Learn the latest information in dairy nutrition and management by attending the virtual 2020 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference on June 10. It will be the same great program as in the past, but in a virtual setting. All presentations will be recorded and available to participants for 60 days after the conference.
Continue reading “Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference goes virtual on June 10”
Milk production in Iowa during March 2020 totaled 460 million pounds, up 1 percent from the previous March according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during March, at 218,000 head, was up 1,000 from last month but down 1,000 from last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,110 pounds, up 35 pounds from last March.
Continue reading “March Production And Cow Numbers Up In Iowa”
AMF index down 7.0%, average price US$4,083/MT
Butter index down 3.6%, average price US$4,117/MT
BMP not offered
Ched index up 1.9%, average price US$4,480/MT
LAC index up 12.0%, average price US$1,078/MT
RenCas index down 3.0%, average price US$9,409/MT
SMP index down 4.9%, average price US$2,380/MT
SWP not offered
WMP index down 3.9%, average price US$2,707/MT
Full results have been published on www.globaldairytrade.info.
There are always a few questions that surface about the direct sale of milk and dairy products to consumers, with either raw milk or processed (pasteurized, etc.) Dr. Leo Timms notes the number of calls and inquiries has exponentially grown the past two months with food chain logistics of getting milk moved to appropriate markets, less exports as well as decreased service industries (restaurants and schools) but more being sold at retail stores and markets. With some plants full and milk at the farm level possibly being dumped in manure storage or field applied (regulations apply here so contact you DNR and extension people). Thoughts to direct marketing to consumers is getting attention not only to market that milk but capture more retail value. But there are MAJOR RULES and laws to this also.
Continue reading “Got Extra Milk: What about direct to consumer sales? Raw Milk or Processed”
Over the past two months dairy producers have seen clouds on the horizon, but nobody could have predicted the storm we are now facing. COVID-19 changed everything.
Increased cow numbers and production per cow signaled lower milk prices for the future, but the disruption caused by COVID-19 bottle-necked the pipeline and sent prices over the cliff. Processors saw buyers walk away from contracts, storage fill, and employees fall sick or not show up due to fears of catching the virus. They finally had to slow down the flow of raw milk coming into their plants. Letters went out to producers calling for production reductions, from seven to 20 percent. Now, producers are left asking how to reduce pounds they ship without destroying their “factories.”
Continue reading “Producing Less Milk: A Not Often Considered Concept By Producers”
Forgive me for putting a webinar on the long list of things you are already doing, but I wanted you to be aware of a webinar the Center for Ag Law and Taxation is doing this Friday, April 17, over the noon hour. In this free webinar, Charles Brown and Kristine Tidgren from Iowa State University Extension will provide an update for producers on COVID-19 legislation and resources applicable to their farming business. During the one-hour session, they will discuss:
The webpage for the webinar is: https://www.calt.iastate.edu/seminar/2020-04-17/update-producers-covid-19-legislation-resources
The direct link to register is: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1919643254744642062
Date and time: Friday, April 17, 12-1pm Central Time
The webinar will be recorded and archived on the CALT and Ag Decision Maker websites.