August 26, 2025
• July milk production across the U.S. totaled 19.6 billion pounds, according to USDA’s Milk Production report. This was up 3.4% compared to last year and was the strongest monthly production gain in over four years.
• Month-over-month, the national dairy herd expanded by 10,000 head in July, reaching a total of 9.49 million head. Production per cow was also up at 2,063 pounds.
• Figure out the feed value of your crop residue.
• Are you seeding novel-endophyte tall fescue this fall? If so, here are some tips.
• Consider these options for fall armyworm control.
August 19, 2025
• USDA pegged the production of alfalfa and alfalfa-mixed hay at 49.75 million tons, according to its latest Crop Production report, which is down slightly from last year. Area harvested was predicted to be lower at 14.19 million acres, but average yield per acre was expected to improve to 3.51 tons.
• All other hay (mostly grass) production was projected to hit 73.75 million tons, which is 1.5% more than last year. Area harvested was estimated at 35.5 million acres with an average yield per acre pegged at 2.08 tons.
• All U.S. hay exports totaled 215,018 MT in June, according to USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. This was down 7% year over year but up 6% from May.
• U.S. alfalfa hay exports totaled 141,323 metric tons (MT) in June. Alfalfa hay exports to China totaled 76,585 MT, which was more than three times the volume shipped to China in May. The next largest volumes went to Japan and South Korea with 24,995 MT and 13,813 MT, respectively.
• Other hay (mostly grass) exports totaled 73,695 MT. Japan led the charge with 41,501 MT, followed by South Korea with 16,757 MT and Taiwan with 7,772 MT.
August 12, 2025
• According to the USDA’s Agricultural Land Values summary, farm real estate values, including lands and buildings, averaged $4,350 per acre for 2025. This was up $180, or 2.4%, from 2024.
• Cropland value averaged $5,830 per acre, which was up $260, or 4.7%, compared to last year. Pasture value averaged $1,920 per acre.
• The Corn Belt — Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Ohio — had the highest average farm real estate value at $8,250 per acre, and this was up 4% year-over-year. The Pacific Region was a close second with an average of $8,210 per acre. The lowest average farm real estate value was found in the Mountain region at $1,660 per acre.
• Check alfalfa hay for blister beetles as the summer progresses.
• Read these tips for successful late summer seedings.
August 5, 2025
• Entries are now open for this year’s World Forage Analysis Superbowl. Click here for more information.
• Alfalfa quality takes a hit when it gets hot.
• Here are 10 reasons why you should stop making hay.
• Plant fall oats for fall forage.
• Plan ahead for lime applications in alfalfa.
