Welcome to the Bullvine Podcast, your premier
source for dairy industry news and insights.
Today, we're breaking down the top five stories
that shook the dairy world for the week ending
March 29th, 2025. From biosecurity failures to
market disruptions and genetic breakthroughs,
This week has delivered critical developments
every dairy producer needs to understand. Let's
dive right in. Our first headline brings troubling
news from Minnesota, where we're seeing history
repeat idelf in the worst possible way. A dairy
farm previously hit by H5N1 has been reinfected
with the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus,
raising serious questions about biosecurity protocols
and their implementation. This reinfection at
the same location highlights critical gaps in
disease prevention strategies. The repeat occurrence
suggests that initial remediation efforts were
insufficient, potentially putting neighboring
operations at continued risk. For dairy producers
nationwide, this serves as a stark reminder that
one -time responses to biosecurity breaches aren't
enough. Continuous vigilance and improved protocols
are essential. The Minnesota case should prompt
every dairy operation to reassess their own biosecurity
measures. Are your farm workers following proper
decontamination procedures between barn areas?
Have you implemented strict controls on visitor
access? Does your operation have an updated emergency
response plan ready for immediate activation?
These questions aren't academic. They're now
fundamental to your business survival. All right,
everybody, welcome back to the bullvine. You
are not going to believe this one. So we just
got some breaking news and we had to talk about
it. We have to dive into this because it's really,
really concerning. H5N1 avian influenza has hit
a Minnesota dairy farm again. Oh, wow. And, you
know, we saw this last summer, same farm, Stearns
County, Minnesota. 600 head herd. And it's like,
oh, my gosh, you know, and as dairy producers
ourselves, like this is top of mind for us. Like
what is going on here? Are our current strategies
working? Are our biosecurity measures actually
doing what they're supposed to do? Because this
kind of feels like a gut punch. Absolutely. I
think it sends a chill down your spine, right?
Because it really makes you wonder what went
wrong. Was it just a random occurrence or is
there a real weakness in our system here? And,
you know, looking at some of the reports and
expert analysis coming out, it really suggests
that maybe this isn't just a simple migratory
bird issue. There could be some real deeper systemic
issues within our biosecurity and surveillance
protocols that we need to address. And this particular
case in Stearns County, Minnesota. The first
one in Minnesota livestock since last summer.
Since last summer on the same farm. On the same
farm. And it really forces us to confront that
maybe those initial efforts weren't enough to
prevent that reinfection. Absolutely. So that's
why we wanted to dive in deep into this Stearns
County reinfection. Yeah. Let's kind of unpack
this a little bit. Let's understand why this
might have happened. You know, what are the holes
in our current surveillance methods? Are biosecurity
measures, you know, really as tight as we think
they are? And we have to consider the economics
of this. You know, this is hitting producers
where it hurts. And we're also going to look
at what other regions are doing differently,
like the EU. You know, see if we can glean some
insights, some practical advice, maybe even,
that you can take back to your operation. Because
the point here isn't just to report the news,
but to actually help you protect your livelihood.
Yeah, I think what's really concerning about
this specific reinfection is that it really points
to a potential flaw in our surveillance. Right.
Because this farm in Stearns County was part
of that network. You know, Minnesota has 1 ,600
dairy herds undergoing routine monthly bulk milk
sampling. Right. So it's doing its job. Right.
The system detected the virus. However, it's
the same farm. It's the same farm. Being hit
again so soon. Right. So that raises a critical
question. Is finding the virus after it's already
present? a truly effective long -term strategy
yeah it's like it's like finding out you have
mastitis problems after your bulk tank at scc
spikes you know exactly you know what i mean
it's like okay well we identified it but how
do we actually prevent it yeah right and so i
know michael crusen from the minnesota board
of animal health and he he mentioned you know
stearns county's location as you know a migratory
bird hot spot right and that makes sense on the
surface you know but when you look at you know
some of the other research out there particularly
usda's findings you know from last year, their
reports were pretty clear that movement of shared
equipment between farms' flow of personnel, even
having poultry or cats on dairy operations, were
actually significant contributors to the spread
of H5N1. So while wild birds might bring it to
the area, it's our practices, it's our movements
that are really contributing to that spread.
And the fact that this is a repeat infection
on the same farm makes you think, were the biosecurity
measures that they implemented after that first
round really enough? Were they thorough enough?
Yeah. Did they consider all avenues, all those
different ways that this thing can spread? Exactly.
So it really brings us to this question of biosecurity.
We've got the protocols in place. We've even
invested in them. But is this one of those things
where biosecurity has become more about compliance,
checking the boxes? you know, than actually having
deeply ingrained, rigorously enforced, you know,
practices. So it's not enough to just have a
written protocol, right? Right. It needs to be
meticulously followed by every single person,
every single day. Every single day. And, you
know, all those pathways, all those vulnerabilities
need to be consistently addressed. And, you know,
there are programs that offer financial help
for biosecurity upgrades and things like that.
But they're only part of the solution. Right.
If that doesn't translate into a fundamental
shift in behavior and a real culture of vigilance
on the farm, then you're still at a really high
risk. And I think that's what we're seeing play
out here. Yeah, absolutely. And, you know. For
those producers who do find themselves facing
an outbreak like this farm in Stearns County,
it triggers the quarantine period. And we're
talking at least 30 days of no animal movement,
you know, stringent protocols for handling manure
waste milk. Right. And while it's essential to
contain the virus, the financial hit is huge.
It's significant, right? Yeah. And it's not just
the immediate loss of milk revenue. Think about
the logistics of disposing of that unsaleable
milk. Maybe having to invest in specialized equipment
like pasteurizers to handle that permits for
even routine operations become more complicated.
So it's a huge burden when you're already working
with tight margins. Absolutely. And then you
add in the, you know, the USDA's ELA program,
you know, that emergency assistance program,
and it's meant to help offset some of these losses.
Right. But there's a 60 day ownership requirement
for livestock to be eligible. Oh, wow. So if
you're a new producer or you've recently expanded
your herd. you might not even be eligible for
that assistance. It's a tough situation to be
in. It's a tough one. Yeah. And it really kind
of points to the fact that, you know, these support
mechanisms, while well -intentioned, you know,
may not always align with the realities of how
dairy farming works today. Absolutely. And that
60 -day clause, you know, it could be a real
roadblock for producers who need that help. Right.
