California Ag Network

Category: Dairy Industry

  • IDFA Welcomes House Appropriations Support for Key Dairy Priorities

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) welcomed action by the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration to advance its FY2027 funding bill, including key dairy priorities.

    Michael Dykes, president and CEO of IDFA, released the following statement:

    “IDFA applauds the Subcommittee for maintaining strong support for dairy across federal nutrition and innovation programs. The bill’s $4 million investment in Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives Projects builds on the program’s proven success in stretching SNAP dollars and helping SNAP participants purchase more milk. Additionally, provisions in the bill preserve dairy benefits in (Women Infants and Children) and ensure that whole and 2% milk, made available by the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, is applicable to all school meals, securing access to nutrient-dense foods that parents and children need. Sustained funding for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative will also help drive innovation, strengthen regional supply chains, and create new market opportunities for dairy farmers and processors. IDFA thanks Chairman Andy Harris and Ranking Member Sanford Bishop, Jr. and Subcommittee members for their support of the dairy industry priorities contained in the FY27 funding bill. We look forward to working with Congress to include these priorities in the final FY2027 appropriations package.”

  • Judges Named for 2026 All American Jersey Shows

    The All American Jersey Shows’ three shows will be held Nov. 6–9 in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky.

    Chris Lahmers (Marysville, Ohio), will judge the All American Jersey Show on Sunday and Monday, Nov. 8–9. This marks his second time officiating the open Jersey show in Louisville, having previously judged in 2013. He also judged the All American Junior Show in 2012 and the National Jersey Jug Futurity in 2011. Lahmers has officiated nine shows in Louisville, six at World Dairy Expo and five at the Pennsylvania All-American across multiple breeds. His international experience includes judging Jerseys at International Dairy Week in Australia and at shows in Costa Rica and Japan. Chris and his wife, Elizabeth, exhibit a Brown Swiss herd with their daughters, Elaina, Ava and Audrey.

    Ryan Krohlow (Poynette, Wisconsin) was selected to judge the National Jersey Jug Futurity. Following his role at the 2025 All American Jersey Show, this will be his first time officiating the Futurity. He recently judged at International Dairy Week in Australia and has also officiated the World Dairy Expo Jersey Show (2024), Mid-Atlantic Jersey Show (2023), Midwest Spring and Fall National Holstein Shows, and the All-American Holstein Show, along with numerous state shows. Ryan and his wife, Haley, and their four children, Callie, Conway, Cooper and Case, operate under the HammerTime prefix.

    There are 457 three-year-olds currently eligible for the 2026 National Jersey Jug Futurity. In 2025, the class offered $11,730 in premiums, including $3,296 to the winner.

    Keith Topp (Botkins, Ohio) will judge the All American Junior Jersey Show on Friday, Nov. 6. This will be his third time officiating in Freedom Hall. He previously judged the All American Jersey Show in 2019 and the National Jersey Jug Futurity in 2017. Topp has judged Jersey and colored breed shows across 27 states, including the 2022 World Dairy Expo Jersey Show, as well as the Milking Shorthorn and Brown Swiss shows in Madison in 2019 and 2017 respectively. He owns and operates On Topp Genetics with his wife, Kindra, and their children, Keaton and Kinley.

    First- and second-place class winners in these shows will be named 2026 All American and Reserve All American honorees by the American Jersey Cattle Association.

  • NMPF Releases Statement on the DAIRY PRIDE Act

    The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) released a statement supporting the reintroduction of the DAIRY PRIDE Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. Introduced by Reps. John Joyce (R-PA) and Josh Riley (D-NY), the act would deem food products that are making inaccurate claims about milk content “misbranded,” requiring the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue guidance for nationwide enforcement of these products within 90 days.

    NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud expressed support for the DAIRY PRIDE Act, stating:

    “FDA’s continued failure to enforce its own rules on the proper labeling of plant-based alternative products is a public health problem, plain and simple. Milk and dairy products supply 13 essential nutrients, including three that continue to be identified as nutrients of public health concern: calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. But plant-based imitation products that are not nutritionally equivalent to real milk and do not deliver dairy’s unique nutrient package for too long have been allowed to imply to consumers that they are just like the real thing, creating a public health problem that FDA commissioners have acknowledged over the past decade.

    “The DAIRY PRIDE Act directs FDA to enforce dairy standards of identity, which were developed to promote honesty and protect consumers. Through the standards of identity, dairy terms, including “milk”, “cheese” and “yogurt,” have come to carry distinct meaning in the minds of consumers, with built-in expectations for nutritional values. By not enforcing these standards, FDA has allowed plant-based imitators to prey on consumers’ expectations while delivering nutritionally inferior products.

