California Ag Network

Category: Dairy Industry

  • U.S. Dairy Industry Donates Over 250,000 Meals to Reduce Hunger in Southern California

    The IDFA Foundation teamed up with 20 leading U.S. dairy companies and suppliers recently to take a bite out of hunger in Southern California, donating more than 4 truckloads of nutritious dairy products and giving more than $42,000 to FIND Food Bank to support the non-profit’s work with food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and Mobile Markets across 10,000 square miles in California. The donations were announced last week at Dairy Forum 2026 hosted by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) in Palm Desert, Calif. Dairy company leaders visited the food bank on Wednesday, Jan. 28th to share their gratitude with staff for addressing hunger in the region.

    Since early January, 9 dairy food companies have shipped approximately 4 truckloads of fresh and shelf stable milk, cheese, yogurt, and coffee creamers to FIND Food Bank as part of the industry’s collective giving. Additionally, nearly a dozen companies and organizations came together to donate $42,500 to FIND. A complete list of donors is below. The combined food and financial contributions will make it possible for FIND to provide more than 250,000 meals to food insecure families in Southern California. Each month, FIND meets the food and nutrition needs of approximately 120,000 people.

    The IDFA Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit that seeks to make an important contribution to people and communities on behalf of the U.S. dairy industry by providing grants that reduce hunger, improve environmental sustainability, and enhance the welfare of people working in food manufacturing. Since Fall 2022, the Foundation–supported in large part by contributions from U.S. dairy companies–has provided more than 1 million meals to food insecure people in the U.S. and around the world through financial support and coordinated food donations to non-profit hunger relief organizations, including many Feeding America food banks.

    “Dairy products are among the most requested items at food banks because of their incredible nutritional value. The IDFA Foundation is honored to join 20 leading dairy companies and suppliers to bring fresh and shelf stable milk, cheese, yogurt and more to the 120,000 people served by FIND each month,” said Matt Herrick, executive director of the IDFA Foundation. “Today’s donation also helps IDFA Foundation exceed a significant milestone of providing more than 1 million meals to food insecure families, thanks to the generosity of our members and our U.S. dairy industry. Together, we are committed to ending hunger in the communities where we live and work.”

    We are incredibly grateful to the IDFA Foundation and its member companies for their generosity,” said Debbie Espinosa, President & CEO of FIND Regional Food Bank. “This record-breaking $42,500 investment—the largest donation the IDFA Foundation has made to any food bank—along with nutritious dairy products is already making a meaningful difference for the families we serve. Just as important, this effort has helped us build new relationships with dairy partners who are now exploring ongoing donations. Dairy has long been one of our most challenging and unpredictable commodities, and through the IDFA Foundation, we’re able to expand access to healthy foods while creating a more stable, reliable supply for our community. We’re excited about what this partnership makes possible moving forward.”

    FIND is the regional food bank serving eastern Riverside and southern San Bernardino Counties in southern California. It is one of the 200 Feeding America network food banks in the United States. FIND is also the regional emergency disaster response food bank recognized by the state and county as the first line of defense against hunger. The food bank helps feed an average of 120,000 people each month through its network of 155 distribution sites, which includes FIND’s 30 Community Mobile Markets, and nearly 100 non-profit community partners. In 2023, FIND distributed 28.6 million pounds of food valued at more than $46 million. More than one-third of recipients are children and nearly one-quarter are seniors.

    The IDFA Foundation also coordinated additional donations of milk, yogurt, cheese and other nutritious dairy foods to FIND Food Bank following the conclusion of the IDFA Dairy Forum event in Palm Desert. “Thanks to the generosity of IDFA members, this additional effort will prevent food waste while continuing to address the nutritional needs of Californians,” said Herrick.

    Donors to FIND Food Bank:

    1. Albertsons’ Nourishing Neighbors Program
    2. Chobani
    3. Dairy Farmers of America / DFA Cares Foundation
    4. Danone U.S.
    5. Diversified Foods, Inc. & Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc.
    6. Ever.Ag
    7. Glanbia Dairy Nutrition
    8. Hilmar Cheese Company
    9. Hollandia Dairy
    10. Idaho Milk Products
    11. IDFA Foundation
    12. LALA
    13. Leprino Foods
    14. Pacific Cheese Company
    15. Saputo USA
    16. Schreiber Foods
    17. Select Milk Producers
    18. Shehadey Family Foods, LLC
    19. Tetra Pak

    To learn more about the work of the IDFA Foundation, visit www.idfafoundation.org.

