May 27, 2025

• April milk production in the U.S. totaled 19.4 billion pounds, according to USDA’s Milk Production report. This was up 1.5% from April 2024.

• Milk production per cow was also up year-over-year, averaging 2,055 pounds per cow. The number of milk cows in the U.S. in April was 89,000 head greater than the previous year at 9.43 million head.

• The 2025 annual average combined gross wage rate for field and livestock workers was $18.43 per hour, which was up 3% from last year’s reference week, according to USDA’s Farm Labor report.

• The Pacific Northwest and California had the highest average combined wage rates for field and livestock workers at $20.21 and $20.60 per hour, respectively. The Delta region had the lowest average combined gross wage rate at $15.32 per hour.

• Consider these options for fly control in cattle.

May 20, 2025

• U.S. alfalfa hay exports totaled 185,890 million tons (MT) in March, according to USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service. This was a 22% bump from the previous month; however, it was 20% behind total exports at the same time last year.

• China was the largest consumer of U.S. alfalfa hay in March, importing 82,982 MT, which was 12% more than it imported the previous month. Japan was a distant second-place importer with 39,554 MT, and Saudi Arabia imported 29,813 MT.

• All other U.S. hay exports totaled 94,750 MT in March. Japan was the largest export market at 53,574 MT, followed by South Korea at 22,464 MT, and Taiwan at 10,427 MT.

• Read these keys to soil pH and lime applications in pastures.

• Last week’s weather whiplash could indicate future drought issues.

May 13, 2025

• Use a PEAQ stick to estimate first-cut alfalfa quality.

• Ten ways to manage high nitrogen prices.

• Summer forage quality might not meet cows’ needs during breeding season.

• Beware of black cherry tree leaves and cyanide poisoning.

• Here is a comprehensive guide for making forage renovations.

May 6, 2025

• Consider these tips for forage management this month.

• There are several options to control horn flies.

• This study shows overgrazing can be more harmful to forage than drought.

• Here’s why nitrates can be so toxic to cattle.

• Turning cropping systems into grazing systems supports many pillars of soil health.