Daily Dairy Report analyst Sarina Sharp says the missing USDA milk data will delay yield adjustment calculations for the Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) program, which relies on state-level milk yield figures to determine insurance payments. Without this report, farmers could face slower processing for third-quarter claims.

The Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) and Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) programs help farmers stabilize income by locking in milk revenue or protecting margins when feed costs rise. Sharp advises producers to use these tools to secure deferred milk prices for late 2026, especially amid weak prices and affordable feed.

Sharp also recommends considering the Livestock Revenue Protection (LRP) Program to hedge against drops in beef prices from dairy cattle.

Other key USDA dairy and trade reports have also been delayed by the shutdown.

Read more on how the lack of USDA data will impact dairy programs here.