A sharp decline in the number of dairy heifers available to replace older cows exiting the U.S. dairy herd could limit any meaningful growth in domestic milk production over the next few years. The number of dairy replacement heifers has fallen almost 15 percent over the last six years to reach a 20-year low, according to data from the USDA’s most recent Cattle report. While the global demand outlook for U.S. dairy products remains murky due to export market uncertainties, any potential growth opportunities may be stymied by an inability to expand U.S. milk production. According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the rising cost of rearing dairy heifer calves has far outpaced increases in heifer values over the last several years.
Registration is now open for the fourth California Dairy Sustainability Summit, taking place on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the UC Davis Conference Center in Davis, California, with an option to participate in person for virtually.
For 12 years, students in U.S. public schools have not been able to access the milk options that they prefer and consume at home: whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk. As the U.S. Senate considers the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023—bipartisan legislation to reinstate these nutritious milk options in school meals—a new Morning Consult poll of parents with children in public shows near unanimous support for the bill. Large majorities of parents surveyed in the Morning Consult national tracking poll commissioned by the International Dairy Foods Association want to see whole and 2% milks back in school meals.
To ensure the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) continues to meet its mission, the board of directors adopted the NIAA 2024 – 2026 Strategic Plan during their January 24, 2024, meeting. Adoption of the strategic plan culminates the work of NIAA elected leaders, members, partners, and staff who began work on the latest strategic plan in November 2023.
America’s families might soon see record-high beef prices at the grocery store, thanks to the lowest cattle inventory in more than 70 years. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the USDA inventory report in the latest Market Intel. There were 87.2 million cattle and calves in the United States as of Jan. 2, 2024, 2 percent lower than the same time in 2023. It’s the lowest inventory since 1951. Just four years ago, there were almost 95 million cattle in the U.S.
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the oldest and largest livestock association in the Southwest, today announced it will hold its first-ever Giving Day Feb. 15. The 24-hour fundraising effort is scheduled in conjunction with the association’s founding date and will raise funds to support the Special Ranger Foundation and the newly established Leadership Development Foundation.
dsm-firmenich, the leading innovator in nutrition, health and beauty, received market authorization for Bovaer in Canada for use with dairy and beef cattle. Bovaer is a feed ingredient which immediately and effectively reduces methane emissions from cattle. This feed ingredient is an important tool for the nearly 10,000 dairy farmers in Canada, and will enable them to make a substantial step forward towards their net zero ambitions. Bovaer reduces methane emissions by 30 percent on average for dairy cows, and thereby lowers the overall greenhouse gas footprint per liter of milk by 10-15 percent.
The 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) recognized three exhibitors with the New Product Showcase “Best of the Best” award. The award acknowledges outstanding exhibitors that have distinguished themselves by developing an innovative technology in products, services or operating techniques that will advance the industry.
The American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) Production Compliance Committee hosted its annual Feed Education Program Jan. 31 during the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), covering what the animal food industry can expect from U.S. federal regulators in 2024. In addition, in partnership with Feedstuffs, the AFIA also named MFA Incorporated’s Aurora Mill plant as its 2023 Commercial Dry Feed Facility of the Year.
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) presented the organization’s annual Lamplighter Award to five individuals at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). The award pays tribute to individuals for “sustained and exemplary service” to the poultry and egg industry.
The International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA) has launched its first website fishcoalition.org. ICFA is a collective of national fish and seafood industry associations from the world’s major fishing nations formed in 1988. The group provides decision makers with a unified voice on global issues.
