In this episode of Ag Smarter: The Dairy Feed, Jim Matthews and Kathleen Wolfley break down the latest USDA planting intentions and quarterly stocks reports—and what they signal for the months ahead. Corn acres came in higher than expected, but markets are still searching for direction as global tensions, energy volatility, and fertilizer uncertainty cloud the outlook.

From early planting progress in the Midwest to shifting dynamics in crude oil and input costs, the conversation highlights the key forces shaping grain markets right now—and how those ripple into dairy margins.

Plus, a quick look at dairy fundamentals: steady cheese, firm powder, and a timely reminder for producers to think about risk management while favorable pricing opportunities are still on the table.

Clear, timely insight on what’s moving, why it matters, and what it means for your operation.

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EVER.AG INSURANCE SERVICES IS A LICENSED INSURANCE AGENCY AND AN AFFILIATE OF EVER.AG. INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IN THIS WEBSITE IS COMPILED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE USER. INFORMATION IS OBTAINED FROM SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE AND IS FURNISHED WITHOUT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCURACY OR CONTENT. MARKET DATA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. Ever.Ag is a licensed insurance agency in the following states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY. This agency is a equal opportunity provider.

Market volatility remains front and center as dairy and feed markets navigate a mix of seasonal trends, global uncertainty, and shifting input costs. In this episode of Ag Smarter – The Dairy Feed, the team breaks down a “Goldilocks” milk production report, what to watch as we head into Q2 pricing, and why fertilizer costs could play a major role in planting decisions. Plus, Jake Kingsley delivers Words from Wichita, highlighting recent swings in corn and soybean meal, geopolitical impacts on feed markets, and key buying opportunities for producers. Stay ahead of what’s moving—and what it means for your operation.

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EVER.AG INSURANCE SERVICES IS A LICENSED INSURANCE AGENCY AND AN AFFILIATE OF EVER.AG. INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IN THIS WEBSITE IS COMPILED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE USER. INFORMATION IS OBTAINED FROM SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE AND IS FURNISHED WITHOUT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCURACY OR CONTENT. MARKET DATA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. Ever.Ag is a licensed insurance agency in the following states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY. This agency is a equal opportunity provider.

The latest Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction came in essentially unchanged after five consecutive gains, but the underlying story tells a more nuanced tale. Skim milk powder jumped more than 5%, butter rose over 2% and mozzarella edged higher, while whole milk powder fell about 4%, pulling the overall index flat. In this week’s GDT Tuesday discussion, Cody Koster and Brian Fletcher break down the key drivers behind the results—including Mexico’s sharp increase in buying activity, shifting regional demand, and continued price divergence between global suppliers.

With US nonfat dry milk trading well above competing global supplies, buyers like Mexico appear to be sourcing cheaper alternatives through GDT. They also examine subdued buying from North Asia, the impact of a major dairy ingredients conference in China, and why US cheese may remain highly competitive in export markets as European prices continue to run higher.

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EVER.AG INSURANCE SERVICES IS A LICENSED INSURANCE AGENCY AND AN AFFILIATE OF EVER.AG. INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IN THIS WEBSITE IS COMPILED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE USER. INFORMATION IS OBTAINED FROM SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE AND IS FURNISHED WITHOUT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCURACY OR CONTENT. MARKET DATA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. Ever.Ag is a licensed insurance agency in the following states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.

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