And even when ELIP... does provide compensation
the way they calculate it, it might not capture
the full extent of the disruption and the long
-term effects on the herd's health and productivity.
Yeah. You know, and speaking of kind of, you
know, support and, you know, surveillance and
all that, you know, we've talked about this bulk
milk testing program being implemented in Minnesota
and a few other states. On the one hand, it's
great. You know, it gives us an early warning
system, but this reinfection on a farm that's
actively participating in the program makes you
wonder how effective is it as a preventative
measure? It's a good question. And I think what's
important to remember about bulk milk testing
is that it's really designed to detect the virus.
Once it's already gained a foothold in the herd.
Right. So you're not catching those very first
infections. Right. You're letting the virus spread
to a certain level before it even shows up in
the bulk tank. Right. And then you need further
testing to confirm. Right. There's delays built
into the system. And crucially, as the USDA pointed
out, this testing doesn't address those human
factors. The human element. Right. The movement
of people and equipment, which seem to be big
drivers of transmission. Huge. So it's a valuable
tool. Yeah. But it's not the be all end all.
It's not the whole picture. It's not the whole
picture. Yeah, it's like identifying the smoke,
but not necessarily stopping the sparks that
started the fire. Exactly. You know, and while
we're talking about all this, we can't forget
the human cost of this. Right. You know, officials
might say, oh, you know, the risk to the general
public is low. But for the farmers and the employees
who are on those front lines. Absolutely. Every
day, this is their reality. It's their livelihood.
Yeah. And we've seen the CDC reports 70 confirmed
human cases of H5N1 in the U .S. Yeah. Including
dairy workers, you know, in Wisconsin and Iowa.
Scary. So this is a real tangible risk to our
community. And it's not just the infection itself,
right? The practical challenges of consistently
using PPE, you know, those N95 masks, gloves,
eye protection, all that. Sometimes those things
are hard to come by. Absolutely. And it's not
always easy to use them properly for long hours.
Every day. Every day. Yeah. And then there's
the mental and emotional toll. You know, the
constant worry, the anxiety, the potential for
burnout. Absolutely. And then you layer on the
economic pressures. Yeah. force really difficult
decisions. You know, if processors start refusing
milk from farms under quarantine, then producers
are left with having to dispose of it, which
just adds to their losses. And, you know, there
was this quote from a farmer in Stearns County
that really stuck with me. They said, they feel
stuck between birds and bureaucrats. Wow. Yeah.
And I think that just perfectly captures the
frustration of being caught in this really difficult
situation. It's a feeling of powerlessness. Yeah.
Yeah. And then you add up all the financial hits.
Right. You know, lost production, costs of quarantine,
potential ineligibility for ELAB. Right. And
then the possibility of insurance premiums going
up. Oh, yeah. If H5N1 becomes a recurring issue.
Right. This could be catastrophic for the dairy
industry. Absolutely. And, you know, research
from places like C .I. painting a pretty stark
picture. Yeah. They're estimating a potential
20 % reduction in milk production. Per cow. Per
cow during an outbreak. Wow. And that could lead
to losses exceeding $737 ,000 per farm. Yeah.
And we talked about ELAV as a potential safety
net, but even their example of a 500 cow herd
receiving that $900 ,000 in reimbursement, it
might not cover everything. It might not be enough.
And that's a scary thought. Yeah. And this could
easily shift from being an isolated incident
to a chronic economic vulnerability for the entire
industry, which is a huge concern when margins
are already so tight. Absolutely. So it really
makes you wonder, are there better approaches
out there? Yeah. Are other regions doing things
differently that we could learn from? And, you
know, the reports that we've seen point to the
EU strategy as being a lot more comprehensive.
Interesting. Than what we're doing. Yeah. And
what's really interesting about the EU's approach
is that it's very proactive. Yeah. And multifaceted.
Okay. So they're not just reacting to outbreaks.
They're trying to prevent them from happening
in the first place. Right. So they often implement.
Mandatory biosecurity zones. Oh, wow. Creating
clear separation between different types of livestock
operations. Okay. Particularly poultry and dairy.
Okay. They also prioritize wild bird deterrence.
Interesting. Like netting feed storage areas,
eliminating standing water. Right. Things that
attract wild birds. And then they use really
detailed genetic testing. Wow. To trace specific
strains of the virus. Okay. Which helps them
differentiate between that initial introduction
from wild birds and later spread due to on -farm
practices or human interactions. Right. So they're
really getting to the bottom of how these things
are spreading. So they're not just throwing everything
at the wall and seeing what sticks they're really
trying to. They're being very targeted and proactive.
Be strategic. Yeah. Yeah. And that seems to be
a big difference from the more reactive. test
and respond approach that we've seen here in
the U .S. Yeah. So let's bring this all home
for you, the listener. Okay. We've looked at
this reinfection in Stearns County. Yeah. The
limitations of our current surveillance. Right.
Real questions about how biosecurity is being
implemented on the ground. Right. The economic
burdens that this is placing on producers. Yeah.
The human cost. Absolutely. And then what other
regions are doing differently. Right. So what
are some key takeaways that you as a dairy producer
need to be thinking about right now? So first
off, it's pretty clear that. Relying solely on
bulk milk testing is not a foolproof prevention
strategy. It's a great tool for identification.
It's a piece of the puzzle. It's a piece of the
puzzle. But this reinfection on a farm that was
in that surveillance network really highlights
that. Secondly, you know, having biosecurity
protocols on paper, that's great. It's a good
start. It's a good start. But the real protection
comes from rigorously and consistently implementing
them. By everyone. By everyone involved in the
operation. Yeah. And again, this reinfection
raises some serious questions about how effective
those practices were following the initial outbreak.
Right. Third, you know, we can't oversimplify
things and just blame migratory birds. Right.
Human factors like the movement of equipment
and people between farms play a huge role. Yeah.
The USDA report was very clear on that. Absolutely.
And fourth, while quarantine is necessary, it
puts a huge financial strain on producers. Absolutely.
Programs like ELIP with their eligibility requirements
may not be accessible to everyone who needs help.
Right. And finally, you know, the EU's proactive
and multifaceted approach to biosecurity offers
some really valuable lessons. Absolutely. It
suggests that a more preventative and comprehensive
strategy might be the way to go. Yeah. And we
can't forget the economic realities here. You
know, we're not just talking about managing an
outbreak. Yeah. This has the potential to be
a persistent threat. To the dairy industry. And
that means, you know, insurance premiums could
go up further squeezing those already thin margins.
