California Ag Network

Category: Dairy Industry

  • California Dairy Short Course Training Opportunities and Conference For 2025

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has released the schedule for short courses and events as a part of its 2025 training program series for processors, producers, entrepreneurs, and students. The courses, which have no pre-requisites, will be held at a variety of California locations and are open to all participants.

    The schedule of courses includes:

    Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference – February 18-20, 2025 – Cliffs Resort & Spa, Shell Beach, Calif.
    In collaboration with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and the Pacific Coast Coalition, this conference highlights advancements in dairy product innovation. This event will focus on dairy marketplace innovation, recent enhancements made to dairy processing and packaging and improved marketing as presented by today’s leaders and entrepreneurs as they share their insight and experience in today’s dairy industry.

    More information and registration are available here.

    Buttermaking & Milk Fat Fundamentals – March 12, 2025 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif. This one-day course will combine lectures and hands-on learning focused on buttermaking processes and milk fat technology. Innovation in the sector will featured in addition to solid training on fundamentals. Registration will be posted here.

    Dairy Products & Processing 201 – April 24, 2025 – Petaluma area, Calif. A one-day introduction to processes used to formulate dairy products, with in-depth review of regulations, packaging and claims. This is a free program open to all California-based processors, academia and supply chain partners.Registration will be posted here.

    Frozen Desserts – May 20-21, 2025 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif.
    A two-day deep dive into frozen dessert formulations, which will include 100% hands-on pilot plant demos and prototyping. The focus will be on innovative products: no sugar added, high protein, cottage cheese ice cream, “boozy” frozen desserts, ethnic flavors and more. Registration will be posted here.

    R&D Best Practices – June 17-19, 2025– Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif.
    This three-day program will feature lectures and is focused on process and helpful tools for research and development, featuring best practices for dairy products. Ideal for QA, R&D and operations – entry and junior level. Check the CDIC Training & Education page for registration information.

    Exploring Cooking & Acid-Set Cheeses – October 7-8, 2025– Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif. Two days of hands-on cheesemaking workshops, which will focus on acid-set cheeses and their culinary uses. This new program will feature a variety of fresh and other cheeses used in food service and processed foods applications with a global flair, from fromage frais to paneer. Check the CDIC Training & Education page for registration information.

    Short Course and conference programs are co-organized with California Milk Advisory Board’s CDIC, with partial funding and contributions from Dairy Management Inc., the USDA’s Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (hosted by Fresno State) and the CMAB. Programs are subject to change. For more info about the CDIC and its educational opportunities, contact Veronique Lagrange (vlagrange@cmab.net).

    About the California Dairy Innovation Center

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) coordinates pre-competitive research and educational training in collaboration with industry, check-off programs, and research/academic institutions in support of a common set of innovation and productivity goals. The CDIC is guided by a Steering Committee that includes California Dairies Inc., California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., Fresno State University, Hilmar Cheese, Leprino Foods, and UC Davis. More info at: https://www.cdic.net/.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board
    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, X and Pinterest.

  • USDA Issues Final Rule Amending Federal Milk Marketing Order Pricing

    On January 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced a final rule amending the uniform pricing formulas applicable in all 11 Federal milk marketing orders (FMMOs). The final rule was made available for viewing on January 16, 2025, in the Federal Register and on AMS’s National Federal Milk Marketing Order Pricing Formula Hearing webpage. It was published in the Federal Register January 17th.

    The final rule follows a 49-day national hearing held from August 23, 2023, to January 30, 2024, in Carmel, Indiana, where AMS heard testimony and received evidence on 21 proposals from the dairy industry. AMS issued a recommended decision on July 1, 2024, followed by its publication in the Federal Register on July 15, 2024, which began a 60-day public comment period.

    A total of 128 comments were received, analysis of which was included in a final decision that was issued on November 12, 2024, and published in the Federal Register on December 2, 2024.