    The IDFA Foundation seeks to make an important contribution to people and communities on behalf of the U.S. dairy industry by providing grants to support individuals and organizations working to advance human health and nutrition, improve environmental stewardship and sustainability, and enhance the welfare of people working in food manufacturing. Established in 1958 as the Dairy Recognition and Education Foundation, today the IDFA Foundation promotes the health and well-being of people, communities, and our planet on behalf of U.S. dairy.

  • Student Ambassadors to Share California Dairy Messages with International Audience

    Morgan Oliveira of Hilmar and Victoria Paolini of Los Banos have been selected to serve as interns for the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Julia Basch of Los Angeles and Ellie Dyt of Crows Landing will serve in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of the 2026 CMAB International Internship Program.

    Victoria Paolini of Los Banos

    These individuals were chosen based on academic achievement, connection to the California dairy industry, and willingness to travel abroad to learn more about international dairy sales and marketing. The goal of the International Internship Program is to provide young agriculture and dairy college students with an opportunity to learn about dairy foods and marketing in the international marketplace, with a focus on developing leaders who will serve on dairy industry boards, work in dairy foods processing, or in sales or marketing.

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

    “California accounts for approximately 33 percent of total U.S. dairy exports, making international trade critical to the industry’s continued growth. For more than 15 years, the California Milk Advisory Board has partnered with international organizations to build and expand markets for California dairy products. This program is designed to give future industry leaders firsthand insight into international dairy marketing,” said Glenn Millar, Executive Vice President, Strategy and International Markets for the CMAB.

    Morgan Oliveira of Hilmar

    Oliveira is working towards her B.S. in Agricultural Communications at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she is Vice President of the Dairy Club. She is also an intern for the Animal Ag Alliance, and has interned for the World Dairy Expo, Hoard’s Dairyman and the Ag Council of California. Additionally, Oliveira was a State FFA officer and District 4 Dairy Princess during high school. She plans to pursue an M.S. in Agricultural Communications and focus on strategic communication and agricultural policy upon graduation.

    Julia Basch of Los Angeles

    Basch attends University of California, Los Angeles where she is currently working towards her B.S in Public Affairs and Food Studies. She has gained firsthand experience in selling and promoting artisan cheese, as well as working with customers and leading cheese tastings. After graduation she plans to join her family’s business, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. to continue the multigenerational legacy of sustainable dairy farming.

    Dyt is currently working towards her B.S in Agricultural Business with a minor in Dairy Industries at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, where she is involved with the Dairy Club. She was an active member of 4-H and FFA, where she showed dairy cattle and participated in dairy judging. Dyt also served as District 4 Dairy Princess during her senior year of high school. Upon completion of the internship program, she will continue to advocate for the dairy industry and hopes to incorporate this passion into her career.

    Paolini is earning a B.S. in Agricultural Communications and a minor in Agricultural Business at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she is an active member of the Dairy Club. She has also worked on an international research initiative through the Cal Poly Dairy Products Technology Center and has served as a co-director of the Pacific Coast Coalition DBII podcast. She was also very involved in the California Holstein Association.

    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 farm families.

    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.

  • CDFA Holds Dairy Double Header

    On Monday, February 2, Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter. While Phil was focused on the weather, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) was busy holding two virtual meetings on California dairy issues.

    The first meeting was a Producer Review Board (PRB) meeting. After the meeting was called to order, CDFA addressed board vacancies. The call for nominations remains open due to multiple vacancies, some resulting from recent resignations. Members of the dairy community were encouraged to apply or nominate qualified candidates.

    The discussion then turned to remaining funds in the former Pooling and Marketing branches of the state milk marketing order, which were left over after the transition to the California Federal Milk Marketing Order. CDFA has been providing updates on these funds for several years in preparation for their eventual release. At this meeting, CDFA reported that updated accounting showed lower balances than previously announced: approximately $2.053 million in the former Pooling Division and $2.6 million in the former Marketing Division, down from earlier estimates of about $3.5 million in each account.

