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“This was a need of the industry to say that the Federal Milk Market Order system has been outdated.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
Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey was in Mission, Texas, where state and federal officials addressed growers and producers at a round table event hosted at a citrus grower’s facility. He shows us how welcome news was all around.
Low prices are painful now, but production response could support stronger milk markets later in 2026.
Texas cowboy chef and host of RFD Network’s Twisted Skillet, Sean Koehler, shares an elote-style street corn dip just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. This skillet-cooked corn dish combines open-fire cooking and bold regional flavors for a delicious twist on Mexican Street Corn.
Policies aimed at ground beef prices may primarily reshape dairy incentives rather than deliver lasting consumer savings.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

FFA Program Specialist Ashli Weinrich highlights how the FFA Next Gen Conference helps ag students explore career opportunities and build skills for the future.
Vanessa Wood shares more about Ag Women Connect, the importance of uplifting women in agriculture, and upcoming projects designed to highlight stories across rural America.
Strong exports support cattle and hog market fundamentals.
StoneX Director of Fertilizer Josh Linville looks at fertilizer market volatility, potential impacts on planting decisions, and what farmers should watch as the global situation in the Middle East continues to unfold.
House ag leaders had hoped to get the Farm Bill voted on by Easter, but no dates have been secured just yet.
Kansas State University agricultural economist Dr. Gregg Ibendahl discusses rising diesel prices, the influence of global oil markets, and the potential impact on farmers heading into the spring planting season.
Agriculture Shows
From barnyards and back roads to metros and highways, Simply Southern TV on RFD Network explores all of Alabama to bring you the best stories on farming, gardening, forestry, rural living, and youth in agriculture.
In the first week of each month, “Down Home Virginia,” produced by the Virginia Farm Bureau, airs its half-hour program. Other states’ Farm Bureaus featured on different weeks include Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Idaho, and New York, and news from the American Farm Bureau from Washington, D.C.
Created by former Louisiana Farm Bureau PR Director and former host Regnal Wallace, “This Week in Louisiana Agriculture,” is one of the state’s longest-running TV programs.
From the rapid technological advances in the business of farming to the policy that helps shape the industry, growers get unparalleled perspective from these guys. Max Armstrong, Mike Pearson and Greg Soulje: the names producers have long known and trusted for agriculture news, weather, and commentary.