California Ag Network

Category: Dairy Industry

  • President Trump Signs Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

    On January 14, President Donald J. Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in the Oval Office alongside U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., USDA National Nutrition Advisor Dr. Ben Carson, dairy farmers, moms, and bipartisan members of Congress to restore access to whole milk in schools and strengthen support for American dairy producers.

    This legislation advances the Trump Administration’s agenda and aligns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, released last week, which reintroduced full-fat dairy as part of a healthy dietary pattern.

    “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, whole milk is back – and it’s the right move for kids, for parents, and for America’s dairy farmers,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This bipartisan solution to school meals alongside the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans reinforces what families already know: nutrient dense foods like whole milk are an important part of a healthy diet.”

    Secretary Rollins was joined by dairy farmers Thomas French, Kevin Satterwhite, Jamie Pagel, William Thiele, and Tara Vander Dussen, and emphasized that restoring whole milk in schools supports both children’s nutrition and the producers who sustain rural jobs and communities. She also highlighted the Trump Administration’s broader work to rebuild the farm economy through fair trade, lower costs, reliable financing, and strong markets, all while working to make groceries more affordable for families. As a result, between January and December of last year, dairy products became more affordable, including butter (down 3.4%) and cheese (down about 2%).

    “Dairy farmers and their cooperatives couldn’t be more thrilled that whole and 2% milk is returning to school meals,” shared National Milk Producers Federation President/CEO Gregg Doud.  “Dairy is a nutrition powerhouse that should be used to its fullest potential — and that means making it available in the same varieties families consume at home. We are ready to help schools and USDA in any way we can as this important legislation is implemented, and we thank the Trump administration, our advocates on Capitol Hill, and everyone who has worked to make school meals better through increased access to dairy.”

    “The long wait is over,” International Dairy Foods Association President/CEO Michael Dykes exclaimed.  “Whole milk is coming back to schools! This law is a win for our children, parents, and school nutrition leaders, giving schools the flexibility to offer the flavored and unflavored milk options, across all healthy fat levels, that meet students’ needs and preferences. IDFA is deeply grateful to President Trump for signing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law, and to U.S. Reps. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson and Kim Schrier, and U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall and Peter Welch for their leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation through the Congress. Additionally, IDFA is grateful for the leadership of Chairman Tim Walberg of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Chairman John Boozman and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry for their efforts to advance this important legislation through Congress. IDFA and our members stand ready to partner with USDA, states, and school nutrition leaders to help schools offer the milk options kids prefer so more students can benefit from the 13 essential nutrients that milk provides.”

    The law reflects strong bipartisan leadership, including sponsors Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), Senator Peter Welch (D-VE), Chairman of the U.S House Agriculture Committee Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15) and Representative Kim Schrier (D-WA), with support from Chairman of the U.S Senate Agriculture Committee Senator John Boozman (R-AR).

    USDA implementation begins immediately. Following the announcement USDA issued program implementation guidance to school nutrition officials to implement the bill, and a proposed rulemaking will soon commence to ensure schools and nutrition programs can begin offering whole milk as quickly as possible.

    USDA will now undergo a rewrite of Child Nutrition Programs to ensure school meals are aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030.

    To mark today’s signing, USDA released the following video encouragingAmericans to Drink Whole Milk to kick off that the milk mustache is officially back.

    Watch the “whole” video here.

  • At Farm Bureau Convention in California, Secretary Rollins Announces Dairy Margin Coverage Expansion and Section 32 Purchases of Specialty Crops

    This week at the 107th American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, CA, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced expanded enrollment for 2026 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program and new Section 32 commodity purchases that will result in more healthy, U.S. grown food in the hands of Americans. Following the convention, Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.

    Secretary Rollins and former California Ag Secretary A.G. Kawamura at his strawberry farm in Irving, California.

    “President Trump is making historic investments in the farm safety net and today’s announcement is one more action that supports our dairy producers by managing risk and strengthening markets so they can continue to provide wholesome nutrition for Americans,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “The Trump Administration will continue to stand with America’s farmers as the farm economy recovers from years of neglect under the last administration. Our mission to Make America Healthy Again continues after the recent release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 announcement, with the upcoming purchase of U.S. grown food that will reach those in need, all while benefitting American farmers facing unfair actions from foreign competitors.”