    CDFA explained that it is conducting a transaction-by-transaction audit of the originating accounts to confirm the final balances, but indicated that the figures presented at this meeting were believed to be accurate. The PRB focused on the former Pooling Division funds, while the Marketing Division funds were scheduled to be discussed in a separate meeting later that afternoon.

    Related to this discussion, CDFA announced that the Quota Implementation Program (QIP) administrative fee was reinstated effective February 1, 2026, due to low account balances and the need to fund administrative operations, including development of a new QIP software tool.

    CDFA presented two options for use of the former Pooling Division funds. One option, previously discussed, was to refund the funds directly to individual dairy producers, though CDFA noted that administrative costs would significantly reduce the amount returned. A second option, newly identified by CDFA, but offered by Western United Dairies Board in January of 2024, would use the former Pooling Division funds to cover QIP administrative costs, eliminating the need to charge producers the QIP administrative fee for more than a year.

    The PRB adopted resolutions recommending that the Secretary of Agriculture move the former state pooling funds into a separate account to improve transparency and use the funds to support QIP administration. Later in the meeting, the board also approved a resolution to suspend the QIP administrative fee assessment effective March 1, meaning producers will be assessed the fee for February only.

    The agenda then moved to hardship petitions, with 16 requests before the board. CDFA legal staff recommended tabling hardship requests from four dairies involved in ongoing litigation against the Department and individual board members; the board approved this recommendation.

    The board denied the first hardship request, submitted by a raw milk producer citing bird flu impacts. At this point, several other petitioners, or their attorneys, requested continuances to allow more time for preparation, which the board approved. As the meeting approached 1:00 p.m.—when the next CDFA meeting was scheduled—the board moved more quickly through the remaining items and another hardship was denied. CDFA had deemed four of the hardship requests incomplete. The board took up all four in one motion and denied them due to insufficient information. Another request was tabled due to time constraints, and the meeting adjourned at 1:05 p.m.

    The second meeting focused on funds from the former Marketing Division. CDFA referenced a prior meeting in which approximately $3.5 million had been discussed as potential funding for industry grants benefiting both producers and processors. At that earlier meeting, there was broad agreement by the industry that the California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) would be an appropriate entity to administer those funds.

    At this meeting, CDFA clarified that the available funding was actually $2.6 million, reflecting the updated accounting. CDFA also explained that it could not issue the funds to CDRF as a block grant because CDFA grants must be issued on a reimbursement basis for projects already underway or completed. Meeting participants suggested that the funds be treated as a refund to the industry rather than a grant, since the money originated from producer and processor assessments. CDFA expressed openness to this approach but indicated that further review would be needed. CDFA concluded by stating that it will continue working with industry representatives to determine the most appropriate and effective use of the former Marketing Division funds, with further discussion to follow.

    Punxsutawney Phil may be calling for six more weeks of winter, but he does not have the insight of seeing the bees show up in California from all over the nation as an indicator that Spring is just around the corner and almond blossoms will soon be here. — By Paul Sousa, Director of Regulatory and Environmental Affairs for Western United Dairies

  • USDA Shifts Fly Dispersal Efforts to U.S. Border

    The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing a shift in its 100 million per week sterile fly dispersal efforts to stop the northern spread of New World screwworm (NWS). USDA will reallocate aircraft and sterile insects to reinforce coverage along the U.S.-Mexico border. The new dispersal area, or polygon, will include operations about 50 miles into Texas, along the U.S. border with the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Mass production and targeted dispersal of sterile insects are critical components of an effective strategy to fight NWS. Other tools including import protocols and surveillance continue to support these robust efforts to keep NWS out of the United States.

    “At Secretary Rollins’ direction, our highest priority is protecting the United States from screwworm,” said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary of Marketing and Regulatory Programs for USDA. “The northernmost active case of NWS in Mexico is still about 200 miles away from the border, but we’ve seen cases continue to spread in Tamaulipas and further south in Mexico, so we are proactively shifting our polygon as we make every effort to prevent NWS from reaching our border.”

    Sterile Fly Dispersal

    Sterile insect technique, when paired with surveillance, movement restrictions, and education and outreach, is an effective tool for controlling and eradicating New World screwworm. Female New World screwworm flies only mate once in their lives, so if they mate with a sterile male, they lay unfertilized eggs that don’t hatch. Releasing sterile flies just outside of affected areas helps ensure flies traveling to new areas will only encounter sterile mates and will not be able to reproduce. In this instance, USDA will release sterile flies north of the current active NWS cases in Mexico in a proactive effort to create a sterile reproduction buffer zone if the fly moves north from Mexico.