    “It’s high time FDA makes it easier for consumers to navigate the choices they face in the grocery aisles; the DAIRY PRIDE Act is an important step in the right direction. Dairy farmers and their cooperatives thank Reps. John Joyce and Josh Riley for their bipartisan leadership in finding solutions through this critical legislation.”

  • USJersey to Offer More than $47,00 in Scholarships

    The deadline is July 1 to apply for scholarship and educational awards administrated by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

    The AJCA has more than $47,000 in scholarship money to award to Jersey youth in 2026. This funding will go toward young Jersey enthusiasts pursuing a college or university degree or, in some cases, gaining hands-on experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey cattle. Junior or Lifetime members of the association with a 2.5 minimum grade point average, on a 4.0 scale, are eligible to apply for the awards.

    The Russell–Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies ($5,000) will be awarded to a graduate dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis), large animal veterinary practice, dairy production or manufacturing or dairy product marketing student.

    The Walter and Joyce Owens Family Scholarship ($5,000) will be offered for the third time. Those who are incoming or current undergraduate students in any post education institute studying a dairy related major are eligible Applicants must also be working toward a two-or four-year degree and demonstrate satisfactory academic performance. Recipients can receive the scholarship a maximum of two times but must reapply for reconsideration.

    The Lineweaver Scholarship ($5,000) will be awarded to an undergraduate who has completed at least one year of study in a four-year program focused on dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis) or dairy products.

    The Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship ($3,250) will be awarded to a junior or senior undergraduate student seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing.

    The William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship ($3,000) is offered to those who will begin their studies at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2026. Students who have completed at least one year of their studies are eligible for the V.L. Peterson Scholarship($2,500). The Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship ($2,500) will be awarded to an eligible nominee in the Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.

    The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship ($3,000) was established from a generous donation of Bob and Pam Bignami, Orland, California, from the sale of BW Graduate-ET in 2020. Those who have graduated high school and attended Jersey Youth Academy are eligible to apply. These students must also be heading to or enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university majoring in an agricultural-based degree.

    The Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship ($2,000) will go to either an undergraduate or graduate student working toward a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing. Students must also demonstrate significant progress toward their intended degree and a clear intention of an agriculture career through coursework completion and a goal statement.

    The Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) is for continuing college students in any degree program area. The recipient of the AJCA Directors’ Scholarship ($1,500) is determined based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business. The Bob Toole Jersey Youth Award ($2,000) can be used for educational expenses or a well-defined practical experience related to breeding, developing and showing Registered Jerseys.

    The recipient of the Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award ($350) will be selected from among applicants for the national achievement contest and/or scholarship program to recognize abilities and leadership potential and, in turn, challenging the recipient to achieve his/her potential through continuing Jersey activities.

    Also, the Reuben R. Cowles Jersey Youth Award will be presented to an eligible resident of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia to be used for educational expenses or to travel to the All American Jersey Show and Sale, the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings or other Jersey educational activities. Applicants must be at least high school graduates, but not older than 36 years of age as of Jan. 1, 2026.

    Apply here: https://usjersey.com/wp-content/uploads/Youth/26_CowlesYouthAward.docx

    For application forms and instructions, visit the “Youth Corner” page on the USJersey website and select the scholarship option. Recipients will be recognized on Saturday, November 7 at the Youth Awards Ceremony held in Louisville, Ky.

    For more information, contact the AJCA by email at info@usjersey.com; or visit its web site at USJersey.com.     

    — Contributed by American Jersey Cattle Association

  • Lobby Day Focuses on Unlocking Alternative Manure Management

    The California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN), alongside dairy producers and advocates, gathered at the State Capitol Swing Space April 8, to meet with legislators in support of AB 2100, a CalCAN-sponsored bill to improve the benefits of the state’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) as part of California’s methane reduction and water quality strategy.

    Dairies across California continue to face economic hardship due to low milk prices and rising input costs, while navigating increasing regulatory requirements related to groundwater protection and manure management. Scaling up alternative manure management practices can help dairies reduce their regulatory risk and improve their viability during these difficult times.

    Participants held meetings with 22 legislative offices — including members of the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Budget committees — to highlight the role alternative manure management can play in helping California meet its climate and environmental goals.

