We examine findings from a large-scale dairy producer survey on labor challenges and automation in California and Wisconsin–the two largest dairy states. We find that adoption of Automated Milking Systems (AMS) is primarily driven by labor shortages and operational efficiency but constrained by high upfront costs and uncertainty over long-term benefits. In addition to AMS, farmers are gradually implementing ancillary technologies such as automatic washers and cluster removers to further enhance efficiency and decrease labor reliance.

This article examines the 2024–2025 avian flu A(H5N1) outbreak in US dairy cattle. It highlights its potential economic impact, biosecurity challenges, and the need for enhanced protocols, transparent communication, and government support to prevent further crises. These insights offer valuable lessons for managing zoonotic disease outbreaks in the dairy industry.

We evaluate how economic, demographic, and sociological factors influence farmers’ perceptions of sustainability and utilization of sustainable practices in Wisconsin. We find that farm profitability and farm size have the strongest associations with these outcomes. We also find that perceptions of sustainability do not always align with practice.

Over the past two decades, the dairy genetics industry has changed significantly. While genomic testing appears to have delivered significant gains on the genetic side, these gains have not yet shown up in the national average milk yield.

This article evaluates crossbreeding beef sires with dairy cows as a strategy to diversify dairy farm income. Economic modeling shows financial gains under extended herd lactation cycles, use of sexed semen, and optimized calving intervals. Beef producers may also benefit from improved carcass quality, enhancing feedlot performance.

New minimum regulated pricing formulas for milk pooled on Federal Milk Marketing Orders will become effective in June 2025. These changes are the most substantive in more than 2 decades. This article summarizes the changes and provides an assessment of their potential impacts on milk prices through 2028.