    OBBBA Improves DMC Coverage and Premium Fees

    Secretary Rollins announced the enrollment period for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for the 2026 coverage year, an important safety net program that provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. Starting January 12, 2026, dairy producers can enroll in DMC. The enrollment period ends February 26, 2026. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed by President Donald J. Trump on July 4, 2025, reauthorized DMC for calendar years 2026 through 2031 and provided substantial program improvements, including establishing new production history and increasing Tier 1 coverage.

    The OBBBA increased DMC’s Tier 1 coverage level increased from five million pounds to six million pounds. All dairy operations that elect to enroll in DMC for 2026 will establish a new production history. Existing dairy operations that started marketing milk on or before January 1, 2023, will use the higher of milk marketings for the years of 2021, 2022, or 2023. New dairy operations starting after January 1, 2023, will use their first year of monthly milk marketings, even for a partial year. Milk marketing statements or production evidence are required to establish a production history.

    Dairy operations also have the option to lock-in coverage levels for six years (2026-2031) with premium fees discounted by 25%.

    DMC offers different levels of coverage, including an option that is free to producers, minus a $100 administrative fee. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can use the online dairy decision tool.

    For more information visit the DMC webpage or contact your local USDA Service Center.

    Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Purchases

    Secretary Rollins also announced USDA’s intent to purchase up to $80 million in specialty crops from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. With this action, the Trump Administration is bolstering American prosperity by supporting American agriculture, rural communities, and those in need of nutrition assistance.

    The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) continuously purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products. These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.

    USDA AMS will purchase up to $80 million of the following commodities:

    •Almonds: $20M

    •Grape juice: $20M

    •Pistachios: $20M

    •Raisins: $20M

  • California Milk Advisory Board Announces Recent Organizational Promotions

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) recently announced a series of strategic promotions that recognize the contributions of four accomplished individuals who have played vital roles in advancing CMAB’s mission to support California’s dairy families by increasing demand for dairy products made with Real California Milk.

    Veronique Lagrange Promoted to Executive Director of CDIC
    Veronique’s leadership of the California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has connected industry partners, academic institutions, and external stakeholders toward achieving a common goal of advancing product, process, and packaging innovation for California dairy. She has spearheaded efforts to secure millions of dollars in grant funding for California through the Pacific Coast Coalition and was a driving force in its creation. She recognized a gap in training and development, and has organized dozens of short courses, providing training for hundreds of dairy professionals across California and beyond. Veronique and her team have developed product concepts and prototypes and assisted both entrepreneurs and existing processors with formulation assistance to jump-start product innovation.

    Katie Cameron Promoted to Director of Foodservice

    For the past four years, Katie Cameron has served as Senior Manager of Foodservice at the CMAB, where she has supported growth opportunities for California dairy processors and helped strengthen relationships with key distributor and industry partners. Katie evolved the organization’s foodservice distributor tours, adding educational and training elements that have enhanced the attendee experience and deepened processor engagement. She played a central role in advancing foodservice culinary contests and events—creating platforms that raise visibility for Real California dairy and support volume growth. Katie brings a well-rounded background in sales, marketing and research that has helped shape CMAB’s foodservice strategy and broaden its impact across the industry.

    Jarett Margolis Promoted to Director of Business Development

    Jarett has led the Real California Milk Excelerator innovation program for the last seven years, accelerating over 50 start-ups and providing ongoing mentoring to them and numerous other RCM entrepreneurs. With a keen eye towards results and a strong sense of stewardship, he’s led the evolution of the program to one that is focused on commercial results and guided by return to our dairy farmers. He pioneered dairy entrepreneur classes at multiple California universities, a program that has attracted national attention, and importantly invested in the future of our industry in California. A consummate can-do leader, Jarett has led several projects developing business propositions for value-added California dairy products and co-led CMAB’s strategic planning the last two years.

    Maddy Martin Promoted to Senior Analyst

    Over the last six years, Maddy has supported the U.S. and International Business Development teams as a coordinator, providing reliable and diligent support. Her strong analytical capabilities have allowed her to elevate CMAB’s data-driven decision-making, providing valuable insights through comprehensive data analysis, reporting, and the ongoing stewardship of key databases. These efforts have enhanced internal visibility, improved workflow efficiency, and supported strategic planning across departments. Maddy has been instrumental in the successful implementation of the Salesforce CRM platform, assisting with organizational onboarding and helping to design and refine custom features tailored to the diverse needs of CMAB’s business development teams.

