Relief for Dairy: Changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Order are in effect

As the courts decide the fate of President Trump’s tariffs, another measure could offer dairy farmers some relief. Changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Order took effect over the weekend.

The Farm Bureau says the updates were long overdue and could provide some much-needed certainty.

“This was a need of the industry to say that the Federal Milk Market Order system has been outdated. These formulas needed to be updated in order to reflect more accurate market conditions. With all these trade disruptions, supply disruptions going on as well, the total impact might be stunted or sort of covered by some of these bigger market movers,” said Danny Munch.

Changes that are now in effect include the switch to the Higher-of Class 3 and 4 price formula. Class 1 differentials have also been raised, which Munch says will help offset transportation and service costs.

Related Stories
manage risk as milk price volatility increases.
Tight red meat supplies continue supporting livestock markets.
Growing milk supply may pressure prices ahead.
The Mengel Dairy Farms case is a sobering reminder that “having insurance” is not the same as “having protection.”
Herd growth and exports supporting dairy outlook.
The ag trade deficit is narrowing, but export competition remains strong.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.
Harvest Pace, Logistics, and Input Costs Drive Fall Decisions
The USDA’s latest Hogs and Pigs Report caught some analysts off guard. Inventories came in lower than expected, signaling tighter supplies ahead, even as producers return to profitability this year.
Over the past decade, Tractor Supply has expanded its support through sponsorships and youth programs, all part of its broader mission to invest in the future of agriculture.
Understanding how these tax provisions interact will be key for farmers planning long-term equipment purchases or transfers within the family.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.