    Because it is important to continue ongoing surveillance efforts while releasing sterile insects, it is possible that sterile NWS flies could be caught and/or reported within Texas. To ensure officials can tell the difference between sterile and wild NWS flies, USDA will dye the sterile pupae, and the dye will transfer to the sterile flies when they hatch. The fluorescent dye will glow under UV light and may also be visible to the naked eye. If a sterile fly is captured in a trap, this dye will allow animal health officials to quickly rule the fly out as a threat.

    USDA will continue to deploy its intensive NWS response efforts including implementing import protocols, ongoing surveillance and trapping efforts along the border, investing in NWS innovation, and supporting robust response activities in Mexico and Central America.

    Import Requirements and Protocols

    Sterile insects are an important tool, but USDA’s import requirements and protocols add another line of defense for NWS and other foreign animal diseases that threaten U.S. livestock. Earlier this week, the importance of those protocols was highlighted when a horse from Argentina was presented for routine importation at an equine import quarantine facility in Florida. Upon examination, APHIS identified an open wound with larvae on the animal and promptly collected and shipped samples to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Iowa. The horse was immediately treated with medication to kill any larvae in accordance with standard, long-standing import protocols. This morning, NVSL confirmed that the larvae were New World screwworm larvae. Accordingly, the animal will remain in quarantine until it has been reexamined and determined to be free of NWS.

    This is an example of these long-standing import protocols working as designed. While this situation does not appear to be associated with the NWS outbreak in Mexico that USDA is currently fighting, it underscores the need for vigilance in all of USDA’s coordinated efforts to fight NWS.

    Surveillance, Monitoring, and Reporting

    USDA continues to lead intensive surveillance and monitoring systems along the U.S. border. Teams continue to check 121 NWS-specific traps across high-risk areas of border states and leverage thousands of fruit fly/insect traps aligned all along the Southern border. To date, more than 42,000 flies from traps in all locations have been submitted to APHIS NVSL for identification, with no NWS detections to date. APHIS Wildlife Services is also leading a coordinated effort to inspect wildlife for signs of NWS infestation. To date, they’ve inspected more than 9,300 wild animals across 39 different species and 131 U.S. counties and found no signs of NWS infestations.

    Even though there has been no detection of NWS inside the U.S. and the northernmost active case of NWS is still about 200 miles away from the border, USDA is asking U.S. animal owners to continue to remain vigilant by checking their pets and livestock for signs of NWS and immediately reporting anything suspicious to their state animal health officials or USDA area veterinarian in charge. Signs of NWS infestation include draining or enlarging wounds and signs of discomfort. Also look for screwworm larvae (maggots) and eggs in or around body openings, such as the nose, ears, and genitalia or the navel of newborn animals.

    Adult screwworm flies are about the size of a common housefly or slightly larger, with a metallic green or blue body, orange eyes, and three dark stripes down its back. NWS maggots can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh.

    While NWS is not common in people, if you notice a suspicious lesion on your body or suspect you may have contracted screwworm, seek immediate medical attention.

    For more information on NWS and USDA’s efforts, visit Screwworm.gov. — USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

  • Livestock Losses and Wolf Deterrence Efforts Cost Californians Millions

    Nearly a decade after the California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the state’s first wolf pack, the rural community in Sierra Valley faced unprecedented challenges when the Beyem Seyo wolf pack began to regularly attack and kill domestic livestock. Despite extensive efforts at non-lethal deterrence, the pack became so dependent on cattle as a food source that several members of the pack were ultimately euthanized in October 2025. A new study by UC Cooperative Extensionanalyzed the costs associated with these wolf attacks and found that, when combining the costs of livestock losses and interventions aimed at deterring further depredations (the injuring or killing of livestock by wolves), the economic toll over seven months reached at least $2.6 million.