    “Each of these team members has made a measurable and lasting impact on the California dairy community, and their promotions reflect both their individual accomplishments and the strength of our organization as a whole,” said Bob Carroll, CEO of the CMAB. “Their leadership has advanced innovation, strengthened key relationships, elevated the visibility of Real California Milk, and positioned us for continued growth. I am incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to the contributions they will continue to make in their new roles as we work together to drive demand for California dairy.”

    California is the leading U.S. state in dairy production. Its family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

    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.

  • Tulare County Youth Shows Prize-Winning Cow at All American Junior Jersey Show

    MM Joel Rowyn-ET: Reserve Junior All American Four-Year-Old Cow, shown by Kamryn Kasbergen of Tulare, CA

    Twenty-eight (28) Jersey youth between the ages of nine and twenty, representing 13 states, have been recognized by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) as the 2025 Junior All American winners. A total of 175 youth exhibited 295 Registered Jerseys during the 73rd All American Junior Jersey Show, held November 7, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky.

    2025 Junior All American Winners

    Spring Heifer Calf

    • Junior All American: HC-Rader KRock Hanna, Shelby Rader, Conneaut Lake, Pa.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Freedom Lane KR Gabriella-ET, Eli Arp, Norwalk, Ohio

    Winter Heifer Calf

    • Junior All American: Roc-N-Roll Keep My Sanity, Karlie Suplee, Mount Morris, N.Y.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Discoverys Ghost Janessa, Grace Sauder, Tremont, Ill.

    Fall Heifer Calf

    • Junior All American: Mead-Manor Joel Cinnamon-ET, Kailey Guilette, New Franken, Wis.
    • Reserve Junior All American: WOCC Nestle Chocochip, Clancey Krahn, Albany, Ore.

    Summer Yearling Heifer

    • Junior All American: Lost-Brooke CF Kid Rock Faith-ET, Makayla Osinga, Hico, Texas
    • Reserve Junior All American: Miss Triple-T Blayks Vixen, Noel Peters, Danville, Ind.

    Spring Yearling Heifer

    • Junior All American: Kash-In Veronas Vignette-ET, Eleanor Hanehan, Mount Upton, N.Y.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Freedom Lane VIP Gabby-ET, Hailey Drescher, Preble, N.Y.

    Winter Yearling Heifer

    • Junior All American: Haybail VIP Edelweiss, Sophia Delude, Machias, N.Y.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Roc-N-Roll Satisfaction, Peyton Wright, Mount Morris, N.Y.

    Milking Winter Yearling

    • Junior All American: Graybill Lollalala Adalyn, Emily Graybill, Freeport, Ill.
    • Reserve Junior All American: MM Chocolatier Aveda-ET, Clancey Krahn, Albany, Ore.

    Milking Fall Yearling

    • Junior All American: Locust-Ayr Victorious Hot Sauce, Kaitlyn Dowling, Taneytown, Md.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Kilgus Askn Gelato, Carla Kilgus, Fairbury, Ill.

    Summer Junior Two-Year-Old Cow

    • Junior All American: BVSF Nuance Catalina, Camryn Crothers, Pitcher, N.Y.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Echos Victorious Elegant, Eli Graybill, Freeport, Ill.

    Junior Two-Year-Old Cow

    • Junior All American: Discoverys Victorious Jujuba, Ava Kolodzienski, Beldenville, Wis.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Z-Class CC & Cranberry Juice-ET, Mason Ziemba, Durhamville, N.Y.

    Senior Two-Year-Old Cow

    • Junior All American: Victorious Cinn-Star Bentley, Brielle Helmer, Half Way, Mo.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Roggua Kid Rock Naela, Grace Sauder, Tremont, Ill.

    Junior Three-Year-Old Cow

    • Junior All American: Meadowridge Vitality Karlee, Alexa Anderson, Cumberland, Wis.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Gordons Joel Gracious, Abigail Gordon, Syracuse, Ind.

    Senior Three-Year-Old Cow

    • Junior All American: Kilgus Victorious Glitter-ET, Carla Kilgus, Fairbury, Ill.
    • Reserve Junior All American: WF Golddust Angelina, Regan Jackson, Clear Brook, Va.

    Four-Year-Old Cow

    • Junior All American: LC Reckless Armadillo, Sophie Leach, Linwood, Kan.
    • Reserve Junior All American: MM Joel Rowyn-ET, Kamryn Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif.

