While many farmers and ranchers have been successful in reducing their carbon footprint, making significant new progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions will require government assistance and new financial incentives, especially now that farmers are struggling to cope with depressed commodity prices, senators were told Tuesday.

The optimism coming out of the White House and USDA for a U.S. deal with China to end the trade war has been growing for months, but the rosy outlook dimmed this week because of a new rift between both countries’ negotiators.

Dairy farmers considering whether to sign up for the new farm bill benefits should consider this: Milk prices are likely to remain relatively stagnant for several years due in part to consolidation that has made many farms less responsive to market signals.

The U.S. dairy industry has been contracting and consolidating for decades, but some smaller family farm operations are finding unique ways to survive.

In an analysis of dairy supply management policy, American Farm Bureau Chief Economist John Newton says industry coordination to manage the dairy supply “could prove beneficial in the short-run, some reflection should be given on the long-run.”