feed costs

This has summer hasn’t been hotter than normal, but it has been dryer than normal. And that means a lot of the forage across the three states has dried out.

Throughout much of 2022 and into this year, much of the financial concern for the ag industry was input costs that were climbing at significant rates.  But now, those concerns don’t seem to be so loud.  The Idaho Cattlemen’s Cameron Mulrony said diesel prices are a great example.   “It seemed to stabiliz...

Every farmer will tell you that the previous year, good or bad, will have an impact on the following year.  But, perhaps nowhere is that more true than in the livestock sector.  Cameron Mulrony, Vice President of the Idaho Cattlemen’s Association, said between the nine months of gestation and the 16-18 months before a cow is ready to head to processing, producers are 27 months away from seeing bre

Dairy producers can now enroll for 2023 coverage through the Dairy Margin Coverage Program.  The program helps dairy farmers manage changes in milk and feed prices.  Enrollment for the program began Monday and runs through December 7th.   Last ...

U.S. milk production my increase slightly, year-over-year, despite production numbers well off of just a month ago.  USDA is reporting that milk production during the April, May and June quarter was 57.9 billion pounds; 0.5% lower than the same quarter a year ago.  Pa...

While farmers by nature are optimistic about the future, Rick Naerebout CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association has several concerns. Like many other Ag industries across the state, Naerebout says dairy producers growing very concerned about the lack of snowpack, which currently sits between 75%-80% of average. He ...

For the Idaho dairy industry, the challenges are both coming and going. Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association said like many in the farming community, input costs are really cutting into the bottom lines of producers across the state. But ...

As the hot, dry summer continues, the drought is impacting Northwest crops in a variety of ways. For the Idaho dairy industry, the biggest impact is the dramatic increase in feed costs. “We’re seeing more and more competition for hay," noted Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association. "Competing with ...

Last week's USDA cattle on feed report puts May placements of cattle in feed lots down 7% from last year. Marketing of fed cattle is up 25% from last year's COVID situation. Total feed lot inventory June first, 11.7 million head, almost exactly what it was this time a year ago. ... Read More ...

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer tumbled significantly in May, dropping 20 points to an index reading of 158. That marks the lowest point for the survey since September. Producers were less optimistic about both the current conditions and the future of the agricultural economy ...