Compared to June, the July 2016 NE-IA dairy budget showed a very good improvement. The improvement came from both increased income and reduced feed costs. Gross income rose by over $20 per month per cow and feed costs dropped by about $13.25 per cow per month. For a total improvement of $33.25 per cow per month. The higher income came from increased butterfat, protein, other solids and quality price. However, the cull cow price dropped as did the PPD. All feed prices dropped, except fat. The net improvement is $1.73 per cwt. The 24,000 pound budget showed positive returns to labor and management, $0.93 per cwt, which means the budget is paying all variable costs and fixed costs.
