Most Retail Dairy Prices Shifting Down Slightly; Ice Cream moved Higher

February retail dairy prices were released on Tuesday, from USDA Economic Research Service (ERS). The milk price was $4.16 per gallon, down 1.0 percent from last month
but 7.4 percent higher than last year. American and Cheddar cheese prices were $4.63 and $5.85 per pound in February, both down by less than 2.0 percent from last month but 16.3 percent and 7.4 percent higher than last year. Finally, package ice cream saw a 1 percent decline from January to February, moving from $5.809 to $5.722 per pound. Compared to a year ago, those same products increase from $5.048 to $5.722 per pound, up over 13 percent.

Deadline to Comment on FDA’s labeling of Plant-based Milk Alternatives Due April 24

Several producers have asked about the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) its draft guidance on “Labeling of Plant-Based Milk Alternatives and Voluntary Nutrient Statements” released Feb. 22

Producers can share there thoughts by going to the FDA’s website.

Our Iowa State Dairy Association shared their comments:

On behalf of over 800 dairy farms in our state, Iowa State Dairy Association (ISDA) supports the use of 100% domestic real dairy products. Beverages made from vegetable or plant base are NOT qualifying dairy products. Product identity is of utmost importance to the dairy industry and the products we produce, therefore the ISDA supports the use of the terms “milk”, “cheese”, “yogurt”, and “butter” only in reference to products produced from lactating mammals, like dairy animals.

Comments are due on April 24, 2023.

2023 milk production is forecast higher on a larger cow inventory

The March 8 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate in the USDA report showed Milk supply and use estimates for 2022 were adjusted to reflect revisions to estimates of milk production and stocks.
For 2023, milk production is forecast higher on a larger cow inventory. Output per cow is unchanged from last month. On both fat- and skim-solids bases, imports for 2023 are raised, while exports are reduced.

Cheese prices are lowered as supplies are expected to be relatively large and domestic demand is projected to be relatively soft. Butter prices are raised on recent data. Nonfat dry milk prices are unchanged, with a weaker first quarter offset by a stronger fourth quarter. Whey prices are raised on recent price observations and stronger expected demand. With the changes in component prices, Class III prices are projected lower, while Class IV prices are projected higher. The all milk price is projected lower at 20.45 per cwt.
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I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course Scheduled For March 28 In Sioux Falls

 The I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28, 2023 as part of the pre-educational events for the Central Plains Dairy Expo. It will be held in the Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls, SD in rooms 8, 9, & 10.

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