    Following publication of the final decision, AMS administered and oversaw 11 referenda whereby producers whose milk was pooled on an FMMO in the selected representative month of January 2024 had the opportunity to vote in favor of or opposition to the FMMOs proposed to be amended.

    This final rule announces that producers in each of the 11 FMMOs approved the following pricing formula amendments:

    • Updating the skim milk composition factors to 3.3 percent true protein, 6.0 percent other solids and 9.3 percent nonfat solids, with a six-month delayed implementation.

    • Removing 500-pound barrel cheddar cheese prices from the Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting Program survey.

    • Updating the Class III and Class IV manufacturing allowances to $0.2519 for cheese, $0.2272 for butter, $0.2393 for nonfat dry milk and $0.2668 for dry whey, all on a per pound basis, and the butterfat recovery factor to 91 percent.

    • Returning the base Class I skim milk price formula to the higher-of the advanced Class III or Class IV skim milk prices for the month. In addition, adoption of a Class I extended shelf life (ESL) adjustment for all ESL products equal to the average-of mover plus a 24-month rolling average adjuster with a 12-month lag.

    • Updating the Class I differential values to reflect the increased cost of servicing the Class I market.

    The rule will be effective June 1, 2025, for all changes, except for changes to the skim milk composition factors. The amendments to skim milk composition factors will be implemented December 1, 2025. These changes will apply to milk marketed on and after these dates, as applicable, and those changes will be reflected in both the advanced prices and pricing factors released before the start of the month and the class and component prices announced after the close of the month.

    Copies of the final rule, educational materials and the entire hearing record can be found on the hearing webpage or obtained from USDA/AMS/Dairy Program; STOP 0225 – Rm. 2530; 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-0225. Questions can be submitted to fmmohearing@usda.gov.

  • California Dairy Students Partner With California Dairy Families to Raise Milk Donations For Families In Need

    One in eight Californians currently struggle with food insecurity, with milk being one of the most requested but least donated items at food banks. The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) recently worked with student dairy advocates from California State University, Chico (Chico State), California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), and Modesto Junior College (MJC) to address this deficit by hosting the second annual Real California Milk Intercollegiate Give-A-Gallon Challenge.

    Using 100-gallon donation commitments from the CMAB as an incentive, students in each area shared information about the need for milk and options for donating through their social media channels. Each team coordinated donations through local and campus milk drives, in person and virtually. As a part of the Real California Milk CADAIRY4GOOD program, this initiative spotlights ongoing commitment by California dairy families to increasing access to nutritious foods.

    “My passion has always been rooted in the dairy industry, which is why I am so motivated to get milk off of the shelves and into our communities. I’m so thankful for all of the supporters of our milk drive year after year. My favorite part is arriving to a food bank with all of our milk to drop off and seeing everyone’s faces light up,” said Anthony Agueda, California dairy farmer and Fresno State Ag Business student.

    Megan Donaldson, Chico State student and Dairy Science Club president, noted, “Everyone deserves to have quality milk products to enjoy in their home, and this initiative is a wonderful way to provide that. Chico State Dairy Science Club and Chico State Organic Dairy Unit members are proud to represent this amazing industry by donating gallons of Real California Milk to those in need.”

    “Participating in this competition truly showed a new perspective on what food accessibility looks like in our community. We’re extremely grateful to have participated in this challenge and are excited to bring forth new ideas to next year’s competition,” said Morgan Oliveira, Cal Poly student and Dairy Club secretary.

    “Over the last 4 years MJC has donated almost 3,000 gallons of milk to Stanislaus County with this project. It is heartwarming to know that we have donated 48,000 servings of fresh, California milk to those less fortunate in the Central Valley through our efforts to promote Hunger Awareness in our community,” said Nicole Morris, California dairy farmer and MJC dairy science instructor.

    The initiative raised more than 6,000 gallons of milk with donations distributed to 17 local food banks, including student pantries at Cal Poly, Chico State and Fresno State.