    The gray wolf, a species protected under both federal and state Endangered Species Acts, was first introduced into Idaho and Yellowstone in the mid 1990s. After a century-long absence, the first wolf was documented migrating into California in 2011, and the first pack was confirmed in the state in 2015. By the end of 2024, at least 50 individual wolves had been confirmed in California. While some saw this as a conservation success story, ranchers in Sierra Valley experienced the downside of this resurgence when the Beyem Seyo pack began preying on local cattle in March 2025.

    By summer, the pack was found near residences during daylight hours and had become dependent on cattle as its main source of food. To reduce the harm this pack was causing to the community, CDFW deployed what they called the Summer Strike Team – a group of biologists, wardens, and CDFW staff – whose goal was non-lethal hazing and deterrence of wolf-related livestock attacks. Yet despite spending 18,000 staff hours over 114 days, the attacks continued to increase, and by October 2025, 92 cows and calves had been injured or killed by the pack. As a result, four members of the pack were ultimately euthanized.

    To better understand the economic impact of this livestock depredation, UC Davis professor of Cooperative Extension Tina Saitone and UC Cooperative Extension livestock and natural resources advisor Tracy Schohr analyzed the direct costs associated with the attacks.

    First, they looked at the direct costs of cattle losses between March 7 and Oct. 10, 2025, that either the CDFW or the U.S. Department of Agriculture verified as ‘confirmed’ or ‘probable’ wolf depredations; only these verified kills were eligible for rancher compensation under the state’s Wolf Compensation Program. Using the fair market value for these ‘confirmed or probable’ kills, the authors estimated $234,735 in losses to Sierra Valley ranchers.

    Saitone said, “Beyond direct predation, wolves impose additional costs. Cattle exposed to wolves show increased vigilance and avoidance behaviors that reduce weight gain and conception rates while increasing disease vulnerability. Producers face higher expenses from intensified monitoring, fence repairs, non-lethal deterrents, and depredation investigations.”

    Further, when the authors considered missing or unconfirmed cattle losses, the total wolf-related depredation losses ranged from between $533,688 to $1.7 million, depending on methodology. When these costs are added to the cost of agency interventions (e.g., the efforts of the Summer Strike Team), which totaled more than $2 million, this single wolf pack was responsible for damages of at least $2.6 million in 2025. This research underscores the importance of wildlife agency resources and funding of comprehensive livestock loss compensation programs.

    To learn more about the economic impacts of the Beyem Seyo wolf pack on California, read the full article by Tina L. Saitone and Tracy K. Schohr: “The Beyem Seyo Wolf Pack: Economic Toll of Unprecedented Livestock Conflict in California.” ARE Update 29(2): 1–5. UC Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics, online at https://giannini.ucop.edu/filer/file/1767890615/21559/

    ARE Update is a bimonthly magazine published by the Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics to educate policymakers and agribusiness professionals about new research or analysis of important topics in agricultural and resource economics. Articles are written by Giannini Foundation members, including University of California faculty and Cooperative Extension specialists in agricultural and resource economics, and university graduate students. Learn more about the Giannini Foundation and its publications at https://giannini.ucop.edu/. -By Ria DeBiase, Communications Director, Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics, Ag & Resource Econ at UC Davis

  • Federal Funds Awarded on Behalf of West Coast Dairy Businesses

    Over $11 million in grant funding has been released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA AMS) to support dairy producers and businesses through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) initiative. The allocation of $690,000 will strengthen small and mid-sized dairy businesses and university pilot plants in California, Oregon, and Washington – all served by the Pacific Coast Coalition – Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (PCC-DBII).

    “We anticipate a quick turnaround in distributing these funds so the awardees can see results,” said PCC Director Carmen Licon Ph.D. “Based on applications submitted in the recent Fall 2025 cycle, these resources will help dairy processors in the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products,”

    According to Project Co-Director and “Cowkeeper” Susan Pheasant, PhD., many generational farms and new innovators will now be able to better produce cheese, ice cream, and additional higher value dairy products.

    Hosted by California State University, Fresno, The PCC-DBII is funded through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and is a collaboration with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Chapman University, Oregon State University, Oregon Dairy Council, Washington State University, and the California Dairy Innovation Center. For more information: https://www.dairypcc.net or nancyvanleuven@gmail.com.

    PCC grantee Cottage Hill Creamery goat milk products (Beavercreek, OR)

  • Dairy Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference on the California Coast

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has released the final program of the Dairy Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference, Feb. 24-26, at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach, Calif.

