U.S. headline milk production growth was much stronger than expected in September, up 4% compared to the forecast of +3.2%. The only other time that we’ve seen an expansion like this was the mid-1980s, reveals Nate Donnay.
Milk has been a basis of nutrition for centuries, but the modern fluid milk industry faces challenges in maintaining its heritage while adapting to changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainability issues. The future of milk presents both opportunities and challenges, as noted by Sonali Raghunath.
In the case of U.S. dairy exports, no “rebelling” is needed, particularly since price is powerful. For all the concern about trade wars, slowing global economic growth, shipping issues and de-globalization, U.S. dairy exports have been strong for products where U.S. prices have been relatively cheap over the past year.
In addition to making seven varieties of spicy, hot cheddar cheeses such as Carolina Reaper and Scorpion, central Wisconsin-based Nasonville Dairy, a third-generation, medium-sized cheese processor, is “hot” for handcrafting 42 varieties of premium cheese, including Cheddar, Colby, along with many flavored cheeses like Blue Marble Jack, Garlic & Herb, and Horseradish.
Featuring festive food, a robust cattle judging contest, educational seminars, career connections and a large exhibitor hall with more than 700 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technology and the latest dairy equipment, the 57th Annual World Dairy Expo (WDE), taking place Oct. 1-4 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis., was buzzing with activity around the theme, “The Golden Age.”
From the beginning of the agricultural process to the final consumer experience, a magnitude of innovations has led to reducing the environmental impact of the dairy business.
In May of 2022 I was at a conference in Germany and the question I asked everyone was, “how high do milk prices have to go to get EU milk production growing again?”