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with milk from the state’s dairy families using some of the most sustainable farming practices in the world.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, X and Pinterest.

  • Recycling Human & Animal Excreta Could Help Meet Nutrient Supply for Global Crops

    It might not be a pleasant image, but recycling all the human and livestock feces and urine on the planet would contribute substantially to meeting the nutrient supply for all crops worldwide, thereby reducing the need to mine fertilizers such as phosphorus and dramatically reducing the dependency on fossil fuels, according to a global analysis of nutrient recycling published Nov. 26 in Nature Sustainability.

    “We have to find ways to recycle the nutrients that are now poorly utilized, and our data shows that there is a lot of it: Many countries could become self-sufficient at current fertilizer use if they would recycle excreta to agriculture,” said Johannes Lehmann, the Liberty Hyde Bailey Professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science, in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), and the study’s senior author.

    The lead author is doctoral student Mariana Devault, and Dominic Woolf, a senior research associate in the School of Integrative Plant Science Soil and Crop Sciences Section (CALS) is a co-author.

    The researchers analyzed a large array of datasets retrieved from various databases, including the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization’s FAOSTAT and the International Fertilizer Association’s STAT, as well as satellite-based maps, to identify the locations of crops and livestock, and learn which fertilizers, and how much of them, are being used in as many as 146 countries.

    “A major aspect of our study is estimating these nutrient flows at the subnational scale in every country prior to making conclusions at the national and global scales,” Devault said. “Knowing that the cost of transportation is a barrier for an agronomically sound use of livestock excreta in many areas, we wanted to estimate how much of these nutrients has been poorly used simply to reduce operational costs at the farms. Then, we can imagine alternative ways to better manage the use of livestock excreta locally, which can help improve nutrient circularity nationally and worldwide.”

    After calculating the locations and quantities of nutrients accruing in excreta from humans and livestock, the team modeled how much of this waste, if recycled, would be needed to satisfy crop and grassland production systems worldwide.

    The analysis showed that the global amounts found in human and poorly utilized livestock excreta represent 13% of crop and grassland needs for major nutrients. National recycling of those nutrients could reduce global net imports of mineral fertilizers by 41% for nitrogen, 3% for phosphorus and 36% for potassium.

    The use of recycled excreta, Lehmann said, would have additional benefits, such as diverting waste nutrient runoff from entering local water sources, where it becomes a pollutant – for example, the harmful algal blooms found in the Finger Lakes. Nutrient recycling could also help establish a circular economy between food consumption and agriculture.

    “It doesn’t make any sense to pollute our environment, especially our waters and soils, and then have not enough fertilizer for agriculture,” Lehmann said. “We need to close the loop from poorly utilized nutrients, wherever they come from, and in this paper, we show that taking only two of these feedstock types, animal excreta and human excreta, we could theoretically satisfy all our fertilizer use at present.”

    Lehmann sees the urgency of meeting global fertilizer needs as a geopolitical issue comparable to that of oil, with the vast majority of phosphorus, a nonrenewable resource, mined in very few countries. Nitrogen, similarly, is expensive and requires a great deal of energy to commercially produce, creating a large greenhouse-gas footprint.

    “The basic fact is that any nutrient that we remove in agriculture, and we obviously remove a lot, we have to replenish,” he said. “There’s no free lunch.”

    Without the aid of recycling, eventual nutrient scarcities will only drive up the price of fertilizer and eventually food, risking increased migrations and political unrest, Lehmann said.

    While there may be public perception issues related to using fertilizer derived from human urine and feces, establishing a circular economy between food consumption and agriculture will be critical as the global food system will need to accommodate close to 10 billion people by 2050.

