19 September 2025

Headlines

• The Ultimate Tug of War: Dairy Heifer Dilemma Analyzed 
• Federal Funding Cuts to Food Program Impacts Communities and Farmers
• Farmers Are Struggling Under Donald Trump
• Heifer Inventories Not Expected to Rebound until 2027
• Corveta, a $50 Billion Seed-and-Pesticide Maker, Is Exploring a Breakup
• Nation’s Largest Ag Co-op Cashes Out Lowest Profit Share in Years
• Five Years In: The Future of Dairy
• National Milk Producers Federation on Latest MAHA Report: “Federal Policy Recognizing What We Knew All Along”
• House GOP Leadership Agrees to Establish New Tariff Working Group
• Darigold Appoints Its Next CEO
• Dairy’s Influence On Beef Industry Noted in Cowherd Numbers Equations
• Breaking: USDA Warns of Avian Flu in Nebraska Dairy Herd
• A Glimmer of Hope on the Horizon for Dairy Markets
• Butter Exports Shift in Our Favor
• Transforming Dairies: 5 Steps to Set the Stage for Financial and Operational Success

USDA's Emergency Livestock Relief Program Accepting Applications Through Oct. 31

USDA announced the Emergency Livestock Relief Program to assist livestock producers with increased feed costs from flood and wildfire events in 2023 and 2024. Many Georgia counties are eligible based on rainfall from Hurricane Helene. Producers from eligible counties will not need to provide proof of loss or damage, but must supply FSA with documentation for the number of cows, heifers, and calves on the farm at the time of the event (Hurricane Helene). Producers from counties not listed as eligible (which includes Burke county) can still be eligible if they supply their local office and county organizing committee with proof of loss from that event or information proving they should qualify. GMP is working to determine what information is best suited to help these producers prove eligibility. 

The sign-up period will run through October 31, 2025. Producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA service center for more information about how to apply. 

GMP members with questions about eligibility can contact their local USDA service center or contact GMP (bryce@gamilk.org) if they need help gathering qualifying information. 

The National Milk Producers Federation provided a great detailed report of the program, its requirements, and how to apply. We’ve linked to it below. We’ve also included links to USDA fact sheet and webpage about ELRP. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to GMP with any questions.

National Milk Producers Federation Member Alert: ELRP for Livestock Producers

USDA Resources

• ELRP Webpage
• ELRP Fact Sheet
• ELRP Application
• ELRP Application Instruction

GMP Represented at Georgia School Nutrition Association's Annual Kickoff Luncheon

GMP Vice President, Adam Graft, represented Georgia dairy farmers at the Georgia School Nutrition Association's Annual Kickoff Luncheon in Macon where he joined The Dairy Alliance staff in discussing the benefits of bulk milk dispensers. Graft and GMP Executive Director, Bryce Trotter, also discussed milk dispensers and the state's dairy industry with State Senator John F. Kennedy who represents parts of Macon and Middle Georgia.

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.

Thank You For Attending Fall District Meetings

Thank you to everyone who attended the GMP-TDA Fall District Meetings over the past two weeks! We enjoyed getting to see everyone and give updates on the work Georgia Milk Producers has been working on. GMP will be confirming details shortly for the District 1 Farm Tours next week. If we can ever assist you in any way, don't hesitate to reach out.

New World Screwworm: Preparedness, Early Detection and Reporting Webinar: September 22, 2025 1-2pm

The following is from the National Milk Producers Federation.

The New World Screwworm is a dangerous pest that can affect livestock and any warm-blooded animal. Recently, NWS has had a resurgence in parts of Central America and Mexico. The United States has taken measures to prevent the spread of screwworm to its borders, but livestock producers should remain vigilant about monitoring for it.

Join NMPF and the National Dairy FARM Program for an informative one-hour webinar exploring the threat of New World screwworm. Experts will share the latest updates on the current outbreak, signs to watch for in your herd, and best practices for prevention and treatment. Participants will also learn the proper steps for reporting suspected cases to safeguard animal health and protect American livestock. 

Register 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

September 22 - NMPF New World Screwworm Webinar

Zoom, 1-2pm ET

October 2-12 - Georgia National Fair and Livestock Shows

The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, Perry, GA

October 14-16 - Sunbelt Ag Expo

Spence Field - Moultrie, GA

October 15th - Sunbelt Dairy Showdown

Dairy Pavilion - Moultrie, GA

October 28-29 - Southeast Dairy Sustainability Forum

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton at The Battery, Atlanta, Georgia

Dairy Market Report from the National Milk Producers Federation

Overall domestic commercial use of milk in all dairy products increased by 2.2% year-over-year during the May-July period. Exports also showed strong growth. U.S. milk production grew by 3% during this period, while total milk solids production increased by 3.9% as the average solids composition of producer milk continues to increase. Lower average milk prices in July from a month earlier were mostly offset by lower feed costs, resulting in a $0.16/cwt lower DMC margin of $10.94/cwt. Retail price inflation ticked up in August as overall consumer prices rose by 2.9% from a year earlier. Dairy continued to show its inflation-fighting bonafides, with its average retail prices increasing by 1.3% from a year earlier versus 3.1% for all food and beverages. 

U.S. milk production continued to grow at a relatively fast pace in July, but that pace stopped accelerating, and USDA estimates appear to be catching up with the trend. The department’s National Agricultural Statistics Service preliminary estimate for July shows monthly milk production up 3.4% from a year earlier, little changed from June’s 3.3% annual growth. In its previous report, NASS revised its preliminary May U.S. production estimate up by a significant 142 million pounds. This time, it revised its preliminary June estimate up by just 5 million pounds. USDA also revised its preliminary May U.S. dairy cow inventory estimate up by 20,000 cows, but its preliminary June estimate was bumped up by only 6.000 cows in this report. Milk production was up over a year ago during May-July by 3%. During the same period, total milk solids production rose by 3.9% and milkfat production grew annually by 4.8%. 

Click here to read the full report.

Until Next Time,

GMP