Doug Green

𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗸 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗻 Taking a look at the current national dairy supplies, one USDA economist says supplies remain relatively tight amid strong demand. USDA Outlook Board Chairman, Mark Jekanowski, says the nation’s dairies are turning out more milk, but not as much as expected and not as much as the market would like to see. “Heifer supplies are relatively tight and cow inventories are lower than we’d probably like to see. Milk per cow is also lower than we’d expect as well, so that’s tightening up supplies,” Jekanowsi notes. He says that margins are pretty strong as well given the relatively lower feed prices right now. He adds that consumer demand is also higher and shows no signs of letting up. Cheese demand is pushing barrel cheese prices towards record highs last week. Dairy analysts say there are a lot of factors behind the price momentum. “The momentum behind the barrel price moving to record highs was partly because of 13 consecutive months of lower milk production than the previous year. That has tightened barrel supplies significantly which then cause buyers to become aggressive. Then they began leapfrogging over each other in order to obtain the supplies they need to meet the demand,” says Robin Schmahl, a dairy analyst with Agdairy. Schmahl notes that the last time barrel cheese prices hit a record was Nov. 2 of 2020 when the price reach $2.53. #DairyManufacturingUSA #DairyProductionUSA #DairyOperationsUSA

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There are four easily overlooked yet highly critical components to every hire. We call them the Four Pillars of Effective Hiring.

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How can young farmers stay profitable in a less optimistic market? Hollie Rudy of Nutrien Financial contributes her expertise to Dakota Farmer, guiding growers through the process of evaluating and adjusting breakeven points for a successful season. Read the full article at https://bit.ly/3WoxLgJ

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On this episode of The Drive in Five, see how the Beef Checkoff promotes beef to millions of consumers in the Northeast. Plus, we'll take you to the Little League International World Series where beef promotions connect with young athletes. Tune in to see a quick roundup of ways your Checkoff dollars are driving demand for beef. #BeefCheckoff

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Is your farm’s succession plan stuck? Pinion family business advisor, Davon Cook, highlights the significance of having a facilitator to guide those difficult family conversations. Leveraging resources and strategies that have proven effective for other farms can be crucial for your farm's ongoing growth and success. Listen to the complete episode for valuable insights on how to navigate succession planning: https://okt.to/WHunbV

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Ag Leaders React to The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast Mark Jewell and a panel of CEO's from the ag industry dissect answers to questions from the Intentional Agribusiness Leader podcast and share their own insights!

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As an Iowa Pork Collegiate Team 2024 member, I’m excited to continue sharing insights about the pork industry! This month’s topic is biosecurity, a critical aspect of ensuring the health and success of pigs and the pork industry as a whole. Why is biosecurity important? Biosecurity measures protect pigs from health hazards, reducing the risk of diseases entering or spreading within herds. This not only ensures the health and well-being of pigs but also helps sustain a thriving and safe pork industry. Key practices in biosecurity include: Controlling farm access: Limiting who and what enters a facility helps reduce the risk of disease introduction. Cleaning and disinfecting: Proper sanitation of equipment, vehicles, and facilities is essential to maintain a safe environment for pigs. Monitoring animal health: Early detection and management of health issues are vital to preventing the spread of disease. By prioritizing biosecurity, producers play a key role in protecting pig health, ensuring food safety, and supporting the industry’s success. For more information on biosecurity and best practices, check out this great resource from the National Pork Board: https://lnkd.in/g7_rfZK5 Stay tuned for more updates and insights next month!

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Agriculture is still behind other industries, but that just means we still have so much room to grow. There’s great work being done in the #agindustry to embrace business techniques from other industries to optimize our work, that’s the future. In our first live episode @Kristjan Hebert and I chat with @Justine Hendricks from the FCC about the future of farming and the importance of collaboration in the industry. Listen in: https://lnkd.in/gMCVFCq6 #Agriculture

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Farms don’t just grow crops—they grow people. In our latest episode of The Truth About Ag podcast, we tackle one of the most common issues farmers face: HR and delegation with Jordan Kambeitz. For many operations, growth isn't just about acres; it's about creating opportunities for your team to take on leadership roles. When you empower your people, they’ll push your business to expand in ways you never imagined. Learn how adopting a bottom-up approach to management can drive success on and off the field. https://lnkd.in/g4sv2BMk

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Farmers are finally pushing back on the sky-high costs of new equipment. According to a recent article in the Western Producer, equipment manufacturers are predicting a drop in sales for the first time since the pandemic. But are lower expected farm incomes and current commodity prices really to blame? With canola near $15 per bushel and wheat approaching $10, it seems unlikely. The real reason might be that farmers are tired of inflated costs and aren't rushing to upgrade. High interest rates, price increases, and practical needs are forcing a rethink. It's about time we ask ourselves if new machinery is truly worth the investment. https://lnkd.in/gBxf3jbN #agriculture #agribusiness