    “There are many countries in the world that flush down more nitrogen in the toilet than they import or add as agricultural fertilizer on their lands, and I think that’s a crime,” Lehmann said. — David Nutt, Cornell University

  • Marin French Cheese Co. Wins Gold and Bronze at World Cheese Awards 2024

    Marin French Cheese Co., the country’s oldest cheese company based in Marin County in Northern California, is honored to announce its outstanding achievements at the World Cheese Awards 2024. The prestigious event hosted annually by the Guild of Fine Food, recognized Marin French Cheese Co.’s artisan soft-ripened cheeses with four medal awards including Gold for Petite Suprême and Golden Gate—which achieved its first-ever Gold after earning Bronze the past two years—and Bronze for Petite Camembert and Petite Truffle.

    A total of 240 judges from 39 countries, divided into 104 teams, took on the challenge of determining which entries deserved accreditation. The panel included experts from various industry disciplines, such as graders, buyers, chefs, producers, retailers, technologists, journalists, and influencers. This year’s competition was the largest yet, with 1,032 companies participating globally. Cheeses were meticulously evaluated based on rind and paste appearance, aroma, body, texture, and, most importantly, flavor and mouthfeel. Bronze and Gold accolades were awarded to Marin French Cheese Co. cheeses, including:

    GOLD – Petite Suprême (4 oz., SRP $8.49) combines a French soft cheese recipe with California craftsmanship. Made from local California cow’s milk with extra added cream, it offers a rich creamline and a dense, buttery paste for a decadent taste in every bite.

    GOLD – Golden Gate (8 oz., SRP $16.99) is a triple crème cheese that gets its striking color from being hand-washed with brine multiple times throughout the 14 day aging process to allow the cultures naturally present in the coastal air to flourish. Inspired by the vibrant color of the Golden Gate Bridge, this cheese ranges from semi-soft, fudgy, and robust when young to oozing umami as it approaches its best by date. This washed rind cheese is earthy with vegetal aromas and a rich savory flavor.

    BRONZE – Petite Camembert (4 oz., SRP $7.99) is a unique small format of the brand’s classic French style Camembert cheese. Complex with earthy aromas of mushroom, a creamy paste is enrobed in a velvety bloomy rind, this soft cheese uses a different blend of cultures from other brie style cheeses. Part of the Petite Classic Collection, this cheese is true to Marin French’s California-crafted, French-inspired roots.

    BRONZE – Petite Truffle (4 oz., SRP $8.49) is built on the same recipe as Triple Crème Brie with the luxurious inclusion of imported black truffles speckled throughout the paste. Its irresistible earthy aroma and rich flavor are balanced by notes of sweet cream and a velvety texture. This cheese is part of our Petite Reserve Collection of 4 oz. wheels enhanced with premium ingredients to inspire moments of authentic pleasure.

    “Our whole team is thrilled to have Marin French Cheese Co. products recognized on the world’s stage, especially among such an impressive array of cheeses entered into this year’s World Cheese Awards,” says Bonnie Kaufman, Brand Manager of Marin French Cheese Co. “This honor reflects the dedication, passion, and creativity that our team brings to cheesemaking. As we approach our 160th anniversary of crafting soft-ripened cheeses in our original West Marin creamery, we are committed to preserving our rich traditions while embracing innovation. This recognition means so much to us and fuels our drive to continue crafting exceptional cheeses that inspire, delight, and bring people together.”

    Marin French Cheese Co. has been a pioneer in the cheesemaking industry since 1865 and is known for its exceptional cheeses that consistently surprise and delight cheese enthusiasts and experts alike. Marin French Cheese Co.’s soft ripened cheeses can be purchased at a selection of specialty grocers and cheese shops nationwide, found on the store locator on the website, or on Northbay Creameries.

    About Marin French Cheese Co.

    Marin French Cheese Co. is the country’s oldest cheese company, operating at its historic creamery in Marin County since 1865. Marin French Cheese Co. marries traditional French cheesemaking techniques with California terroir and innovative spirit to produce award-winning and original cheeses. Made with high-quality local ingredients, its cheeses reflect one of life’s simplest and most authentic pleasures: experiencing good food. For more information, visit MarinFrenchCheese.com or follow on Instagram @marinfrenchcheese or Facebook @marinfrenchcheesecompany.