    “AMMP is an underutilized but proven tool to reduce methane emissions while delivering valuable co-benefits for dairies, said CalCAN Policy Director Colton Fagundes. “AB 2100 strengthens the program and improves the state’s ability to achieve its climate goals.”

    AB 2100 aims to expand and improve AMMP, which supports dairies in implementing practices that reduce methane emissions by transitioning away from liquid manure systems. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, these practices can provide environmental co-benefits, including improved groundwater quality, compost production and healthier soils.

    California must reduce livestock manure methane emissions by 40% before 2030 under SB 1383. CalCAN’s recent report highlights that AMMP is a cost-effective strategy to help meet this target, while demand for the program has exceeded available funding by 200–300%.

    “AMMP is a win-win; a win for the farmer, a win for the environment and consumers,” said Doug Beretta of Beretta Dairy in Sonoma County. Beretta noted the multi-benefits he’s experienced after installing manure separators and automatic scrapers on his operation. “We’ve seen a huge improvement in cow health, particularly the feet and legs, after installing automatic scrapers. We separate the [manure] solids and liquids and compost the solids for cow bedding instead of trucking sand from three hours away. The cows love laying in the soft, dry compost. With the liquid manure, we’re able to add it to our pastures and fertilize when we really need it.”

    AB 2100 cuts red tape by creating a more efficient approval process for compost production on dairies. It also directs state agencies to work with stakeholders to better assess the climate and environmental benefits of AMMP practices. Additionally, it aims to develop a coordinated plan to tackle the financial and regulatory challenges associated with implementing AMMP practices.

    “Programs like AMMP are critical to ensuring small and mid-sized dairies can stay in business while meeting California’s climate and environmental goals. But without continued investment and better alignment across agencies, many family dairies simply won’t have access to the tools they need to comply and survive,” said Lisandra Vitorino, Regional Territory Representative, California Dairy Campaign. “If we want a sustainable dairy future, we must make sure solutions are truly accessible to all, not just a few.”

    The lobby day comes as CARB develops its approach to potential livestock methane regulation, and the State Water Board prepares to release new water quality regulations for dairies.

    — Contributed by California Climate & Ag Network

  • Water Quality Changes to Impact Central Valley Dairy Producers

    A pair of regulatory changes are coming to the Central Valley that will impact dairies and other water quality permit holders.

    One of these changes — the CV-Salts Program — is being implemented at the groundwater basin level, starting with Modesto, and has seen over a decade of involvement from Western United Dairies (WUD). According to Paul Sousa, Regulatory and Affairs Director for WUD, the change is generally positive to dairies, since it will allow more time to meet water quality standards. Similar requirements will be rolled out to other groundwater basins in the Central Valley later.

    Additionally, the State Water Board is expected to remand the Central Valley Water Board’s dairy permit. Sousa says that while this will likely bring a new set of challenges, the specifics are not yet known. Updates will come from WUD as the State Water Board releases the updated information, but Sousa added that dairies will likely have an opportunity to anticipate changes and to make and find the needed funding, as these changes often take years, and there will often be timelines for meeting the goals of the revised order.

    “Both processes will result in changes to how dairies are regulated,” Sousa wrote. “While some of these changes may present challenges, others offer added flexibility, and there are resources available to help dairies prepare.”

    One opportunity Sousa pointed to is the Dairy Plus Program, which is expected to release applications for its final round of funding this summer. More information can be found on Dairy Plus at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oars/dairyplus/.

  • U.S. Dairy Comments USTR Trade Estimate Report

    The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council and the Consortium for Common Food Names commended USTR for spotlighting persistent trade barriers facing U.S. dairy exporters in the 2026 National Trade Estimate report:

    “Nearly one in every six pounds of milk produced in America is shipped to a customer overseas,” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, said. “When foreign markets are closed off by bogus restrictions, the pain is felt directly on farms across this country. The administration’s work through reciprocal trade negotiations to knock down these barriers is exactly the kind of advocacy American dairy farmers need, and we are grateful to see it reflected in this report.”

    “The inclusion of dairy trade barriers in this report and the administration’s concrete action to address them through reciprocal trade negotiations sends a clear signal that the United States is serious about opening markets for American dairy exporters,” Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, said. “Every unnecessary certification requirement dismantled, every unjustified facility registration eliminated, and every market access commitment secured through these agreements is a win for U.S. dairy. We thank the administration for confronting the barriers directly and we look forward to building on that progress.”