    The conference, organized by CDIC in collaboration with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, promises an unparalleled opportunity for dairy processors to immerse themselves in the latest insights shaping the future of the industry. This year’s program will bring together global thought leaders, cutting-edge researchers, and seasoned industry executives to explore the trends, technologies, and consumer drivers transforming dairy. From global market outlooks with Innova, Rabobank and McKinsey to deep dives on health and wellness from UC Davis experts, attendees will gain forward-looking perspectives essential to staying competitive. High-impact sessions on protein innovation, international product breakthroughs, and emerging process technologies will be presented by California researchers and innovators. Panels and presentations showcase the expertise of leaders from DFA, Clover Sonoma, Leprino, Hilmar, Tetra Pak, Dairy Management Inc., and more.

    Designed to spark ideas and accelerate innovation, the conference offers unmatched networking and tabletop sessions. With focused conversations on export opportunities, hot topics in processing, and the latest work from California’s rising dairy research innovators, this is the must-attend event for anyone committed to advancing dairy products, processes, and packaging.

    This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Dairy Products Technology Center at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Join the celebration of four decades in advancing dairy science, innovation, and industry partnerships. A dinner reception will bring together alumni, industry leaders, faculty, students, and friends to honor the legacy of the center and look ahead to the future of dairy innovation. More information and registration are available here.

    The Shell Beach Conference programs are organized by the California Milk Advisory Board’s CDIC, with partial funding and contributions by the USDA’s Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (hosted by Fresno State), industry sponsors 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 Dairy Farmers of America, 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.

  • California Dairy Short Course Training Opportunities for 2026

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has released the schedule for short courses and events as a part of its 2026 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 includes:

    Dairy 101: Dairy Basics & Sanitation Best Practices – March 18, 2026 – Petaluma Hotel, Petaluma, Calif.

    This introductory course provides a practical overview of dairy fundamentals, with a focus on sanitation best practices essential to product quality and food safety. Participants will gain a clear understanding of core dairy processes, hygiene standards, and regulatory considerations that support safe, efficient, and high-quality dairy operations. To register please send your name, organization name, title and contact information to: nvanbuskirk@cmab.net. This is a free course for California processors and partners. Check the CDIC Training & Education page for more information.

    Advanced Dairy Unit Operations – April 7-8, 2026 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

    This course provides an in-depth exploration of advanced unit operations used in modern dairy processing. Participants will deepen their understanding of process design, optimization, and control, with a focus on improving efficiency, product quality, and operational performance across dairy manufacturing systems. Check for program and registration information at: https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia.

    Frozen Dairy Desserts: Hands-On Innovation – May 6-7, 2026 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

    This course focuses on active participation, hands-on experiences in the pilot plant, but also explores the science and technology behind innovative frozen dairy desserts, including high protein ice cream, hydration pops, clean label formulations and on-trend ingredients. Participants will gain insight into formulation, processing, and quality considerations, with an emphasis on ingredient functionality, texture development, and consumer-driven innovation. Program and registration information coming soon at: https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia.

    Dairy 301: Milk Membrane Filtration Techniques – May 7, 2026 – Fresno State University, Fresno, Calif.

    This popular Dairy 301 course is focused on advanced milk membrane filtration techniques where industry experts will share insights on emerging technologies, equipment, and processing methods, highlighting practical applications and innovations shaping modern dairy processing. The class is taught by industry experts and features demonstrations and is free for California processors and partners. To be included on registration list, send your contact information early to nvanbuskirk@cmab.net.

    Check the CDIC Training & Education page for program information coming soon.

    Fermented Milks, Yogurts, & Dairy Products – June 15-16, 2026 – UC Davis, Davis, Calif.

    Hosted by UC Davis, this two-day course examines the science and production of fermented dairy products, including cultured milks and yogurts, covering fermentation principles, culture selection, processing techniques, and quality considerations that drive product consistency, functionality, and consumer appeal. The class is suitable for product developers, personnel in operations and quality control, scientists and nutritionists. To pre-register please send your name, organization name, title and contact information to: nvanbuskirk@cmab.net . Check the CDIC Training & Education page for program and registration information.