  • Petit Pot Takes $100,000 Grand Prize at 2024 Real California Milk Excelerator

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and VentureFuel announced Petit Pot as the grand prize winner in the 2024 Real California Milk (RCM) Excelerator product innovation competition. The award was presented during the Future of Dairy Expo and Final Pitch Event on November 14th in San Ramon, CA, where four new finalists were also selected to compete for the 2025 grand prize.

    This competitive program is designed to drive value-added dairy innovation using California milk, ultimately strengthening the industry by providing startups with access to sustainably produced milk as well as resources, expertise, and non-dilutive funding to grow their businesses. As the winner of the 2024 RCM Excelerator, Petit Pot will receive $100,000 worth of marketing support from the CMAB to continue scaling their dairy-based desserts in California and beyond.

    Through the Real California Milk Excelerator, early-stage companies are able to leverage the power of Real California Dairy through access to:

    • Tailored content and resources specific to the dairy industry, including access to quality, sustainably sourced milk
    • Mentorship from leading experts across product development, marketing, distribution, and sales
    • Extensive exposure to industry stakeholders

    Petit Pot was one of four finalists in the 2023 RCM Excelerator event. The company was selected for its innovation in product packaging with the introduction of a paper dessert cup to further drive its commitment to sustainability. Since being selected for the 2023 cohort, founder Maxime Pouvreau has scaled up production in California and demonstrated his company’s tremendous potential for growth. The CMAB selected the company as the Grand Prize Winner based on the company’s $2MM+ in retail sales over a one-year period and rapidly expanding presence through 6,000 stores across the country. The $100,000 grand prize will provide marketing support for initiatives like on-pack promotions, digital and instant redeemable coupons, product sampling, and in-store signage to further drive brand awareness.

    Headquartered in Emeryville, Calif, Petit Pot was founded by French-born pastry chef Maxime Pouvreau and specializes in single-serve gourmet desserts crafted with dairy and other organic ingredients.  The company has seen rapid growth since it first participated in the Excelerator’s snack-focused competition in 2020.

    “We’re thrilled for Petit Pot to be recognized as the top choice in this year’s Real California Milk Excelerator competition,” said Maxime Pouvreau, Petit Pot’s Founder. “Wellness-focused snacking is on the rise, and more people are looking for indulgent, yet balanced, options. Petit Pot offers a rich, creamy treat that satisfies those cravings without compromise. With the CMAB’s support, we look forward to bringing our French-inspired desserts to even more people across the country.”

    The Real California Milk Excelerator was established by CMAB to drive transformational growth for innovative dairy products that can deliver value both to consumers and to the dairy community. At a time when venture funding for food and beverage startups has slowed, programs like the Excelerator play a crucial role in bridging the gap for high-potential food and beverage startups.

    “Innovation is the lifeblood of any brand and any product category. Our continued investment in amplifying products in the value-added space supports the sustainability of our industry while providing consumers with more options for tapping into the unique benefits that come from only real milk and dairy,” said John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB.

    At the 2024 Future of Dairy Expo, attendees also experienced product tastings and exhibitions from 20+ pioneering dairy startups, and witnessed the selection of four new finalists chosen by the CMAB from this year’s incubator cohort during the live pitch event:

    • Pluff, a fluffy protein dessert with high nutritional value, represented by its founder, Dylan Paul;
    • Projo*, an instant coffee blend infused with dairy and collagen, represented by Charbel Mawad, founder and CEO;
    • Smearcase, a cottage-cheese-based ice cream, represented by founder and CEO, Joe Rotondo;
    • And Todo, a meal replacement shake with a balanced nutritional content, represented by founder, Niket Soni.

