January 2015 Dairy Situation & Outlook

Jan 27, 2015

Professor Bob Cropp’s January 2015 Dairy Situation & Outlook full report is available for download from UW Understanding Dairy Markets. The following is a portion of that report:

Dairy exports for the year will likely be lower than 2014. World dairy product prices appear to have bottomed out with recent Global Dairy Trade showing some strength in prices. Milk prices are also much lower in the major exporting countries—New Zealand, Australia and the EU-28. New Zealand is also experiencing dry weather, which if it persists, will reduce their milk production in the months ahead. So the increase in world milk production will not be as high as it was in 2014. As accumulated dairy stocks are worked down, dairy imports are expected to pick up the last half of the year, particularly in China, but at a more modest pace.

In summary, as the growth in milk production slows and dairy exports improve for the last half of the year, we can expect milk prices to improve. But, unless milk production slows more than now anticipated and/or dairy exports improve more than anticipated, milk prices will average much lower than 2014.

Source:uwex.edu

Video: Sorting Ewes & Rams | Breeding Time On The Farm!

In this episode, we’re sorting ewes into their breeding groups and introducing them to unrelated rams. Moving rams between barns always comes with challenges, but once the boys meet their ewes, everyone was eager to settle in!

We also welcome back a returning customer who purchased a Suffolk ram from us last year. This season, she chose a Dorset cross ram, now named Benny, to strengthen her flock’s genetics. It’s always rewarding to see repeat customers who value the quality of our breeding stock.

Arnie then tours the crop fields as harvest season approaches. Despite drought conditions this summer, the crops are looking surprisingly good. We close the day with evening feedings and one last look at the rams with their new breeding groups.

?? Join us daily for life on a working sheep farm, from flock management and breeding strategies to crops, chores, and the everyday rhythm of farm life.