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I thought it would be good to summarize the shenanigans happening in the dairy market, pieced together from the snippets I've gathered while chatting with our partners during these weeks. I reckon most of this won’t be news to anyone, but hey, let’s not waste good intel! Little dairy gossip never hurt anyone, right? 😉 The Dairy Drama Unfolds: So, what’s the scoop? We all thought there was going to be a flood of milk at the start of the year, and everyone was bracing for impact. The reality, however, turned out to be more of a steady trickle than a tsunami. Each country experienced its own production peak, resulting in an even distribution of excess milk over time rather than a simultaneous mass appearance. Country by Country Milk Madness: France: They’ve already hit their peak and are now on the downswing. Poland: Just about done with their peak. Ireland: In a dire milk drought they can’t seem to fix. Netherlands and Germany: Either peaking or already riding the wave of high supply. So instead of a sudden milk deluge, we got a nice, evenly spread milk surplus, keeping prices stable. Milk volumes in Western Europe are on the decline, with stocks shrinking faster than a snowman in July. Our liquid milk and cream suppliers are grumbling that they’re becoming rare finds. Milk Fat Content Overall milk production in March increased by 0.5% compared to the previous year, but the milk fat content significantly decreased to 4.15% from 4.2% in March of the previous year. This 1.2% reduction means less fat is available, adversely affecting the production of cheese, butter, and various milk powders. Butter Stocks Butter stocks in Europe have drastically reduced: February: Down 36.5% compared to the previous year. March: Preliminary estimates indicate a 43% reduction compared to the previous year. Consumption Consumers, who were anticipating stable prices and had not secured their needs until the second quarter, are now buying butter en masse. This has sharply increased demand and led to price hikes. Many contracts have already been signed for the third and fourth quarters, and even for the first and second quarters of 2025 Ireland’s Troubles We were a bit skeptical about Ireland’s production delays affecting the market. But now, it's clear – Ireland's troubles are a big deal, with milk and butter production lagging behind and dragging European market volumes down with them. The Final Scoop All in all, Europe’s dairy market is currently resembling a rollercoaster ride. Despite a slight uptick in overall milk production, the decrease in milk fat content and the downturn in butter production have stirred up some chaos. With the butter shortage and consumer demand reaching new heights, prices are soaring. However, amidst all the bullish signs, the burning question remains: how long can this bull run last? Where's the limit? As we all know, nothing falls as swiftly as that which has risen rapidly. 😉

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The latest Agronomy for your Acres segment features Sales Agronomist Eric Lee to weigh in on the challenges and factors influencing peanut yields this season. Watch for the full episode link to hear Eric’s insight on this year’s peanut harvest and what you should prepare for.

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Just a small slice of the actionable information you get by subscribing to Milling & Baking News or attending the Sosland Publishing Purchasing Seminar!

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Who, what, when, where, and why??? The "first who, then what" mentality in hiring emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the quality of individuals you bring into your team before deciding on specific roles or tasks for them. In the agriculture industry, the "first who, then what" mentality remains highly relevant. Here's how it applies: Focus on Values and Work Ethic: Agriculture often involves demanding work environments and requires individuals who are dedicated, resilient, and have a strong work ethic. When hiring, prioritize candidates who share your company's values, such as sustainability, environmental stewardship, and a passion for agriculture. Assess Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills: Agriculture is subject to various factors, including weather conditions, market fluctuations, and technological advancements. Seek candidates who demonstrate adaptability, critical thinking, and the ability to problem-solve in dynamic environments. Cultivate a Strong Team Culture: Building a cohesive team is essential in agriculture, where collaboration and teamwork are often necessary for success. Look for candidates who not only have the skills and experience but also fit well within your team culture and can contribute positively to the working environment. Invest in Training and Development: Even with experienced hires, ongoing training and development are crucial in the agriculture industry, given the evolving nature of technology and practices. Prioritize candidates who show a willingness to learn and grow professionally. By prioritizing the "who" in hiring within the agriculture industry, you can build a talented, motivated team that is well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the sector, ultimately contributing to the success and sustainability of your agricultural operation. So, WHO are you looking to hire? We can help: Ag1Source - Executive Recruiting! #learningslately #lucilearnings #leadershipwithluci #whobeforewhat

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South Dakota rancher and Cattlemen’s Beef Board member VeaBea Thomas understands the critical need for education, research and promotion. Without the Beef Checkoff, who would step up? Ranchers are too busy. The Beef Checkoff has your back, constantly finding new ways to ensure beef keeps making it to tables. Learn more about how the Beef Checkoff is driving demand for beef: https://bit.ly/4bopEq3 #BeefCheckoff

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Succession planning on a family farm is more than a business transition; it’s a rite of passage, a testament to a family’s resilience and commitment to the land and legacy. #agriculture #farming #farminggenerations #successionplanning #farmsuccession

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