    “The EU’s common name confiscation campaign is one of the most cynical trade tactics in the world today, and we are grateful that this administration has made confronting it a priority,” Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN, said. “By documenting the EU’s geographical indications agenda prominently in the NTE Report and pushing back against it in reciprocal trade negotiations, USTR is standing up for American producers of cheeses, wines, meats, and beers. We strongly encourage the administration to keep up the great work.”

    The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. NMPF’s member cooperatives produce more than two-thirds of U.S. milk, making NMPF dairy’s voice on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. For more, visit www.nmpf.org.

    The U.S. Dairy Export Council is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and export traders. Its mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and assist the U.S. industry to increase its global dairy ingredient sales and exports of U.S. dairy products. For more, visit www.usdec.org.

    The Consortium for Common Food Names is an independent, international alliance whose goal is to work with leaders in agriculture, trade, and intellectual property rights to foster the adoption of high standards and model geographical indication guidelines throughout the world. Learn more at www.commonfoodnames.com.

  • World Dairy Expo Welcomes Brokish as Sponsorship Manager

    World Dairy Expo® is pleased to welcome Michelle Brokish, Spring Green, Wis., as the organization’s new Sponsorship Manager. In this role, Brokish will cultivate and strengthen relationships with the hundreds of corporate, farm and individual sponsors who support the world’s premier dairy event, while working closely with the Commercial Exhibitor Committee.

    Brokish brings a unique blend of relationship management, organizational expertise and a passion for agriculture to the position. Her professional background as a Quality Engineer and current role in remodeling design have equipped her with strong skills in coordinating complex deliverables, maintaining accurate documentation and ensuring commitments are fulfilled—critical components of successful sponsorship management.

    In addition to her professional experience, Brokish has hands-on involvement in sponsorship coordination through her work with the Badger State Outboard Association, where she helps build partnerships and deliver value to event sponsors. Her ability to communicate effectively, manage multiple priorities and build trust-based relationships will support World Dairy Expo’s continued commitment to sponsor success.

    “I am honored to join World Dairy Expo and contribute to an event that represents so much of what I value—community, agriculture and excellence,” shares Brokish. “I look forward to working with Expo’s dedicated sponsors and building meaningful relationships that support the continued growth and success of this iconic event.”

    “We are excited to welcome Michelle to the World Dairy Expo team,” says Laura Herschleb, WDE General Manager. “Her strong attention to detail, relationship-focused mindset and genuine connection to the dairy industry make her an excellent fit for this role. We look forward to the impact she will have in strengthening our sponsor partnerships.”

    Brokish holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology Management from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville and has been actively involved in agricultural organizations and community events, including the Iowa County Dairy Breakfast Committee. Her personal connection to dairy farming further fuels her enthusiasm for the industry and the mission of World Dairy Expo.

    About World Dairy Expo

    Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo is the premier forum for the dairy community to learn, share, create commerce and showcase competition. The annual event will return to Madison, Wis. September 29 – October 2, 2026. Dairy producers can experience the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, a world-class dairy cattle show, attend seminars, meetings and presentations highlighting the latest and greatest in the industry and connect with other producers. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook,Instagram, LinkedIn, Spotify, or YouTube for more information.

  • U.S. Dairy Welcomes Argentina Trade Agreement

    The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) celebrated the signing of a U.S.–Argentina Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment that includes tariff and nontariff barrier concessions for U.S. dairy exports.

    Argentina commits in the trade deal to eliminate tariffs that currently range up to 28 percent on select dairy products, including milk powders, dairy proteins, lactose, and other dairy ingredients. The agreement also establishes a 1,000 metric ton quota for certain U.S. cheeses. In addition to tariff reductions, Argentina agrees to prevent several nontariff barriers, including refraining from imposing processing facility registration requirements on U.S. dairy exports and providing explicit protections for 39 common cheese names like “parmesan”.

    “The commitments secured in the U.S.-Argentina reciprocal trade deal bring new, real opportunities for our dairy exports to South America,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “USDEC appreciates USTR’s hard work in securing agreements that lower tariffs and meaningfully address nontariff barriers, particularly those to protect common cheese names. We look forward to building our market presence in Argentina as the agreement is implemented.”

    “Trade deals like this one bring dairy farmers promise for the future,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “Dairy farms operate 365 days a year, and the U.S. negotiating team is keeping pace to secure new market access. NMPF will continue to work with the Administration as all the reciprocal trade agreements are translated into real results on the ground for our farmers.”

    “Argentina’s commitment to protect 39 common cheese names and 10 generic meat terms could not have come at a more important time,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN. “As the European Union is advancing toward implementation of its trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc of countries, our ability to use common names is increasingly at risk. We cannot thank Ambassador Greer and the USTR negotiating team enough for the foresight and leadership in protecting U.S. exporters’ rights.”