Yeah. And those projections from CIDRAP about
significant milk losses and the potential cost
per farm are really concerning. They are. And,
you know, as we saw with the ELAP example. Even
those large reimbursement figures might not be
enough to cover everything. Right. It's not the
whole picture. It's not the whole picture. And
we have to remember the human side of this, too.
Absolutely. The risks to workers. The stress,
the challenges of using PPE effectively. And,
you know, we can't forget those 70 reported human
cases in the U .S. Yeah. Including those dairy
workers. Including dairy workers. It's a real
risk. And that farmer who said they felt stuck
between. birds and bureaucrats. Yeah. It's powerful
and it really highlights the feeling of so many
producers out there. It does. So as we wrap up
this urgent look at this situation, you know,
this reinfection in Minnesota, it's a wake up
call. You know, hoping for the best isn't a strategy.
Right. What concrete steps are you going to take
starting today to really evaluate and strengthen
your biosecurity? Absolutely. Go beyond the checklist.
Yeah. And build real resilience into your operation.
It's time to get proactive. It is. We need to
think long term about this. Yeah. And advocate
for more proactive, effective measures, both
on our farms. Right. And from our regulatory
agency. It's a shared responsibility. It is.
And speaking of H5N1. things are heating up globally.
An outbreak in UK sheep has revealed a shocking
link to deadly mastitis that could ripple through
global dairy herds. This is a wake -up call,
folks, and it's one we can't afford to hit snooze
on. Here's what you need to know to protect your
operation. We've got some breaking news here
out of the UK that's got us pretty concerned,
and we wanted to bring it to everyone in the
dairy industry right away. Yeah, this is one
you don't want to miss. It's a big one. And frankly,
it's kind of got us on edge here a little bit
in the bullvine newsroom. I think on edge is
a good way to put it. So we're going to do a
deep dive right now and try to unpack exactly
what's happening and more importantly, what it
means for you and your operation. Exactly. We're
going to cut through the noise and get right
to the actionable stuff so you can protect your
dairy. That's what we're here for. So what we're
looking at is the first ever detection of H5N1
in a sheep in the UK. And this sheep was exhibiting
mastitis. Yeah. And that that mastitis connection,
that's what has everyone on edge. Right. And,
you know, we're already dealing with H5N1 in
cows. But why is this sheep case so alarming?
Why should our listeners be worried about this?
Well, I think what's really got people's attention
is that the udder seems to be a primary target
for this particular strain of avian influenza.
We've seen a lot of data pointing in this direction,
especially with the U .S. outbreaks. And now
this U .K. case really solidifies it. So are
you saying it's not just a respiratory virus
that happens to show up in milk? It's actually
going after the udder itself. That's exactly
what it looks like. And we're not just talking
about anecdotal evidence here. There's some pretty
compelling research backing this up. OK, like
what? Well, for instance, there was a study published
in the Journal of Dairy Science back in May 2024.
OK. It showed that the H5N1 clade. 2 .3 .4 .4b.
Wow, that's a mouthful. Yeah. Well, that's the
one we're dealing with right now, and it seems
to have a much stronger affinity for bovine mammary
epithelial cells. Meaning? Meaning it binds more
easily to the cells in the udder compared to,
say, the cells in the lungs. Okay, so it's like
it has a better key to unlock and infect the
udder cells? Exactly. The study actually found
that its binding efficiency to udder cells was
300 % higher than to lung tissue. 300 % higher.
Wow, that's significant. It is. And I think that
really helps explain the huge milk production
losses we've seen on some of those U .S. dairy
farms hit by H5N1. Right. I remember reading
those USDA outbreak reports and seeing those
numbers 40 percent to 90 percent losses in milk
production. That's devastating. Absolutely. And
this research helps explain why those drops are
so dramatic. It's not just a secondary symptom
of the virus. It's the virus directly attacking.
the milk -producing cells. You know, it makes
that story we covered in Horde's Dairyman about
that Texas dairy farmer Hank Grotech even more
relevant. Oh yeah, Hank's story. Yeah, he talked
about how they initially thought it was just
regular mastitis until the authorities got involved.
It just goes to show how our whole understanding
of mastitis needs to change. We can't just assume
it's a bacterial infection anymore. Exactly.
We've got this whole other dimension to consider
now. And that brings up a really critical question
for all our listeners out there. Are your biosecurity
protocols strong enough to handle a virus that's
specifically targeting the udder like this? It's
a good question. And the answer might be a little
unsettling based on what we've seen in the U
.S. Right. We've got some hard data from the
U .S. outbreaks that really highlight some serious
vulnerabilities. The USDA report from June 2025
was pretty eye -opening. Oh, yeah. That one was
a wake -up call. The fact that 63 % of the infected
U .S. farms had poultry on site. That's a huge
red flag. It definitely suggests some pretty
big gaps in our biosecurity practices. But what
is it about having poultry and dairy cattle in
the same place that's so risky? Well, it's not
just about the birds being nearby. It's about
all the potential pathways for transmission that
open up when you've got different species sharing
the same environment. So shared feed sources.
Right. Airflow in the barns, even manure management.
Exactly. All those things become potential routes
for the virus to spread. It's not just casual
contact. It's the whole farm environment that
could be contaminated. And we're not even talking
about those direct biosecurity lapses that the
USDA report highlighted. Oh, right. The deadly
mistakes. Some of them were just mind -boggling,
like using the same equipment for both poultry
and cattle. Which is a direct violation of NMPF
Code 4 .7a, by the way. Exactly. The NMPF has
got some pretty clear standards for a reason.
And then you've got people skipping boot dips
at the parlor entrances. Yeah, that always seems
like such a small thing, but it can make a big
difference. Absolutely. And then there's this
whole idea that freestyle equals flu -free, which
is just not true. The virus can still spread
through the air and through contact. Right. It's
almost like we've been so focused on bacterial
infections that... We're not mentally prepared
for a highly contagious virus that can jump between
species. And that's where that whole argument
about the regulators being behind the curve comes
in. Exactly. The bovine's been pretty vocal about
that. We have. We've been pushing for more proactive
surveillance. bulk tank milk PCR testing twice
a week. Using those FDA -approved systems like
UtterSafe. Right, because we need to be ahead
of this thing, not just reacting to it. Early
detection is absolutely critical. So we've got
this UK sheep case, the research showing the
virus loves utter cells, the biosecurity breakdowns
in the US, and the need for better testing. It's
a lot to take in. It is. It's a pretty serious
situation. So what does all this mean for our
listeners right now? What should they be doing
today to protect their farms? Well, we've talked
about a three -step survival plan, and I think
that's a good place to start. Okay, so step one
is Mastitis Monitoring 2 .0. What does that entail?