    Cheesemaking 101 – June 17-18, 2026 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, San Luis Obispo, Calif.                                                                                                                                                         

    Hosted by the Cal Poly Dairy Products Technology Center, this two-day course features cheesemaking experts. Participants will gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge of cheesemaking techniques, processes, and best practices, building a strong foundation in both the art and science of cheese production. Program and registration information can be found at: https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia.

    Hands On With Fresh Ethnic Cheeses – June 30, 2026 – Chapman University, Orange, Calif.

    This first interactive course will explore the production of fresh ethnic cheeses. Participants will gain hands-on experience working with diverse cheese varieties, learning traditional techniques, ingredient selection, and flavor development from experienced cheesemaking professionals. Check https://www.chapman.edu/scst/graduate/ms-food-science/food-science-short-courses/ for program and registration information.

    Best Practices in R&D & Concept Ideation – July 29-30, 2026 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, San Luis Obispo, Calif.                                                                                                                    

    Hosted at Cal Poly Dairy Products Technology Center, this course features two days of learning and hands-on experience from experts sharing best practices. This course will also provide a practical framework for research and development, focusing on effective concept ideation and innovation strategies. Individual coaching sessions are also available as part of the popular program. Check the CDIC Training & Education page for registration information, program to be released in April 2026. To pre-register please send your name, organization name, title and contact information to: nvanbuskirk@cmab.net.This course is free for California processors and partners.

    Crafting The Perfect Creamer: Formula To Foam – TBD August 2026 – Chapman University, Orange, Calif.   

    This course explores the science and artistry behind creating the ideal coffee creamer. Participants will learn formulation strategies, ingredient functionality, and processing techniques that influence flavor, texture, and foam stability, gaining practical insights for product development. Check the CDIC Training & Education page for registration information.

    High Protein Dairy Products – September 8-9, 2026 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

    This two-day course will include expertise from subject matter specialists sharing the formulation, processing, and quality considerations of high-protein dairy products. Participants will gain practical knowledge to develop innovative, protein-rich dairy products offerings. Program and registration information coming soon at: https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia.

    Advanced Cheesemaking – October 6-7, 2026 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

    This two-day course provides an in-depth exploration of advanced cheesemaking techniques. Participants will learn from experienced cheesemaking professionals, gaining hands-on experience and practical knowledge to master complex processes, enhance product quality, and innovate in specialty cheese production. Program and registration information can be found at: https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia.

    Tharp & Young “On Ice Cream” – (TBD) November 2026 – Chapman University, Orange, Calif.     

    This engaging course will be led by Tharp & Young, exploring the science, artistry, and innovation behind ice cream. Participants will gain insights into formulation, processing, texture, and flavor development, with practical guidance to create high-quality, consumer-appealing frozen dairy desserts. 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).

  • David Ahlem, Board Advisor and Former CEO and President of Hilmar, and Mike McCloskey, Co-Founder & CEO Emeritus of Select Milk Producers, Honored with IDFA Laureate Award

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today recognized the extraordinary leadership of David Ahlem, board advisor and former CEO and president of Hilmar, and Mike McCloskey, co-founder & CEO emeritus of Select Milk Producers, chairman & CEO of Fair Oaks Farms, and founder of fairlife, with the IDFA Laureate Award during the association’s annual Dairy Forum. Now in its seventh year, the IDFA Laureate Award is given to leaders in the dairy industry who have made significant, prolonged contributions to the development and growth of dairy. Candidates from across the dairy industry as well as suppliers and academics are eligible, and the awardee is chosen by a panel of industry professionals.

    “We are truly pleased to be able to recognize two of the dairy industry’s most exceptional leaders. David Ahlem and Mike McCloskey embody everything that makes our industry remarkable—from visionary leadership and innovation to integrity and a commitment to the people who help dairy thrive,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “IDFA is proud to honor David and Mike with the Laureate Award, our highest recognition, and to celebrate their lasting impact and legacy of leadership.”

    David Ahlem currently serves as board advisor at Hilmar. Prior to his retirement in 2025, Ahlem led Hilmar as the chief executive officer and president of the company since September 1, 2015. He joined Hilmar in 2004 and has functioned in several leadership roles, which have deepened his passion for the dairy business and expanded his experience. His expertise includes dairy policy, strategic management, and customer relations. A proactive member of the dairy industry, Ahlem has participated with leadership peers in a variety of associations. He previously served as chair of the International Dairy Foods Association Executive Council, and as a board member of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and the Dairy Institute of California.

