Milk output increases nearly 4%

In the 24 major dairy states, October milk production was up 3.9% from a year ago. In Minnesota, milk production increased by 3%. Milk cow numbers rose 10,000 head. South Dakota’s milk output jumped 9.3%, with an additional 20,000 cows in the state dairy herd.

Rollins blames Biden administration for tight cattle supplies

During an appearance on Fox Business, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins placed the blame for low cattle supplies on the Biden administration. “We are suffering from the last administration’s literal war on cattle,” Rollins said. “If you remember, they wanted to reduce the herd sizes because they believed that cattle caused climate change. I mean, that wasn’t that long ago that that was sort of a common narrative.” Rollins also blamed high beef prices on the drought, the closure of the U.S. border to Mexican beef and strong protein demand. The U.S. Department of Agriculture leader said the Trump administration has a plan in place to address consumer beef prices.

Making year-end decisions

Farm Business Management Instructor Josh Tjosaas has reviewed preliminary 2026 cash flow projections. Cash flow will influence year-end decisions. “There’s always discounts on prepaying, and a lot of farms have done that over time, but it’s a little bit tougher when there’s less available to prepay,” Tjosaas said. “I think it’s important to really get a handle on where you’re at and how early 2026 looks before jumping wholeheartedly into potentially higher expenses.” Working capital has taken a hit with the low commodity prices, but that may be offset by good yields in many areas.

Trade talks to resume ‘when appropriate’

According to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, trade talks with the U.S. will resume “when it is appropriate.” While at the G20 meeting in Johannesburg, Carney said those negotiations may happen within the next two weeks. Trade talks shut down last month after the Ontario province aired an anti-tariff message in U.S. media.

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. The bill expands the options available to schools, including whole milk and 2% options. National Milk Producers Federation President/CEO Gregg Doud, said “the bill helps children get back on solid nutritional footing.”

Public comment sought on the Endangered Species Act

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a revamp of the Endangered Species Act regulation, bringing the policy back to the rules adopted during President Trump’s first term. The plan eliminates the so-called blanket rule that gives threatened species the same protection as endangered species. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the plan restores the Endangered Species Act to its original intent while respecting “the livelihoods of Americans who depend on our land and resources.”

Five special orders approved

The Minnesota Farmers Union re-elected Gary Wertish as president and Anne Schwagerl as vice president. Delegates passed five special orders: addressing the farm crisis; calling for an end to the trade war; a reversal of healthcare cuts; support for the next generation of farmers; and restoration of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other hunger assistance programs.

MFBF policy priorities announced

Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation delegates identified four priority policy areas at its annual meeting. The priorities include support for farm families and the transition from one generation to the next; rural economic vitality; science-based land and livestock conservation practices; and balanced energy policies.

Glessing re-elected

Dan Glessing of Waverly was re-elected to another 2-year term as Minnesota Farm Bureau president. Joe Sullivan of Franklin and Kevin Dahlman of Cokato will serve 3-year terms on the board. Amanda Cook of Chisago County will chair the promotion and education committee, while Megan Horsager of Chippewa County is the Young Farmers and Ranchers committee chair.

MFBF presents distinguished service awards

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation recognized Dr. James Luby, Ted Matthews and Dr. Craig Sheaffer with the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award. Luby is a professor emeritus with the University of Minnesota’s horticultural science department. Matthews has specialized in farm mental health in his service to rural communities over the past 30-plus years. Sheaffer, now retired, dedicated 47 years to researching, teaching and extension, focused on forage crops and sustainable agriculture.

YF&R award winners named

In the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers competition, Dylan and Shelby Radke of Beltrami County won the achievement award. They operate a first-generation Black Angus cow-calf ranch and manage a direct-to-consumer beef business. Katie Saterbak of Murdock was named the winner of the MFBF Discussion Meet. Stearns County Farm Bureau President Hannah Molitor, who is a program analyst with the Farm Service Agency and field technician for the Minnesota Dairy Herd Improvement Association, won the excellence in agriculture competition.

Excellence recognized at MFBF convention

During the MFBF annual meeting, Patric Pehrson, agriculture education instructor, Nicollet Public Schools, was named the FFA Advisor of the Year. Jess Feierabend of Central Lakes College is the Post-Secondary Educator of the Year and University of Minnesota Extension Dairy Livestock Systems Educator Jim Salfer is the Extension Educator of the Year. MFBF named Bonanza Valley Voice publisher and editor Randy Olson as the Agriculture Communicator of the Year.

MFU awards presented

The Minnesota Farmers Union honored Matt Kruger of Pine Island with its Rising Star Award. Claudine Arndt, who is the Director of Minnesota Cooks and Membership for Minnesota Farmers Union, was recognized for her dedicated service. Franklin Turnock of Aitkin County was given an award as a distinguished county leader. The MFU Dedicated Service to Rural Communities honor went to Paul Sobocinski of Wabasso and Carol Anderson of Foley.

New AgriGrowth executive committee elected

Matt Wohlman, who is with Land O’Lakes, is the new chair for the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council. Wohlman succeeds Associated Milk Producers Incorporated President/CEO Sheryl Meshke. Sparboe President Beth Schnell is the incoming vice chair. Chuck Tryon of Bushel Boy is secretary, and Andy Martin of AgCountry Farm Credit Services is treasurer.

Trivia challenge

In the holiday movie, The Polar Express, the conductor serves hot chocolate to the children on the train. That answers our last trivia question. For this week’s trivia, what are the traditional ingredients in eggnog? We’ll have the answer in our next edition of the Dairy Star.

Don Wick is owner/broadcaster for the Red River Farm Network of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Wick has been recognized as the National Farm Broadcaster of the Year and served as president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Don and his wife, Kolleen, have two sons, Tony and Sam, and five grandchildren, Aiden, Piper, Adrienne, Aurora and Sterling.