September 30, 2025
• Milk production in the United States during August totaled 19.5 billion pounds, according to USDA’s Milk Production report. This was up 3.2% year-over-year.
• Average milk production per cow in August was 2,050 pounds, up 27 pounds from last year. The total number of U.S. milk cows was also on the rise, reaching 9.52 million head.
• Assess pasture productivity before making renovations this fall.
• Are you worried about algal blooms? Check out these frequently asked questions.
• The University of Georgia Beef Team offers these tips for growing annual forages in the Southeast.
September 23, 2025
• Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.1 million head on Sept. 1, according to USDA’s Cattle on Feed report. That was down 1% year-over-year.
• Placements in feedlots during August totaled 1.78 million head, which was 10% lower than August 2024. Marketings of fed cattle during August totaled 1.57 million head, down 14% from last year, and was the lowest reported number since the series began in 1996.
• Deadlines to buy 2026 forage production APH and alfalfa seed crop insurance are Sept. 30. Click here to locate a crop insurance agent near you and get more information specific to your farm.
• The University of Minnesota and North Dakota State University are co-hosting a soil management conference Jan. 14 and 15, in Fargo, N.D. Click here for more information.
• These three steps can help you estimate your winter hay needs.
September 16, 2025
• This year’s Alfalfa Intensive Training Seminar, sponsored by the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance (NAFA), will be held October 21 and 22 in Arden Hills, Minn. Click here for more information.
• Consider these tips for establishing tall fescue this fall.
• Be careful about these forage disorders that can occur after a frost.
• Moisture at harvest is a critical component of mycotoxin production in corn silage.
• La Niña could return in the coming months, according to some weather models.
September 9, 2025
• The U.S. exported 186,395 metric tons (MT) of all types of hay in July, according to USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
• Alfalfa hay exports totaled 111,380 MT. China led the charge with 54,592 MT, followed by Japan with 25,040 MT, and South Korea with 9,986 MT.
• All other hay (mostly grass) exports totaled 75,015 MT in July. The biggest export market for grass hay was Japan with 42,218 MT, followed by South Korea with 17,857 MT, and Taiwan with 7,072 MT.
• Test hay to accurately match forage quality to animal needs.
• Drought-stressed soybeans can be used for forage in a pinch.
September 2, 2025
• Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.9 million head on August 1, which was down 2% from last year, according to the USDA’s Cattle on Feed report.
• Placements in feedlots during July totaled 1.60 million head, and marketings of fed cattle totaled 1.75 million head, which were both 6% lower year-over-year.
• Check kernel processing score by assessing a scoop of silage.
• Limit cows grazing wheat to stretch forage supplies.
• Put smooth bedstraw to bed.