Tariff preparation has helped move dairy products, dairy groups say

Ag groups have been preparing for President Trump’s tariffs for some time now. One dairy group says that preparation has actually helped their numbers.

“So, certainly, folks have been gearing up. That’s actually been good for our trade data so far. We’re moving a lot more product because folks don’t want to be out of U.S. products during these times,” said Sarah Dorland, a dairy economist with Ceres Dairy Risk Management.

Dorland says it does not take much market action to shake up the dairy economy. While they are shipping a lot of products now, she warns that could change drastically in the future.

U.S. dairy products are looking at an additional 10 percent tariff from China in the coming days. China has responded with its own tariffs that aim to target a number of U.S. ag goods. They include a 15 percent tariff on all U.S. chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton. There is also an extra 10 percent on U.S. soybeans, sorghum, pork, beef, as well as other fruits and vegetables. Chinese officials say those take effect March 10th.

Related Stories
Farm Journal Foundation Senior Policy Adviser Dr. Stephanie Mercier outlines new research on the top sixteen biosecurity threats in agriculture/
Rancher David Kroa of One Man Ranch joins us to share the story of his remarkable Shorthorn cow, Trish, who is beating the odds.
Cattle imports from Mexico remain stalled amid the New World screwworm outbreak. At the same time, Tyson closures add pressure on Nebraska producers and markets ahead of the USDA’s upcoming Cattle on Feed Report.
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.
The Lexington shutdown pushes national slaughter capacity utilization nearer long-run averages, underscoring how tight cattle supplies are reshaping packer operations.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Rising adoption of GLP-1 drugs may gradually reshape food demand, with potential downstream effects on protein markets and consumer purchasing patterns.
Traders are keeping a close eye on China’s soybean purchases as markets track export sales, shipments, and progress toward the ‘magical’ 12 million ton target promised last year.
Leadership development and bipartisan engagement remain central to advancing agriculture’s priorities in 2026.
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
In a post to social media, Trump said Venezuela will buy American agriculture products and will use the money from oil sales to make it happen.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
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.