Despite shakeups in the U.S. and overseas, new research shows the dairy industry is set up for modest growth this year.
Numbers from Rabobank show that global dairy growth will be pushed by more supplies and rising export demand. It comes after last year’s weaker milk production in key export regions. They say dairy farmers in most regions will see increased revenue this year, with farmers in New Zealand poised to see the strongest sentiment.
In the U.S., industry leaders remind dairy farmers that sign-ups are due soon for the Dairy Marketing Coverage program.
“Farmers can now obtain payments on more recent production history if they’ve expanded their production between 2014 and 2019, so that’s also available, and DMC also complements other risk management tools, such as Dairy Revenue Protection and Livestock Gross Margin Program for Dairy, which farmers can stack alongside the DMC program for additional protection on milk production that might not be covered by DMC,” said Theresa Sweeney.
Enrollment for this year began back in January and runs through the end of this month.
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Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
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Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
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Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
January 19, 2026 03:00 PM
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Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
January 19, 2026 01:00 PM
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U.S. agriculture entered the week with mixed signals as weather, logistics, and markets shaped early-year decisions. Here is a regional breakdown of domestic crop and livestock production for the week of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
January 19, 2026 11:40 AM
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