Basic economics tells us that our milk price is based on the balance of supply and demand. When supply is higher than demand, our milk price goes down. When demand is higher than supply, our milk price goes up. In 2022, dairy farm families benefited from a demand that was higher than supply, with year-over-year…
Whenever something goes wrong on the farm, we often find ourselves reciting the words, “If Only,” as we look back on the situation. “If only I let that fresh cow in the box pen one more night.” “If only I made sure that calf had colostrum within the first four hours.” “If only I reminded…
Whenever we ask farmers what they value about coming to a meeting or an event, they always say the opportunity to network, talk to, and learn from other farmers is what they value the most. So, two years ago, when we decided to start a podcast series, we developed it with that principle in mind….
If you ever heard an economist share their forecast about where markets are heading, they typically use the phrase, “I don’t have a crystal ball.” Basically, that means they don’t really know what next year’s markets will bring. They can only look at the market fundamentals to see what factors could influence prices. Recently I…
The August margin under USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage Program was announced late last month at $8.08 per cwt. For those with DMC coverage at the maximum $9.50 level, that resulted in an indemnity payment of $1.42 per cwt. or about $1,116 for a million pounds of coverage. This was the first time in 2022 that…
Folks visiting your farm are often eager to leave behind a hat or something else with their label on it to remind you of their company and the services or products they offer. A label can either be positive or negative, depending on what it represents to the person wearing it and to the person…
Last month I had the opportunity to sit in on the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board’s Hearing where they gathered testimony regarding the over-order premium and what should be done with the premium structure going forward. Earlier in the summer the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture asked the PMMB to evaluate the over-order premium structure to ensure…
My boys are mostly grown now, but when my oldest was seven years old, he and his brother were supposed to be playing in the yard while their dad was mixing feed. Instead, my son decided he wanted to go tell his dad something. So, he ran out to the feed alley directly behind the…
For many families, August represents a season of transition. As soon as the calendar flips to this month, those with school-aged children start to think about heading back to school. Those students who play fall sports often start having two-a-day practices in the first week of August. Those who are in youth programs like 4-H…
Did you know that National Ice Cream Day is on Sunday, July 17th? In 1984, a senator from Kentucky and a representative from Texas introduced a joint resolution proclaiming July as National Ice Cream Month and July 15 as National Ice Cream Day. The resolution unanimously passed in both the House and Senate, and President…