    The trade deal follows reciprocal trade agreements that the United States signedr ecently with El Salvador and Guatemala last week that included commitments to prevent barriers to U.S. dairy exports. USDEC and NMPF will continue to work with the U.S. government as the reciprocal trade negotiations progress to identify and address impediments to dairy trade and grow U.S. export opportunities.

    —By the National Milk Producers Federation

  • USDA, DOI Move to Boost Support for Ranchers

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum today announced new actions aimed at boosting the  supply of American born, raised, and harvested beef by supporting American ranchers with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will strengthen coordination, cut bureaucratic red tape, and deliver immediate, tangible support for America’s farmers and ranchers who rely on public lands.

    Building on the USDA’s recently released Grazing Action Plan, the agreement formalizes collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to ensure more efficient, transparent and responsive grazing management across federal lands.

    “Today’s signing sends a clear message: the Trump Administration is putting America’s farmers and ranchers first,” said Secretary Rollins. “Building on our action plan for American ranchers announced in the fall, the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are already delivering. This is another example of President Trump eliminating costly bureaucracy in order to lower consumer prices. Our public lands are there for the people, and this action demonstrates the commitment at USDA and the Department of the Interior to improve our services so farmers and ranchers who use public lands can run more efficient operations.”

    “The Grazing Action Plan is built on a collaborative partnership dedicated to strengthening ranching operations while safeguarding our public lands,” said Secretary Burgum. “By working closely with American ranchers, we are enhancing communication, investing in innovation, and modernizing our approach to land management practices to deliver real results for the people who feed and sustain this country. In coordination with the Department of Agriculture, the Trump administration is advancing actions designed to support farmers and ranchers – securing a more resilient future for grazing on public lands and protecting America’s ranching heritage for generations to come.”

    For generations, ranchers have played a vital role in feeding the nation, supporting rural economies, and stewarding public lands. The MOU recognizes permittees as essential partners and directs federal agencies to engage directly with those who live and work on the land.

    Key actions under the agreement

    • Cutting red tape and improving efficiency – The MOU streamlines permitting and processes and encourages agencies to use existing authorities more effectively – reducing delays for grazing permits, infrastructure improvements, and emergency response actions.
    • Strengthening rancher partnerships – Agencies will expand collaboration with permittees through structured engagement, including learning roundtables and enhanced communication channels.
    • Ranch immersion programs for federal employees – New initiatives will place agency staff on working ranches to build firsthand understanding of operational challenges and realities on the ground.
    • Enhancing transparency and data access – Improved data systems will make grazing allotment information more accessible and predictable, giving producers greater certainty to plan and invest.
    • Expanding practical land management tools – The agreement promotes targeted grazing to reduce wildfire risk, supports reopening vacant allotments, and encourages adoption of innovative technologies such as virtual fencing.
    • Wildfire coordination and response – The creation of Grazing Permittee Wildfire Liaisons will ensure ranchers have clear points of contact and a voice during wildfire response and recovery efforts.
    • Maintaining grazing capacity – The MOU affirms a goal of maintaining grazing capacity wherever possible, including no net loss of Animal Unit Months within allotments, consistent with applicable law.

    Officials emphasized the agreement supports not only producers, but also American families by strengthening the domestic food supply chain. By lowering costs and improving efficiency for ranchers, the initiative helps keep food affordable and reduces reliance on foreign imports.

    Today’s signing marks an important step forward in modernizing federal grazing management and reflects a broader commitment to rural prosperity by fortifying the American beef industry as directed by President Trump’s order Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer.

    Additional background

    More than 20,000 ranchers and farmers across 28 states graze on federal lands. The FS and the BLM are responsible for a total of 240 million acres of federal rangelands. The two agencies together administer more than 23,000 permits and leases held by ranchers who graze their livestock on approximately 29,000 allotments. About 10% of grazing allotments, or roughly 24 million acres, are not under permit but are targeted as opportunities to allow more grazing on federal lands. The FS collects an average of $6 million annually in grazing fees.

    Livestock grazing on national forests and grasslands contributes about 14,200 jobs and $645 million to the nation’s gross domestic product annually, supporting agriculture-related sectors and private operations. Across Western rangelands, livestock grazing on BLM lands generate $2.7 billion in total economic output, supporting 35,000 jobs and $700 million in total labor income. — By U.S. Department of Agriculture