It's about taking mastitis monitoring to a whole
new level. We're talking daily California mastitis
tests during every milking. So CMTs every day.
Every single day. That's the only way to catch
any subtle changes in milk quality that might
be a really warning sign. And on top of that,
we're also recommending the regular use of those
lactic acid tea dips. Right. There was a study
in the Journal of Dairy Science in April 2024
that showed lactic acid dips can reduce viral
load by 78%. 78%. That's pretty impressive. It
is. It's a simple step, but it can make a huge
difference. Okay, so daily CMTs and lactic acid
dips. That's step one. What about step two, the
lockdown protocols? This one is all about minimizing
the risk of cross -species transmission. And
we're not mincing words here. The strongest recommendation
we can make is a complete ban on all poultry
from dairy facilities. And when we say all, we
mean all backyard chickens, everything. Exactly.
The risk is just too high. We also strongly advise
looking into UVC lighting for your milk parlors.
UVC lighting? Yeah. There was some research published
in Applied Microbiology in 2025 showing that
UVC light can neutralize almost all the H5N1
virus in just eight seconds. Wow, that's pretty
amazing. It is. It's a really effective way to
reduce airborne transmission. So banning all
poultry and installing UVC lighting. Those are
some pretty big changes. They are. But when you
consider the alternative widespread outbreaks,
massive milk losses and potential animal deaths,
it's really not that drastic. It's about protecting
your livelihood. Exactly. And it's not just about
the cows and the milk either. We have to think
about the consumer too. Right. Consumer confidence
is a huge factor here. The progressive dairy
poll showed that one in three consumers are now
questioning the safety of milk. That's a big
problem for the industry. It is. Misinformation
spreads like wildfire, and we need to be proactive
about maintaining consumer trust. Absolutely.
We need to be radically transparent. Okay, so
what does radical transparency actually look
like on a dairy farm? Oh, for starters, you could
live stream your milk testing procedures online.
Let consumers see for themselves how seriously
you're taking this. Interesting. You could also
create biosecurity report cards outlining all
the protocols you have in place and make those
available to your customers. So they can see
exactly what you're doing to keep their milk
safe. Exactly. And you could even put QR codes
on your milk cartons that link to USDA safety
data and information about your farm's biosecurity
practices. So consumers can scan the code and
get all the details. Right. It's about being
open and proactive. Those are some really good
ideas. And while we're talking about being proactive,
we need to address the financial side of things
too. That's right. The financial stakes are incredibly
high here. I remember that warning from Dr. Lorna
Bendixson, the Wisconsin vet. Oh yeah, Dr. Bendixson
doesn't sugarcoat things. She said that if an
infected ewe goes undetected, a dairy farm could
lose over $200 ,000 before breakfast. And she's
not exaggerating. The losses from milk production
animal deaths and the cost of implementing all
these biosecurity measures can add up fast. It's
a scary thought. It is. But it also underscores
why early detection and strong biosecurity are
so critical. So before we wrap up, can you just
give our listeners the key takeaways from our
deep dive today? Sure. The main point is that
this H5N1 situation is very serious. The connection
to mastitis means we need to completely rethink
how we monitor udder health. Daily CMTs, lactic
acid tea dips. Right. And biosecurity has to
be top priority. We need to eliminate contact
between poultry and dairy cattle and seriously
consider investing in technologies like UVC lighting.
And we can't forget about the consumer. Transparency
is key. We need to be open about our practices
and show consumers that we're doing everything
we can to keep their milk safe. Dr. Bendixson
called this DEFCON 1 for dairy. And I think she's
right. This is not the time to be complacent.
We need to act now. Absolutely. So here's a final
thought for everyone listening. Think about how
all this might change the future of dairy farming.
How will this outbreak and this virus shape our
industry going forward? What will consumers expect
from us in terms of safety and transparency?
These are big questions and we all need to be
thinking about the answers. This isn't just about
getting through the current outbreak. This could
fundamentally change the dairy landscape forever.
It's a lot to process. But we hope this deep
dive has given our listeners the information
they need to navigate these challenging times.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay safe.
And as always, thanks for joining us here at
The Bullvine. We'll keep you updated as this
story develops. We'll be right here with you
every step of the way. Let's shift gears to some
groundbreaking news. The genetic revolution sweeping
through U .S. dairies is shattering records for
milk components like butterfat and protein. Genomics
are redefining what's possible for milk production,
but the real question is, are your herds ready
for the future? Let's unpack the details. Okay,
folks, gather around, because today we're going
to talk about milk. And not just any milk, the
kind of milk that's going to make you rethink
everything you thought you knew. That's right.
We're talking about the milk you're getting from
your cows today. And let me tell you, it's genetically
different and way more valuable than the milk
your grandpa was producing back in the day. We're
talking about a genetic revolution that's changing
the very makeup of milk. So get ready to dive
deep into this fascinating world of dairy genetics.
You hit the nail on the head. We're seeing this
incredible surge in butterfat and protein levels
in the U .S. milk supply. And it's happening
while overall milk production is pretty much
flat. Yeah, it's like we've hit a ceiling on
milk volume, but the quality dial is cranked
way up. And you know what that means, right?
It means more cheese, more butter, more of all
the good stuff that makes the dairy industry
tick. And it couldn't be happening at a better
time with all this new processing capacity coming
online. Exactly $8 billion worth of new plants
by 2027, all geared toward churning out those
high -value dairy products. So if you're a dairy
farmer listening in, you're probably wondering
what's driving this component surge. And more
importantly, what does it mean for your operation
and how can you position your herd to really
cash in on this genetic gold rush? That's exactly
what we're here to break down today. The forces
behind this component surge, the impact it's
having on the industry, and what you as a dairy
producer need to know to stay ahead of the curve.
Think of this as your roadmap to navigating the
ever -evolving world of dairy genetics. Buckle
up, because we're about to embark on a deep dive
into the numbers, the science, and the economics
of this milk component revolution. All right,
let's jump right into it and talk about this
unprecedented component surge that everyone's
buzzing about. Well, first, let's look at the
data, because numbers don't lie. We've seen butterfat
set new annual records for four years running,
now breaking through that 4 % ceiling in 2021.
