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
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.
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.
The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
Expect firm calf and fed-cattle prices — pair selective heifer retention with prudent hedging and liquidity to bridge rebuilding costs.
The new antitrust agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aims to enforce antitrust laws and monitor market activity across the ag sector.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Frigid winter weather and rapid temperature swings have cattle markets watching closely for livestock stress, as analysts say fluctuations pose the greatest risk.
A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.
The U.S. has a bountiful corn supply, but markets are waiting for the January WASDE Report, which will include updated yield estimates.
Rising federal debt is increasing pressure on Washington to limit spending, which could tighten future funding and delivery for agricultural programs.
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.