24 October 2025

Headlines

• USA Shares Screwworm Response Playbook
• What do Farmers Stand to Lose if Trade War Escalates?
• Government Shutdown’s Impact on Ag Grows as Trade Trouble Pressures Grain Prices, Dairy Market Access
• New Price Signals Could Reshape Cow Culling Pattern
• USDA Confirms: Trump Administration Resuming FSA Operations, Frozen ALC/PLC Payments for Farmers on Thursday
• NM port shutdown due to New World screwworm ripples across state and both sides of the border
• Secretary Rollins Announces Plan for American Ranchers and Consumers
• Dairy Industry Workforce Woes: Expert Tips for Overcoming Challenges
• USDA Confirms: Trump Administration Resuming FSA Operations, Frozen ALC/PLC Payments for Farmers on Thursday
• Farm Policy Expert Warns AD HOC Payments Could Destabilize Ag Markets
• Advanced Manure Treatment, Where Do We Stand?
• Biotics in Bovines: Probiotic Applications for Dairy Cattle
• Trump's Beef Import Plan Ignores Key Issues Squeezing American Cattle Ranchers

Submit Your Nominations for the 2026 Bobby Walker Award

Georgia Milk Producers is taking nominations for the 2026 "Bobby Walker Award." Each year, the Georgia Milk Producers Board of Directors presents the award to a dairy professional, farmer, and/or company that is driving Georgia's dairy industry toward a brighter future through leadership, advocacy, and service. The award presentation will take place at the 2026 Georgia Dairy Conference in January.  This award is open to any individual who is involved with the dairy industry (Cooperative officials/field representatives, feed/ supply companies or salesperson, veterinarian, farmer, etc.). Please send in nominations for this award to our office by November 10th, 2025 by using this link or emailing info@gamilk.org.

FSA Opens with Partial Services Available

The USDA announced that FSA reopened Thursday October 23rd, while the government shutdown remains in effect. According to the USDA, FSA county service offices will begin resuming core operations including farm loan processing and ARC/PLC commodity payments. Because staff remains limited, plan your visit by calling ahead to ensure someone is available. 

What to do:

• Contact your local FSA office for hours and services avaliable. Offices will not be fully staffed. 
• Continue to prepare documentation for payment processing.
• Make sure you are tracking payments you’ve accepted. 

To find your local FSA office, visit the website here.

Sources:

• https://www.rfdtv.com/usda-plans-to-resume-fsa-operations-and-frozen-commodity-program-payments-on-thursday
• https://www.agri-pulse.com/ext/resources/Podcasts2/Daybreak-Audio/October-2025/Daybreak_10232025.mp3
• https://www.gfb.org/news/ag-news/post/usda-to-resume-some-fsa-functions-including-loans-arc-plc/?utm_source=ConstantContact&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GFBFieldNotes102225

USDA to Extend Application Deadline for Emergency Livestock Relief Program

Because of the government shutdown, dairy producers only had about two weeks to apply for the Emergency Livestock Relief Program while USDA offices were fully open. In response to the short time period, NMPF asked USDA to make sure farmers still get the full six weeks to apply once everything is back up and running. NMPF shared they have confirmation that USDA does plan to stick with the 47-day application window set by the program. Once the shutdown ends and USDA is fully operational again, the deadline is expected to be extended by about 30 more days. In the meantime, NMPF recommends that producers get their paperwork in order now so they’re ready to move quickly once FSA offices reopen. To read more about the Emergency Livestock Relief Program and how to apply, click here.

FSA offices have reopened and resumed some basic services. FSA Service Centers will be taking applications for the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP). However, no payments will be processed at this time. While other major CCC programs will begin functioning as normal and FSA will process some payments for those programs, the ELRP program will be "in-take only" at this time.

Register Now for the 2026 Georgia Dairy Conference

Register today for the 2026 Georgia Dairy Conference! With 16 industry leading speakers, a premier trade show featuring companies from across the US and more, and networking opportunities with producers and businesses, this is an event you don't want to miss. Upon registration, you'll receive a link to register for your hotel room using our discounted block rate. If you're interested in exhibiting, the trade show is already over half way full, so register soon to secure your spot. Register today by visiting www.gadairyconference.com or clicking the image below.

59th Dairy Production Road Show

The following is from the University of Florida.

The 59th Florida Dairy Production Conference has changed its format to a Road Show. This year, the aim of the conference is to get closer to producers. The program will be offered on November 12th in Okeechobee, FL and November 13th in Tifton, GA. The Florida Dairy Production Conference Road Show created a program that brings together some of the newest applied research, innovations, recommendations, and ideas for improving the sustainability and profitability of the Florida dairy industry. The conference strives to provide a friendly learning and sharing atmosphere with networking opportunities. 

To learn more and register, click here.

GMP Classifieds

Want to showcase your business to dairy producers and industry professionals across the Southeast and US? Email info@gamilk.org to learn more about how you can advertise in the GMP E-News.

Calendar of Events

November 7 - Georgia Agribusiness Council Harvest Celebration

The Classic Center - Athens, GA

November 12-13 - 59th Dairy Production Roadshow

Okeechobee, FL (Nov. 12) Tifton, GA (Nov. 13)

December 7-9 - Georgia Farm Bureau Convention

Jekyll Island Conference Center - Jekyll Island, GA

January 19-21 - Georgia Dairy Conference

Marriott Savannah Riverfront Hotel - Savannah, GA

Until Next Time,

GMP