4 %! You know, that's a level we haven't seen
since right after World War II. It's like we're
rewriting the history books with each new lactation
cycle. And by 2024, the national average for
butterfat climbed even higher, hitting an impressive
4 .23%. It's truly remarkable. It really is.
And on the protein side, we're seeing similar
gains, which is music to the ears of cheesemakers
everywhere. Protein has been setting yearly records
from 2016 all the way through 2024. In fact,
the average protein content in 2024 hit 3 .29%,
a significant jump from the 3 .04 % we saw back
in 2004. So we're seeing this remarkable increase
in components, but the interesting thing is that
it's not tied to an increase in milk volume,
right? Exactly. It's like the recipe for milk
itself is changing. If we look at the period
from 2011 to 2024, the growth rates tell the
story. milk volume increased by a decent 15 .9%.
Okay, not bad. But then you look at protein production,
which jumped by 23 .6%, and butterfat, well,
that took off like a rocket with a 30 .2 % increase.
It's clear that the focus is shifting from simply
producing more milk to producing more valuable
milk, milk that's packed with those components
that the market's demanding. It's like for years,
the mantra was more milk, more milk, more milk.
But now the game has changed. The genetics are
pushing us in a different direction, one that
could be far more lucrative for dairy producers.
And this component surge is happening against
a backdrop of stagnant milk production. Overall,
we've seen back -to -back years of slight decline
in 2023 and 2024. Yeah. And even the growth in
2022 was pretty minimal. So it's clear that the
future of dairy isn't about squeezing out every
last drop. It's about maximizing the value of
every drop. And that's where genetics comes in.
Absolutely. Genetics is the key driver behind
this component revolution. And the advancements
we've seen in genomics over the past decade have
been nothing short of game -changing. You know,
I remember when genomic testing first came on
the scene, it was like this futuristic technology
that nobody really understood, but now it's become
an indispensable tool for dairy producers across
the globe. It really has by analyzing an animal's
DNA and comparing it to a massive database. We
can now predict with remarkable accuracy, about
70 % to be precise, the genetic potential of
a young calf, even before she's had her first
calf. It's like having a crystal ball for your
breeding program. You can identify those genetically
superior animals early on and make informed decisions
about which ones to invest in. And the amount
of data we've collected on dairy cattle is staggering.
It's made the dairy cow one of the most intensely
studied domestic animals on the planet, as Dr.
John Cole from USDA AGIL pointed out. He's right.
We have this incredible wealth of phenotypic
data, which is the stuff we can actually measure,
like milk yield component percentages and health
traits. And it's this phenotypic data that really
allows us to fine tune the accuracy of our genomic
predictions. It's like having the recipe book
and then detailed notes on how every batch turned
out. Combining the genetic code with real world
performance data gives us a powerful tool for
driving genetic progress. And speaking of progress,
the adoption rate for genomic testing has been
absolutely phenomenal. It's been exponential.
It took seven years after the technology emerged
in 2009 to hit one million genotype dairy animals.
But then things really took off. Yeah, we hit
five million tests by March of 2021. And then
just a few short years later, in December 2024,
we blew past the 10 million mark. And this isn't
just a U .S. phenomenon. Either a third of those
tests have been conducted in 72 other countries
around the world. So it's a truly global revolution.
It really highlights the impact this technology
is having on the dairy industry worldwide. And
it's not just about having access to this genetic
information. It's about how it's fundamentally
changing the way we think about improving productivity
on our farms. You're absolutely right. If we
go back a few decades, say, to the period between
the late 1950s and the 1980s, most of the gains
in milk production were driven by management
practices. Things like better nutrition, improved
housing, and herd health protocols. Back then,
it was all about optimizing the environment and
providing the best possible care for the animals.
Then from the 1980s to around the year 2000,
we saw a more balanced contribution from both
genetics and management. That's when sire selection
based on pedigree and production records really
started to gain traction. It was a time of transition
as producers began to understand the power of
selective breeding. But then around the turn
of the millennium, something really interesting
happened. Genetics started to overtake management
as the primary driver of productivity gains.
Yeah. By 2015, genetics was estimated to be contributing
over 60 % to the increase in milk production.
And by 2022, that figure had climbed to over
70%. It's like the DNA of our cows became the
engine of progress. And that brings us to a major
event that every dairy producer needs to be aware
of, the April 2025 genetic reset. It's a major
recalibration of the entire dairy cattle breeding
landscape. April 1st, 2025, mark it on your calendars,
folks, because the CDCB is rolling out some big
changes. We're talking simultaneous updates to
the lifetime merit indices and a shift to a new
base population of cows born in 2020. It's the
first time we've seen a combined update of this
magnitude since 2015, and it's all about keeping
our genetic compass pointed in the right direction.
So it's like hitting the reset button on the
entire genetic evaluation system. In essence,
yes, the CDCB typically adjusts these evaluations
every five years or so to keep pace with the
industry's advancements. And the 2025 shift is
a reflection of the incredible genetic progress
we've made over the past decade. And this means
that all animals will now have their genetic
merit assessed relative to a new benchmark, the
average genetic merit of cows born in 2020 instead
of 2015. Exactly. And this new base population
is going to lead to some adjustments. in the
predicted transmitting abilities, or PTAs, for
various traits. So what kind of adjustments can
we expect to see? Well, for Holsteins, we're
projecting a downward adjustment around 750 pounds
for milk, PTA, 45 pounds for fat, and 30 pounds
for protein. Wow. Those are some significant
adjustments. They are, but it's important to
remember that it's not a reflection of any decline
in the actual genetic potential of the animals.
It's simply a new frame of reference, a recalibration
of the system. It's like Dr. Cole pointed out.
It's like resetting the odometer on your car.
The numbers go down, but the capability of the
vehicle hasn't changed. Precisely. And to really
grasp the speed of genetic improvement, it's
helpful to compare the scale of these base changes
over time. In 2025, the Holstein base for butterfat
is rolling back by 51 pounds and for protein
by 36 pounds. Those are some big numbers. They
are, especially when you compare them to the
2015 reset, where the rollback was just 17 pounds
for fat and 12 pounds for protein. That dramatic
acceleration really highlights how rapidly our
dairy genetics are evolving. So a bull that might
have looked like a superstar with a sky -high
PTA last month might appear a little less dazzling
under the new system in April. That's true, but
it's not just the base change that's shaking
things up. The merit indices themselves are getting
a major makeover as well. Okay, let's dive into
this NM dollar shakeup. What are the big changes
that producers need to wrap their heads around?
