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
The Sheinbaum–Rollins meeting signals progress, but the focus remains on fully containing screwworm before cross-border movement resumes.
Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
Wheat futures briefly hit a three-month high before retreating as the markets wait for word on whether the deal will actually happen.
An import lag for ground beef will likely look different than last year’s egg shortage. The difference comes down to biosecurity and market flexibility.
America’s love for burgers depends on open markets. Without lean beef imports, prices would skyrocket, crushing demand and destabilizing the beef industry.
High milk production and soft retail demand are squeezing prices and margins — making careful feed and risk management essential through year-end.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens shares his outlook on farmland market trends, which remain under close watch as new federal assistance programs roll out — with experts analyzing potential impacts on land values, buying, and stability.
Michelle Perez shares more about the American Farmland Trust’s resource to help farmers and producers plan soil health improvements.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer outlines the key difference between previous ECAP payments and the Farm Bridge Assistance Program.
Jeff Johnston with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange explains the growing role of Rural America in supporting the nation’s digital infrastructure.
FFA Central Region Vice President Claire Woeppel joins FFA Today to share her story and excitement to connect with FFA members nationwide.
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson reacts to the U.S. House’s passage of the SPEED Act, which aims to streamline federal permitting for energy and infrastructure projects, and discusses its potential impact on rural communities.
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.