December 30, 2025
• November milk production in the United States totaled 18.8 billion pounds, according to USDA’s Milk Production report. That was up 4.5% compared to last year.
• The bump in milk production was supported by greater average production per cow — up 41 pounds year-over-year at 1,963 pounds — and more dairy cattle on U.S. farms, totaling 9.57 million head.
• Ohio State University Extension published an updated enterprise budget for spring-seeded alfalfa in 2026.
• Cattle likely need supplemental feed in swath grazing systems.
• Here’s a list of frequently asked questions about burning bermudagrass hayfields.
December 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 11.7 million head on Dec. 1, according to USDA’s Cattle on Feed report. This was down 2% year-over-year.
• Placements in feedlots during November totaled 1.60 million head, and marketings of fed cattle totaled 1.52 million head.
• Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed for the first time on a Wisconsin dairy farm.
• Here are eight tips to protect pastures from winter feeding damage.
• Long-term effects of drought-stressed forage are causing concern in the Fescue Belt.
December 16, 2025
• Alfalfa hay exports to all U.S. trading partners totaled 129,945 metric tons (MT) in September. That number was relatively stable month-over-month but 22% less compared to the same period last year.
• China imported 55,625 MT of U.S. alfalfa hay in September, which was 16% less than the previous month. The other major alfalfa hay customers were Japan with 25,426 MT and Saudi Arabia with 15,915 MT.
• All other hay (mostly grass) exports totaled 69,702 MT. Japan was the largest consumer of U.S. grass hay in September with 39,382 MT, followed by South Korea with 17,700 MT and Taiwan with 4,610 MT.
• Understand the different types of protein in your cows’ feed.
• Extreme cold might not kill these diseases that affect corn grown for silage.
December 9, 2025
• One of the largest U.S. alfalfa and timothy hay trading companies, Anderson Hay Enterprise Inc., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief on Nov. 26. The announcement signals serious concern for the current state of our nation’s hay export market.
• The National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance’s (NAFA) Alfalfa Intensive Training Seminar (AITS) has been rescheduled to coincide with the Midwest Forage Association (MFA) symposium in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., on Feb. 17 and 18, 2026. Find more information and registration details here.
• Check out these forage-feeding tips for winter grazing and pasture maintenance.
• Read this list of pros and cons for five winter feeding strategies.
• There is data to prove that continuous living roots can alleviate soil compaction.
December 2, 2025
• Milk production in the U.S. totaled 19.5 billion pounds in October, which was up 3.7% year-over-year, according to USDA’s Milk Production report. Production per cow averaged 2,033 pounds.
• The U.S. dairy herd experienced its first month-over-month decline in numbers for the year during October, dropping 6,000 head. With that said, the national dairy herd was up 28,000 head compared the same time last year.
• Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.7 million head on November 1, according to USDA’s most recent Cattle on Feed report. Placements in feedlots during October were 2.04 million head, and marketings of fed cattle totaled 1.70 million head.
• Use these forage budget worksheets from the University of Missouri to plan for stand establishment and hay production in 2026.
• Mitigate the mud tax on your winter feed bill.