Well, one of the most significant shifts is the
increased emphasis on butterfat. Its weighting
in the NM dollar formula is going up by about
13%, reflecting the strong market demand for
butterfat, driven in large part by the booming
cheese industry. Cheese, yeah, it seems like
everyone's going crazy for cheese these days,
and fat is a key ingredient in both yield and
flavor, so it makes sense that butterfat is getting
more attention. Absolutely, and with fat prices
often hovering around $3 .20 per pound, the economic
signals are clear fat pays. That's for sure.
And what else has seen a shift in the NM dollar
calculations? Fee deficiency is another area
that's getting a much bigger slice of the pie.
The combined impact of traits related to how
efficiently cows convert feed into milk components
is going up by a whopping 41%. With feed costs
being what they are, that makes a lot of sense.
Any genetic edge we can get on feed efficiency
is a win for dairy producers. You bet. With feed
costs often around $300 per ton, anything we
can do to help cows make better use of their
feed is going to have a big impact on the bottom
line. It's all about turning feed dollars into
milk component dollars as efficiently as possible.
And what about other economically important traits?
Have those seen any changes in the NM dollar
formula? Well, livability is another one that's
getting a lot more attention, with its weighting
increasing by a full 100%. This reflects the
rising value of cull cows, which are now often
bringing in upwards of $1 ,800 per head. So keeping
cows in the herd longer and reducing involuntary
culling is becoming even more important from
an economic standpoint. Precisely, a longer -living,
healthier cow is simply more profitable. So it
seems like the recipe for the ideal cow, according
to the new NM Dollar, is one that lives longer,
stays healthier, eats less per unit of production,
and pumps out milk loaded with butterfat. You
got it in a nutshell. And I think a quote from
CDCB Chair Amy Hazel really sums it up nicely.
She said, We're essentially giving fertility
traits a 20 % promotion and putting milk volume
on performance improvement plans. That pretty
much says that all the industry's priorities
are shifting towards component sufficiency and
longevity. And these shifting priorities are
reflected in the updated lifetime merit indices.
The weight for fat in NM dollar has gone up,
while the weight for protein has actually gone
down from 19 .6 to 13. So the message is clear
in the new NM dollar efficiency and components,
especially butterfat, are king. That's right.
And it's fascinating to see how these broad genetic
trends are playing out differently across the
diverse dairy regions of the U .S. We've got
different climates, different regulations, different
market conditions, all of which can influence
our breeding strategies. Dairy economists have
observed some interesting patterns in how traditional
dairy states, primarily in the Midwest and Northeast,
and modern dairy states, mostly in the West,
have approached production improvement over the
years. So we're talking about different herd
sizes, different growth patterns, different philosophies
almost. In a way, yes. Traditional states have
historically focused on boosting milk yield per
cow through meticulous genetic selection and
refined management practices. While modern dairy
states have focused on both yield and cow numbers,
they've scaled up their operations significantly
in recent decades. And the difference in average
herd size between the two regions is pretty striking
in the West. You'll see herds with well over
a thousand cows, while in the traditional states,
herds tend to be much smaller. But here's the
interesting part. Despite these differences in
scale and approach, the productivity gap between
the two regions has been steadily shrinking.
Back in the year 2000, modern dairy states had
a significant advantage in average milk yield
per cow. But by 2022, That gap had narrowed to
less than 100 pounds of milk per cow annually.
So they're catching up. It seems like the playing
field is leveling out in terms of per cow production.
And the timing of this convergence suggests that
the widespread adoption of genomic testing has
played a key role, especially in the traditional
dairy states. So, faced with limitations on expanding
their land base and cow numbers, they've turned
to genetics as their primary pathway to growth.
Exactly. They've invested heavily in selecting
for higher -producing, more efficient animals,
and they've complemented those genetic gains
with advances in milking technology and management
practices. It's almost like the modern dairy
states, having already focused on achieving economies
of scale, might now start to place a greater
emphasis on maximizing yield per cow through
genetics as well. It's definitely a trend to
watch and it aligns with a broader shift we're
seeing across agriculture in general, where gains
in overall output are increasingly driven by
improvements in efficiency and productivity rather
than simply expanding land use or animal numbers.
So while different regions may have slightly
different priorities, they're all leveraging
the same powerful genetic tools to achieve their
goals. And this industry -wide focus on higher
milk components is having ripple effects throughout
the entire dairy supply chain. Yeah, with over
80 % of U .S. milk now going into manufactured
dairy products like cheese butter and yogurt.
Higher component levels translate to more valuable
raw material for processors and better returns
for producers. Exactly. And the U .S. milk pricing
system, with its premiums for higher component
levels, provides a strong financial incentive
for producers to select for these traits. You're
literally getting paid more for milk that's richer
in butterfat and protein, so it's a win -win
for everyone involved. And these market signals
have spurred innovation in breeding technologies
that go beyond traditional genomics. We've seen
a surge in the use of gender -sorted semen, for
instance. Yeah, by 2024, gender -assorted semen
accounted for 61 % of all dairy semen sold in
the U .S. That's a huge increase. It allows producers
to accelerate genetic progress in their replacement
heifer pool by using sexed semen on their top
cows and then using beef semen on the rest to
produce high -value beef -class calves. It's
a smart strategy that optimizes both genetic
gain and revenue. And it's not just sexed semen
that's gaining traction. We're also seeing increasing
use of embryo technology. Absolutely. Both conventional
and in vitro fertilized embryos are being used
to amplify the impact of superior genetics, allowing
producers to get more offspring from their elite
cows. So it all ties back to that massive investment
in new processing capacity we talked about earlier.
