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.

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.

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.

Consumers are prioritizing “real food” ingredients, meaning nutrient-dense, high-protein and gut-healthy, more than they have in years past. According to speakers at the 2026 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit, these trends are creating both new opportunities and new responsibilities for animal agriculture.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor issued a policy memorandum that allows dairy operations to use the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program when they can demonstrate a qualifying temporary or seasonal labor need under existing law.

In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line the third week of June 2026: Class I base milk price dips after up-and-up run, fluid milk sales shift higher again, CoBank reports on dairy heifer inventories, and DFA announces idling of plant and closure of store in Vermont.

USDA’s June WASDE raised 2026 milk production to 236.4 billion pounds on expectations of a larger cow herd and an increase in milk output per cow.

In the news related to dairy farming the second week of June 2026: More U.S. cases of New World screwworm were confirmed and Canada restricts imports, FARM Biosecurity celebrates updated Secure Milk Supply Plan and producer resources, and three Midwest farms earn 2025 High Production Herd Award.