New World screwworm found in U.S.

For the cattle industry, the most significant border crossing in decades has happened. New World screwworm has been confirmed in a 3-week-old calf 30 miles northeast of the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas. Tests are now being conducted at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. This is the first screwworm case in the United States in 60 years.

NMPF responds to screwworm confirmation

The return of NWS is a disappointment, but for more than a year, it is one that dairy farmers have been preparing for. In a statement, National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Gregg Doud said dairy farmers and all livestock producers pledge to collaborate closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and local officials to protect their herds. “We also urge officials to follow scientific guidance in any decisions affecting animal movements and regulatory responses to avoid causing economic harm that could be greater than the screwworm itself.”

A market reset

The dairy markets are undergoing a major correction. “We have obviously strong exports, which helped us in the first several months of the year, but as prices rose, we began to price ourselves out of some of those markets,” said Mike North, president, Ever Ag Producer Division. North still sees good demand under this market. “Don’t think like this is a tragic ending to a nice little run; it’s just a market reset.” Dairy markets have also been pressured by global supply dynamics and an increase in dairy stocks.

Dairy groups urge USMCA review to consider Canadian dairy quotas

The NMPF and U.S. Dairy Export Council have renewed their call for the U.S. Trade Representative to use the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement review process to address Canada’s export policies. This action followed a report from the U.S. International Trade Commission that said the Canadian milk production quotas “unlink its relatively high farmgate price of milk from the price that NFS (nonfat milk solids) processors pay for milk components in Canada using regulated price discrimination.” A USDEC official said, “Canada’s actions distort markets and undermine fair competition.”

Advantages of robotic milking vary by herd size

According to a study conducted by USDA’s Economic Research Service, the labor savings from robotic milking varies with the size of the dairy herd. The ERS differentiates paid and unpaid labor, with the dairy farm operator and household members doing much of the unpaid labor. Dairy farms with 50-149 milk cows and robotic milking systems had unpaid labor expenses of $5.30 per hundredweight in 2021. That compares to $9.22 per cwt. for farms without robotic milking systems. The small dairies had an insignificant difference in expenses for its paid labor: $1.32 per cwt. for the farms that have robotic milking and $1.01 per cwt. for the non-adopters. For dairies with 150-499 head, the operations with robotic milking spent $1.17 on paid labor and those without robotic milking equipment spent an average of $2.10 per cwt.

Race and sex-based preferences in federal farm programs criticized

A recent lawsuit settlement involving USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage Program could have broader implications for race-based preferences in federal farm programs. The case involved a Wisconsin dairy farmer who challenged fee waivers offered only to minority farmers under the program. According to a The Wall Street Journal editorial, the settlement could lead to the elimination of race-conscious policies within USDA programs.

Mental health concerns growing in farm country

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day, Rural Mental Health Specialist Monica McConkey said calls for help are increasing across farm country. “For the past two months, there has been an increase in contacts looking for help,” said McConkey. “It ranges from crisis situations to anxiety, depression and relationship stress.” The suicide rate among male farmers remains significantly higher than that of the general population. McConkey urged families and neighbors to watch for warning signs, especially increased isolation and hopelessness. “One of the biggest warning signs is withdrawal,” McConkey said, “not coming into the house, avoiding family, church or community activities.” McConkey encouraged farmers and rural residents struggling with mental health challenges to contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or regional farm stress resources and farm stress hotlines for support.

Teens trust dairy

The Dairy Management Inc. Consumer Perceptions Tracker is now in its third year. The latest survey found 36% of consumers gave dairy its top two trust ratings on a 7-point scale, up 1% from 2024. One of the most encouraging parts of the report was the dramatic increase in trust amongst teenagers. The teen category had a 33% trust rating in 2023, 41% in 2024 and 47% in 2025. Teenagers overtook baby boomers as the group having the most support for dairy.

Body by Cheese

The dairy checkoff is leveraging National Cheese Day on June 4 to highlight cheese as a convenient, high-quality protein option. A fun campaign called “Body by Cheese” makes the connection between cheese and fitness, wellness and snacks. DMI is behind this effort.

Wisconsin is the world’s Dairyland

In a commentary produced for June Dairy Month, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Randy Romanski proclaimed Wisconsin is not just America’s Dairyland but the world’s Dairyland. Romanski said cheese is the defining aspect of Wisconsin’s dairy industry, with the state producing more than 600 different types of cheese. That’s nearly double the number coming from any other state. The DATCP leader also cites the state’s leadership in dairy exports and its ability to innovate.

Holstein USA recognizes Gieger

Holstein Association USA Inc. has announced that its Distinguished Leadership Award recipient is Corey Gieger. Gieger is the lead dairy economist for CoBank. Previously, he spent nearly three decades with Hoard’s Dairyman.

WDE hires marketing specialist

World Dairy Expo has hired Clarissa Ulness as its digital marketing specialist. Ulness graduated in May with a degree in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During her time at college, Ulness served in leadership with the Badger Dairy Club and the Association of Women in Agriculture. She also participated in WDE as an exhibitor and dairy judging competitor. Ulness was raised on a registered Holstein dairy operation at Valders, Wisconsin.

Countdown underway for state FFA convention

The Wisconsin FFA Convention will be held June 15-18 in Madison. “The Wisconsin FFA Convention and Expo allows us to celebrate our members, advisors and chapters as they receive state recognition for the great work they have done,” said Cheryl Zimmeman, Wisconsin FFA executive director. Attendance is expected to top 4,000 for the annual event.

Trivia challenge

The typical dairy cow sleeps four hours per day but lies down and rests for 12-14 hours per day. That answers our last trivia question. For this week’s trivia, how much protein can be found in a single cup of cottage cheese? 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.