The market is demanding more high component milk
and the genetics are helping us deliver. And
the pace of innovation isn't slowing down. The
2025 genetic reset is actually setting the stage
for even more advanced selection tools in the
years ahead. Oh, that's exciting. Can you give
us a sneak peek at what's on the horizon? Well,
one area that's generating a lot of buzz is the
development of rumen microbiome, PTAs. These
will link the specific populations of microbes
in a cow's rumen to her feed efficiency. So we're
talking about selecting for the tiny organisms
that live inside the cow's gut to improve her
ability to convert feed into milk. Exactly. It's
taking genetic selection to a whole new level,
and we're also expecting to see methane emission
indexes emerge as environmental regulations around
greenhouse gases become more stringent. these
tools will allow producers to select for cows
that produce less methane helping to reduce the
environmental footprint of dairy farming and
heat tolerance updates will become increasingly
important as well with more and more regions
facing heat stress selecting for cows that can
handle the heat will be crucial for maintaining
production and animal welfare It sounds like
we're on the cusp of a new era in dairy genetics
with even more precise and powerful tools at
our disposal. So how should dairy producers be
thinking about positioning their herds to thrive
in this rapidly evolving landscape? Well, as
dairy economist Chris Wolf put it, The upcoming
April genetic overhaul is both a progress report
and a crystal ball. It shows us how far we've
come and gives us a glimpse into the future of
dairy genetics. So the cows we'll be milking
in 2035 are being designed today through the
evaluations and breeding decisions we make. Exactly.
So it's crucial for producers to stay informed
and adapt their strategies accordingly. What
are some concrete steps that producers should
be considering right now to ensure their herds
are future ready? First, it's essential to recalibrate
your sire selection thresholds. Remember that
a bull with a plus 2 ,000 NM dollar under the
old system will likely have a lower NM dollar
after the reset, so adjust your benchmarks accordingly.
Don't panic when you see those numbers change.
Exactly, and pay close attention to component
ratios. The increasing value of butterfat relative
to protein means you should prioritize fat in
your selection decisions. And of course, feed
efficiency is always important, especially with
high feed costs. Selecting for animals that can
convert feed efficiently will have a big impact
on your bottom line. And don't neglect fertility
and overall health traits while components and
feed efficiency are taking center stage in the
revised NM dollar. These are still critically
important for profitability and longevity. It
really makes you wonder how high can these butterfat
and protein percentages go? Is there a limit?
That's a great question. And frankly, I don't
think we know the answer yet. I believe we're
still just scratching the surface of the genetic
potential within our dairy cattle. So we can
expect to see even further gains in milk components
in the years to come as we continue to refine
our breeding programs and selection tools. Absolutely.
And these genetic advancements aren't just abstract
numbers. They're having a real impact on the
entire dairy industry. We're seeing a transformation
in both dairy production and processing. The
continuous improvements in butterfat and protein
are ensuring that we can meet the growing demand
for high quality dairy products. And it's inspiring
to see how producers of all sizes are embracing
these new technologies and incorporating them
into their operations. The U .S. dairy sector
is truly a global leader in genetic improvement,
and it's clear that this genetic revolution is
far from over. In fact, I think we're just getting
started. The future of dairy is bright, and it's
driven by genetics. So to wrap up today's deep
dive, let's recap the key takeaways. We've seen
this remarkable rise in milk components driven
by the power of genomics. We've talked about
the significance of the upcoming 2025 genetic
reset and the shift in economic priorities reflected
in the updated NM dollar index. And we've highlighted
the importance of focusing on both components
and feed efficiency as key drivers of future
profitability and sustainability. So as you head
back to your farms, we encourage you to think
about the specific adjustments you'll be making
to your breeding strategies to ensure your herds
are future ready. Take a close look at your herd
data. Familiarize yourself with the new genetic
evaluations coming out in April and consider
how these changes will impact your breeding decisions.
The future of dairy is in your hands. And with
the right tools and knowledge, you can position
your herds for success in this exciting component
-driven era. Thanks for joining us today, folks.
Until next time, happy milking. Finally, we're
turning our focus to global trade. U .S. exports
of skim milk powder to China have hit a historic
low, zero to be exact. This marks a major structural
shift in trade dynamics and puts the dairy industry
in a tough spot. Can American producers reclaim
their footing? Or is this a sign of bigger changes
ahead? Let's get into it. Global trade, you hear
about it constantly, but sometimes, honestly,
a single number, it really makes you stop and
think. Right. Like this one. U .S. skim milk
powder exports to China. Yeah. Zero. Nada. Nothing.
last February. It's a massive shift. And that's
exactly what we're diving into today. What caused
this huge collapse? What does it mean for us,
the U .S. dairy industry? Well, what I find really
interesting is not just the fact that it happened,
but how fast it happened and just how completely
that market seems to have vanished for U .S.
suppliers. Poof. Gone. Not even a little dip,
just gone. Right. So we've got this report here,
fresh from the bullvine. It lays it all out.
We're going to unpack why this happened, right?
Pricing pressures. China's honestly amazing growth
in their own dairy production and how these other
big players, New Zealand, the EU, they've kind
of positioned themselves. Yeah, it's fascinating.
It's a complex situation tied into bigger economic
trends like deflation in China, potential oversupply
here in the U .S. Yeah, a lot to cover. So our
mission today. is to really get to the heart
of this change. And it is crucial, absolutely
crucial for anyone involved in dairy or even
just following it to understand what this means.
For sure. Because this isn't just some isolated
trade thing. It reflects like these much deeper
changes happening in the global market. It's
like tectonic plates shifting. Exactly. So let's
get into the nitty gritty. Let's do it. That
zero number, right? US S &P exports to China
in February 2025. That just... That jumps off
the page. Yeah. It's the first time we've seen
a complete stop since May 2019. Wow. And it's
the lowest level since, get this, 2013. That's,
yeah, that's a while ago. So break it down for
us. What are the main forces at play here? So
this Bullvine report, they pinpoint two main
things. First, there's a big price difference
between US S &P and what the EU and New Zealand
are offering. By late 2024, US S &P was going
for like... $27 more per metric ton. When you're
talking bulk orders, that's a lot of money. And
this price gap, it probably has to do with the
fact that U .S. S &P production dropped by 14
% in 2024. Less supply, higher prices. The less
supply here pushed prices up. Makes sense. But
that second thing you mentioned, China's own
dairy sector, that seems like a huge part of
this story. Oh, it absolutely is. China has been
amazing at boosting their own milk production.
They set this goal back in 2018 to be self -sufficient.
And by 2023, they'd already hit 85 % self -sufficiency.
Wow. Which is like way ahead of schedule. They
had this massive increase in domestic raw milk
production. I'm talking a jump of about 10 million
metric tons from 2018 to 2023. So they just don't
need to import as much anymore. 10 million metric
tons. That's that's mind boggling. I mean, you
can see how that would just it would just completely
change their needs. So while we were dealing
with less production and higher prices, they
were basically becoming their own supplier. Exactly.
Like impressive and also kind of spanky for us.