    “I am deeply honored to receive the IDFA Laureate Award and to be recognized by an industry that has given me so much over the course of my career,” said Ahlem. “This recognition truly belongs to the owners, employees, dairy farmers, industry peers and customers I’ve had the privilege of working alongside these past 22 years. We’ve embraced innovation and worked to demonstrate the power and promise of dairy to improve lives. I am inspired every day by the people in this industry and deeply grateful for the time, talent and trust they invest to build an even stronger future together.”

    Mike McCloskey is co-founder and CEO emeritus of Select Milk Producers, the sixth-largest milk cooperative in the United States. He is also the founder of fairlife and serves as chairman and CEO of Fair Oaks Farms, a leading agrotourism destination in the Corn Belt of Northwest Indiana. Dr. McCloskey began his career in veterinary medicine, earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Mexico, followed by a two-year postdoctoral residency in Dairy Production Medicine at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

    “I am humbly honored to receive the IDFA Laureate Award,” said McCloskey. “This recognition belongs to the many colleagues and friends who made it a spectacular journey, and to the broader dairy community that continues to move our industry forward. Through collaboration among dairy farmers, processors, and partners, we’ve driven innovation, grown markets, and provided nutritious dairy foods that strengthen communities and our economy. It has been a true privilege to be part of this work, and I’m grateful to be recognized by my peers with this award.”

    Previous recipients of the IDFA Laureate Award are: Tim Galloway, chairman of Galloway Company (2025); Mike Durkin, former president and CEO of Leprino Foods (2025); Ricky Dickson, former CEO and president of Blue Bell Creameries (2024); Jim Sartori, chairman and CEO of Sartori Company (2023); Larry Webster, CEO of Upstate Niagara Cooperative (2023); Ed Mullins, senior executive officer of Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. (2022); Dan Zagzebski, president and CEO of Great Lakes Cheese (2022); Sue Taylor, vice president of dairy economics and policy for Leprino Foods Company (2021); and Andrei Mikhalevsky, former president and CEO of California Dairies, Inc. (2020).

    A call for nominations for the 2027 IDFA Laureate Award will be released this summer. More information about the award can be found here.

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in direct wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

  • USDA Announces New World Screwworm Grand Challenge

    Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the launch of the New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge. This funding opportunity marks a pivotal step in USDA’s comprehensive strategy to combat NWS and prevent its northward spread.

    “This is a strategic investment in America’s farmers and ranchers and is an important action to ensure the safety and future success of our food supply, which is essential to our national security,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “These are the kinds of innovations that will help us stay ahead of this pest and protect our food supply and our economy, protecting the way of life of our ranchers and go towards rebuilding our cattle herd to lower consumer prices on grocery store shelves. We know we have tried-and-true tools and methods to defeat this pest, but we must constantly look for new and better methods and innovate our way to success. Together, through science, innovation, and collaboration, we can ensure we’re utilizing the latest tools and technology to combat NWS in Mexico and Central America and keep it out of the United States.”

    As part of the Grand Challenge, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will make up to $100 million available to support innovative projects that enhance sterile NWS fly production, strengthen preparedness and response strategies, and safeguard U.S. agriculture, animal health, and trade.

    Priority Areas for Funding

    APHIS invites proposals that support one or more of the following objectives:

    • Enhance sterile NWS fly production
    • Develop novel NWS traps and lures
    • Develop and increase understanding of NWS therapeutics/treatments (i.e. products that could treat, prevent, or control NWS) for animals
    • Develop other tools to bolster preparedness or response to NWS

    The notice of funding opportunity, including application instructions, eligibility, and program requirements, is available on the NWS Grand Challenge webpage. Applicants can also find information on the ezFedGrants website or Grants.gov by searching USDA-APHIS-10025-OA000000-26-0001.

    Eligible applicants are invited to submit proposals that align with and support these priorities by the deadline on February 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.

    Entities interested in submitting a proposal should ensure they are registered with the U.S. Government System for Award Management (SAM). Learn more about the basics of the funding process and how to get ready to apply.

    For more information about NWS, visit screwworm.gov. Sign up here to have the latest NWS updates delivered to your inbox.