Key market trends – the component shift, beef on dairy

Components and beef on dairy are the strong themes in this interview. We dive into a farm’s true net revenue, historic high beef prices and future items to keep an eye on.

Dairy Stream host, Joanna Guza, and guest, Dr. Megan Roberts, discuss the following topics: 

• Structural shifts occurring now compared to 5-10 years ago
• Diversification in dairy changing baseline stability
• Three items to note on your milk check
• Calculating a farm’s ‘true’ net revenue
• Hedging strategies
• Beef on dairy, herd rebuild
• Cost of purchasing vs raising a replacement heifer vs crossbred calf
• Less cull cows, what does the next 12–18-month dairy cycle projection
• Keeping an eye on in 2026 and into 2027

About the guest

• Dr. Megan Roberts is a seasoned agricultural economist at Compeer Financial, bringing experience in farm economics, agribusiness education and policy analysis. With deep roots in agriculture, Megan combines academic expertise and hands-on farming experience to provide real-world insights that help farmers navigate economic challenges and opportunities. Before joining Compeer, Megan spent years teaching agricultural economics and business in higher education, including leadership roles in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and as an Extension educator at the University of Minnesota. She holds a doctorate in agricultural education from Texas A&M University, along with a master’s and bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Beyond academia, Megan is a farmer herself, living on a farrow-to-finish hog, corn and soybean farm in southern Minnesota with her husband and son. Growing up on a dairy farm and now co-managing her family’s operation, she understands the day-to-day realities of farming, giving her a unique perspective that blends economic theory with practical application. Megan is a regular speaker at industry events and published author on farm business strategies and ag policy. Her ability to break down complex economic trends into actionable insights makes her a trusted resource for today’s farmers and agribusiness professionals.

This is sponsored by Compeer Financial.  

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream.  Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com. 

*Recorded July 6