    “The passion and creativity we’ve seen from this year’s Grand Prize Winner and Finalists exemplify the bold future of California dairy,” said Fred Schonenberg, CEO of VentureFuel. “From sustainable practices to breakthrough flavors, these founders are redefining what dairy can be. We’re thrilled to support their journeys as they open new possibilities and help drive California’s dairy industry’s continued growth and innovation.”

    The event offered industry stakeholders an opportunity to engage with products poised to shape the future of dairy, while also showcasing the commitment of California’s dairy farmers to sustainable practices.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com,Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, X, Instagram and Pinterest.

    About VentureFuel, Inc.

    Founded in 2014, VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory that helps the world’s best organizations ignite change through startup collaborations. Its innovation programs include Diagnostics, Corporate Accelerators and Commercial Pilots; and focus on solving clients’ biggest challenges by driving greater efficiencies; closing strategic capability gaps; and identifying emerging business models. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey’s, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at: www.venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram. You can listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast on Apple, Spotify, Simplecast or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • Opportunity For Student Ambassadors To Share California Dairy Messages With International Audiences

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) have announced the return of its student internship program where young agriculture ambassadors will represent Real California Milk internationally. Applications are now open for summer representatives in CMAB’s partner countries.

    The interns, selected from students enrolled in agriculture-related programs at colleges and universities throughout the state, will be chosen based on academic achievement, connection to the dairy industry and a willingness to travel abroad and learn more about international dairy sales and marketing, as well as a plan to work in the California dairy industry in the future.

    Over the six-week period, interns will spend time with CMAB marketing organizations overseas in order to gain a better understanding of these markets, consumer buying habits and promotional efforts on behalf of California’s dairy industry.

    “Over the last decade, the CMAB has worked closely with partners in Mexico and Asia to develop markets for California dairy products. This program is focused on providing insight into international marketing for future leaders who will work in the dairy business and one day serve on dairy industry boards and lead industry groups,” said Glenn Millar, Director of International Business Development for the CMAB.

    Interested candidates must submit a completed application, essay, and other requirements by Friday, December 6, 2024. Additional information is available here.

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made with milk from the state’s dairy families using some of the most sustainable farming practices in the world.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube,Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

  • USDA Offers $58 Million to Help Organic Dairy Producers

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $58 million available for marketing assistance to eligible organic dairy producers through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) 2024 to help expand the market for organic dairy and increase the consumption of organic dairy.

    “The Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program continues USDA’s commitment to keep the market for organic dairies sustainable as they weather challenges outside of their control,” said USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “In preparation for the launch of ODMAP 2024, we met often with organic milk industry leaders and their constituents to ensure that the assistance we provide addresses their expressed needs. Through this proactive engagement, we identified the need for and are pleased to offer increased payment rates and an increased production level eligible for marketing cost-share assistance.”

    ODMAP 2024 helps mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry. Specifically, through ODMAP 2024, FSA is assisting organic dairy operations with projected marketing costs in 2024 calculated using their marketing costs in 2023. FSA began accepting ODMAP 2024 applications on Sept. 30. Eligible producers include certified organic dairy operations that produce milk from cows, goats, and sheep.

    ODMAP 2024 Program Improvements 

    Dairy producers who participate in ODMAP 2024 will benefit from improvements to provisions outlined in the program. Specifically, ODMAP 2024 provides for an increase in the payment rate to $1.68 per hundredweight compared to the previous $1.10 per cwt. Additionally, the production level eligible for marketing cost-share assistance has increased to nine million pounds compared to the previous five million pounds.

    How ODMAP 2024 Works  

    ODMAP 2024 provides a one-time cost-share payment based on marketing costs on pounds of organic milk marketed in the 2023 calendar year or estimated 2024 marketing costs for organic dairy operations that have increased milk production or entered the organic dairy market. The assistance provided by ODMAP 2024 and the original ODMAP 2023 is provided through previously unused Commodity Credit Corporation funds remaining from earlier pandemic assistance programs.

