize agricultural workforce policy by updating the H-2A visa program and expanding access beyond seasonal workers.

[Podcast] The hidden challenges behind dairy data and artificial intelligence

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Pablo Janowicz, global key account manager from Dairy Data Warehouse, explores how technology is helping transform the dairy industry through data and artificial intelligence.

Milk class prices shrink in June report

jenn@agproud.com — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:11:13 -0400

While the market for Class IV milk is still strong, the markets are signaling a retreat is near. The June USDA Announcement of Class and Component Prices report indicated the Class IV milk price falling more than $2 from the month prior, and while the Class III price also fell, the gap between the two is closing as the markets search for balance.

July 1, 2026 Progressive Dairy digital magazine

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The latest issue of Progressive Dairy magazine is available. To view, make sure you're logged into your agproud.com account. If you do not have access, click "Subscribe" in the top-right corner of agproud.com to add permission to view.

Looking back, thinking forward

jenn@agproud.com — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The development of the U.S. dairy industry over the course of 250 years is no doubt a gratifying one, as each step has led us to this progressive, innovative and abounding industry that we all know and cherish today.

The Courage to Evolve: Fathers

hwagner@wagnerfarmswi.com — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In this article, I would like to highlight and appreciate fathers. My hope is not only to show respect for the many amazing dads out there but also to bring awareness to what I believe is one of the most important leadership roles on this planet.

Generations of dairy along the Mason-Dixon Line

audrey@agproud.com — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Mason Dixon Farms stands today as both a working dairy and a living record of American agricultural history, with its roots stretching back to the earliest years of the nation. Located on both sides of the Pennsylvania-Maryland line, the farm encompasses roughly 2,900 acres and milks 1,700 Holstein cows in a double-24 parallel parlor.

Life on the Family Farm: Independence Day

lifeonthefamilyfarm@gmail.com — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

As I was out cutting hay recently, I was looking at the lush hay fields, the nice straight-rowed corn fields and the beautiful woods in the distance.

Just Dropping By: The Founding Fathers were Christian

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The Fourth of July is a time to stop and remember that our Founding Fathers were Christian; they came to this country for the very purpose of worshiping a Christian God and building a nation to honor Jesus Christ.

The Milk House: A man of a certain age ponders

ryandennis@themilkhouse.org — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

It is estimated that $7 trillion dollars will be invested globally by 2030 into data centers. In the U.S., already home to many more facilities than any other country, the demand on the national energy grid will increase by 11%-12% in the next four years.

[Podcast] America 250: Raise a glass of milk to dairy’s past, present and future

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Join Progressive Dairy Podcast co-hosts Matti McBride and Kimmi Devaney, along with Progressive Dairy Editor Jenn Coyne, for a special commemorative episode celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.