Right. So who's filling that gap then? It's the
one the U .S. used to have. Well, New Zealand
and the European Union, they've really stepped
in. You look at the market share, New Zealand,
they control like 68 percent of China's S &P
imports now. 2024 numbers. Wow. U .S. share.
Well, we already talked about that. And it's
not just S &P. New Zealand, they've got 90 percent
of China's whole milk powder market. 90 percent.
90 percent. We sent zero WMP to China in February.
So they basically got a monopoly. What's their
secret? Well, a big one is their tariff -free
trade deal with China. That gives them a massive
advantage on price, competitiveness, everything.
The EU, they're doing well with S &P, but they
also benefit from, you know, their political
relationship with China. The U .S., we don't
really have that same leverage. The Bullvine
Report, they put it pretty bluntly. How so? They
said the U .S. has been priced out of the Chinese
market. Ouch. So it's not just about... Who's
got the cheapest product at any given time? It's
about trade deals, relationships, the whole picture.
Right. And all of this is happening against a
backdrop of deflation in China. Exactly. Their
economy is in a deflationary period. Their consumer
price index fell by 0 .7 percent in February
2025. Wow. Which is the biggest drop since 2020.
So stuff in China is getting cheaper. And when
that happens, expensive imports like RSMP, they're
even less appealing. Makes sense. If everything
else is cheaper, why buy the pricey import? Are
we seeing this affect other dairy imports too?
Kind of. UHT milk imports dipped in January 2025,
but then they leveled off in February. And the
bullvine, they suggest this might be because
China is really pushing for self -reliance. They
just need less imported UHT milk regardless of
price. It's like a double whammy. Cheaper local
options. They want to rely less on imports in
general. Yeah. So what about the global milk
supply? Could that mess things up even more for
us? Well, Rabobank, they're predicting global
milk supply will grow by about 0 .8 percent in
2025. OK. It's not a huge jump, but the problem
is we don't know what China's import demand will
be. If it doesn't pick up, that extra supply
could push global prices down even further. And
that's, you know, especially worrying when you
consider we might have too much cheese here in
the U .S. Yeah, the report mentioned that, the
risk of overproduction. Right. We've got all
this new cheese processing capacity coming online,
something like 200 million pounds per year. They
probably plan that expansion, expecting global
demand to keep growing. But if those export markets,
especially China, don't come through, we could
end up with way too much cheese and that means
prices could crash. So it's like the perfect
storm. We're locked out of a major market. We
might have a cheese glut at home and prices are
under pressure globally. Now, the report does
say Mexico has become a really important market
for U .S. dairy. Oh, absolutely. But is that
enough to counter all of this? Mexico is a great
market. Don't get me wrong. But putting all your
eggs in one basket, it's always risky. You need
to diversify. Yeah. The Bullvine report, they
actually point to some critical errors that got
us here. Like what? Yeah. It's all connected.
Yeah. Given all this, what does the bull vine
recommend? How can U .S. exporters adjust? They
have some really good recommended shifts. One
is we need to be more strategic. They suggest
U .S. producers should focus more on butter and
cheddar cheese, less on SMP. China might not
be buying as much SMP and WMP, but there's still
some demand for cheese. This would align our
production with what the market actually wants,
and it's what the EU and New Zealand are already
doing. So go where the demand is. And their other
big recommendation is about trade policy, right?
Yeah, they say we need to really push for tariff
parity with New Zealand in our trade talks with
China. That tariff -free access they have, it's
such a huge advantage. We need to level the playing
field. If we can get tariff relief, that would
directly address that price gap and make our
dairy products more attractive to Chinese buyers
if and when that market comes back. But the thing
is, and the bull vine, they're pretty blunt about
this in their provocative takeaways for dairy
farmers. The Chinese S &P market, it might just
be closed for a while. They have so much surplus
and they're really focused on being self -sufficient
with the UMAP. They don't see our S &P exports
recovering before 2026. Yeah, that's a tough
one. And that warning about potential cheese
plant closures here if exports don't improve,
that's serious. They recommend farmers use tools
like dairy revenue protection, DRP, to hedge
their risk. That's good advice. And they also
say we can't just rely on Mexico. We need to
diversify. Look at places like Southeast Asia,
where there was some S &P demand growth. Exactly.
We need to think long term. So what's the call
to action? What does the bullvines say the U
.S. dairy industry needs to do? They lay out
three main things. First, we need better price
transparency. We need to know what's going on
in the market. They say we should be publishing
weekly S &P benchmarks. OK. Second, we need to
innovate, create new products like high protein
S &P blends specifically designed for what the
Chinese market needs, like their bakery sector.
Find those niche opportunities. Exactly. And
lastly, they really emphasize advocacy. We need
to put pressure on. policymakers in Washington
to fight for tariff relief in those trade talks
with China. Yeah. Make our voices heard. Yeah.
So this really shows just how interconnected
the global dairy market is. Yeah. How quickly
things can change. It absolutely does. And the
key takeaway here, the big one, is that the U
.S. dairy industry has got some serious challenges
in China right now. It's not just one thing.
It's the pricing. It's China's self -sufficiency.
It's how strong our competitors are. And that
brings us to the bull vines final warning. It's
a bit ominous, but they say New Zealand and the
EU, they're basically reshaping the rules of
the game in global dairy trade. And the question
for everyone listening for the whole U .S. dairy
sector is, can we adapt fast enough to these
changes? Can we keep up or are we going to get
left behind? The bullvine, they put it pretty
starkly. They say we could become collateral
damage. That's yeah, that's a sobering thought.
It shows just how high the stakes are. So as
you process all this information. Think about
what it means for the future of U .S. dairy exports.
What are the big decisions we need to make now
to stay competitive in a global market that is
clearly transforming? These are the big questions
the situation forces us to confront. And those
are the questions we'll be grappling with in
the weeks and months to come. Absolutely. Thanks
for joining us today on this deep dive. It's
been a pleasure. And be sure to check out The
Bullvine for the full report and more in -depth
analysis. Till next time, thanks for listening.
See you later. And that's a wrap for this week's
top stories in the dairy world. From biosecurity
wake -up calls to groundbreaking genetic advances
and shifting trade dynamics, it's clear that
every day brings new challenges and opportunities
for this industry we all love. If you enjoyed
today's episode, be sure to subscribe, share,
and stay connected with The Bullvine for more
timely insights. Until next time, keep those
herds healthy, those milk checks flowing, and
that optimism alive. Catch you later.