    ODMAP 2024 provides financial assistance that immediately supports certified organic dairy marketing during 2024 keeping the organic dairy market sustainable until markets return to more normal conditions.

    How to Apply  

    FSA is accepting applications from Sept. 30 to Nov. 29. To apply, producers should contact FSA at their local USDA Service Center. To complete the ODMAP 2024 application, producers must certify to pounds of 2023 milk production, show documentation of their organic certification, and submit a completed application form.

    Organic dairy operations are required to provide their USDA certification of organic status confirming operation as an organic dairy in 2024 and 2023 along with the certification of 2023 milk production or estimated 2024 milk production in hundredweight.

    ODMAP 2024 complements other assistance available to dairy producers, including Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), with more than $36 million in benefits paid for the 2024 program year to date.  Learn more on the FSA Dairy Programs webpage.

    More Information

    To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

    FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.

  • Vierra Dairy Farms’ Bailey Named Supreme Champion of World Dairy Expo

    Stoney Point Joel Bailey, owned by Vierra Dairy Farms of Hilmar, Calif., rose to the top at World Dairy Expo 2024, claiming the prestigious title of Supreme Champion on Friday, October 4. In addition to Bailey’s success, Premium Apple Crisp Lilly-Red, the Grand Champion of the International Red & White Show, was named Reserve Supreme Champion. Lilly is owned by Butlerview Farm of Chebanse, Ill.

    The Supreme Champion Cow of the Junior Show was awarded to Pacific Edge VIP Tessah-ET, the Grand Champion of the International Junior Jersey Show. Tessah is owned by Brent Rocha and Coltan Seals, of Tillamook, Ore. The Reserve Champion of the Junior Show was Oakfield Tatoo Tender-ET, owned by Chloe and Claire Lamb of Oakfield, N.Y., rounding out the top honors of this year’s World Dairy Expo.

    Companies sponsoring the awards presented to World Dairy Expo’s Supreme Champions include Ameriprint Apparel, LLC, DeWall Family, Dynasty Genetics, E-Zee Milking Equipment, LLC, Frenchville Trailer Sales, LLC, FutureCow, Golden Calf Company, Select Sires, Inc., Trans Ova Genetics and Zoetis.

    Complete class results can be found at www.worlddairyexpo.com.

    Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo brings together the latest in dairy innovation and the best cattle in North America. The global dairy industry returned to Madison, Wis. for the 57th event, October 1 – 4, 2024, when the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, dairy and forage seminars, a world-class dairy cattle show and more will be on display. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile event app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Spotify, Instagram or YouTube for more information.

  • Modesto Junior College Sweeps International Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo

    Modesto Junior College came out on top as they secured the Overall Team, Overall Reasons Team, High Individual, and High Individual Reasons honors at the 34th International Post-Secondary Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo. Held October 1-4th in Madison, WI, Modesto Junior College’s team consisted of Logan Silveria, Lauryn Young, Jon Chapman, and Teresa Sousa, and coached by Nicole Morris. SUNY Cobleskill followed as the second-place team overall. To finish out the contest, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, Michigan State Ag Tech, and Morrisville placed third through fifth, respectively. In the Practical Contest, Ohio State ATI places first overall followed by Iowa State University and Kansas State University placing second and third, respectively.

    Teams and individuals receiving recognition include:

    Top Five Teams – Overall:

    1. Modesto Junior College, 2,296, team members include: Logan Silveira, Lauryn Young, Jon Chapman, Teresa Sousa; coached by Nicole Morris
    2. SUNY Cobleskill, 2,289, team members include: Elizabeth Schieferstine, Allison Gabel, Libby Sutton, Luke Enyart; coached by Carrie Edsall
    3. The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 2,274, team members include: Lauren Homan, Christian Martig, Bradley Gotto, Emma Givens; coached by Royce Thornton
    4. Michigan State Ag Tech, 2,234, team members include: Bette Eggnik, Lydia Deters, Lane McDonald; coached by Joe Domecq, Sarah Black, Lynn Olthof
    5. Morrisville, 2,054, team members include: Emma Weisbrodt, Charissa Gelser, Matthew Wilson, and Chloe Pushlar; coached by Jessica Kennedy

    Top Ten Individuals – Overall:

    1. Lauryn Young, Modesto Junior College, 783
    2. Lauren Homan, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 781
    3. Elizabeth Schieferstine, SUNY Cobleskill, 779
    4. Bette Eggink, Michigan State Ag Tech, 766
    5. Allison Gabel, SUNY Cobleskill, 766
    6. Lane McDonald, Michigan State Ag Tech, 759
    7. Logan Silveria, Modesto Junior College, 758
    8. Jon Chapman, Modesto Junior College, 755
    9. Christian Martig, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 749
    10. Bradley Gotto, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 744

    Top Five Teams – Reasons:

    1. Modesto Junior College, 645, coached by Nicole Morris
    2. The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 626, coached by Royce Thornton
    3. Michigan State Ag Tech, 616, Coached by Joe Domecq, Sarah Black, and Lynn Olthof
    4. SUNY Cobleskill, 610, Coached by Carrie Edsall
    5. Morrisville, 550, Coached by Jessica Kennedy

    Top Ten Individuals – Reasons:

    1. Lauryn Young, Modesto Junior College, 229
    2. Elizabeth Schieferstine, SUNY Cobleskill, 227
    3. Lauren Homan, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 223
    4. Emma Givens, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 219
    5. Bette Eggnik, Michigan State Ag Tech, 218
    6. Jon Chapman, Modesto Junior College, 218
    7. Allison Gabel, SUNY Cobleskill, 209
    8. Bradley Gotto, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, 207
    9. Lane McDonald, Michigan State Ag Tech, 206
    10. Libby Sutton, SUNY Cobleskill, 206

    Top Five Teams – Practical Contest:

    1. Ohio State ATI, 605
    2. Iowa State University, 587
    3. Kansas State University, 578
    4. Southwest Technical College #2, 552
    5. SUNY Cobleskill, 549

    Top Five Teams – Linear Contest:

    1. Southwest Technical College, 375
    2. Modesto Junior College, 360
    3. SUNY Cobleskill, 345
    4. Ohio State ATI, 335
    5. Iowa State University, 305

    Top Five Teams – Corrective Mating:

    1. Ohio State ATI, 197
    2. Iowa State University, 188
    3. Kansas State University, 186
    4. SUNY Cobleskill, 158
    5. Modesto Junior College, 154

    Top Five Teams – Grade Class:

    1. Ohio State ATI, 100
    2. Iowa State University, 100
    3. Kansas State University, 100
    4. Southwest Technical College #2, 100
    5. Modesto Junior College, 100

    Top Five Teams – Registered Class:

    1. Kansas State University, 200
    2. Iowa State University, 197
    3. Ohio State ATI, 196
    4. SUNY Cobleskill, 191
    5. Southwest Technical College, #2, 181

    The International Post-Secondary Dairy Cattle Judging Contest is made possible in part through the generous support of Platinum Level Sponsor, Channel Seed; Silver General Sponsors, FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative and Bio-Vet Inc; and additional sponsors, American Guernsey Association Youth Fund, Ayars Family Farm, Dave Badula, Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Association, Maureen DeBruin, David P. Dickson Trust, E-Zee Milking Equipment, LLC, Saloah Hageman, The Hartford Livestock Department, Holstein Association USA, Inc., Judy Majeskie, Maryland Brown Swiss Association, National Dairy Shrine, Select Sires, Inc., Semex/Boviteq, Trans Ova Genetics, Dr. Douglas Waterman, Hoard’s Dairyman, Vita Plus Corporation, STgenetics, St. Jacobs ABC, E-Zee Milking Equipment, LLC., Fight Bac, and Rany Geiger Memorial Fund.