    Five-Year-Old Cow

    • Junior All American: Hillacres Chrome Hibiscus, Nicole Arrowsmith, Peach Bottom, Pa.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Kilgus Victorious Rylee, Carla Kilgus, Fairbury, Ill.

    Aged Cow

    • Junior All American: Kevetta Colton Delilah, Kyra Lamb, Oakfield, N.Y.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Barnabas Elsa of SLJ, Treasure Clark, Mountain Grove, Mo.

    Complete show results for the 73rd All American Junior Jersey Show are available at www.usjersey.com.

    Profiles of the Junior All American and Reserve Junior All American winners can be viewed at:

    https://theallamerican.usjerseyjournal.com/2025-junior-all-americans-reserve-junior-all-americans/

    The All American Junior Jersey Show is an annual production of the American Jersey Cattle Association. For information on sponsorship opportunities or to contribute to the Maurice E. Core Jersey Youth Fund, supporting Jersey youth exhibitors, contact the AJCA Communications Department at (614) 322-4451.

  • Smearcase’s Frozen Cottage Cheese Wins $100,000 at Real California Milk Excelerator Competition

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) recently announced Smearcase as the grand prize winner at the 7th Real California Milk (RCM) Excelerator product innovation competition. The award was presented during the 2025 RCM Excelerator live pitch event on December 11th in Napa, Calif., where four new finalists were also selected to compete for the 2026 grand prize.

    This competitive program is designed to drive value-added dairy innovation using California milk, ultimately strengthening the state’s dairy industry by providing brands with access to sustainably produced milk as well as resources, expertise, and non-dilutive funding to grow their businesses. As the winner of the 2025 Real California Milk Excelerator, Smearcase will receive $100,000 worth of marketing support from the CMAB to continue scaling their dairy-based innovation with milk from California dairy farm families.

    Through the Excelerator, early-stage companies are able to leverage the power of Real California Dairy by accessing:

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

    Smearcase was one of four finalists named in 2024 when the company was selected for its innovation as the first cottage cheese-based ice cream infused with collagen. As a “better-for-you” ice cream option, Smearcase features the most protein per pint of ice cream at about 40 grams and does not use artificial gums or sweeteners. Targeting health-conscious consumers, co-founders Joe Rotondo and Drew DiSpirito, launched the New York City-based brand after training for a marathon and identifying a market gap for high-protein ice cream.

    Since being selected for the 2024 cohort, the founders have scaled production using Real California Milk and continue to demonstrate their company’s tremendous potential. Smearcase won this year’s Grand Prize based on their sales growth throughout the year. The company was recognized as a Dairy Foods 2025 Dairy Product of the Year Finalist and over the past year launched their products regionally in Whole Foods and will debut in Sprouts markets in Q1 2026. 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 and retail expansion.

    “The California Milk Advisory Board has taken our business to a whole new level,” Smearcase co-founder Joe Rotondo said. “They’ve opened doors that allowed us to work with world-class partners. We’ve increased the quality of our product and increased the scalability of our business with their collaboration.”

    The Real California Milk Excelerator was established by the CMAB seven years ago to drive transformational growth for innovative dairy products that can deliver value both to consumers and the dairy community. Programs like the Excelerator play a crucial role in bridging the gap for high-potential food and beverage startups.

    “Innovation pushes our industry forward, and Smearcase is a clear example of what happens when bold thinking meets real dairy. Their frozen cottage cheese is opening an entirely new lane in frozen indulgence. We’re proud to support their growth through the Real California Milk Excelerator and give consumers another fresh way to enjoy the benefits real California milk and dairy can offer,” said Bob Carroll, CEO of the CMAB.

    At the 2025 Real California Milk Excelerator Live Pitch Event, attendees also experienced product tastings and exhibitions from seven pioneering dairy startups, and witnessed the selection of four new finalists chosen by a panel of judges from this year’s cohort:

    • Joseph Farms‘ String Cheese (Atwater, Calif.) – 99% lactose-free string cheese with 7g protein per stick.
    • Mavens Creamery (San Jose, Calif.) – Asian-inspired indulgent ice cream made with rich, exotic ingredients in flavors like Thai Tea, Durian, and Black Sesame.
    • Pioneer Pastures (Bozeman, MT) – Ultra Filtered, A2 whole milks crafted for superior nutrition and taste with higher protein and lower sugar for easier digestion.
    • Sweet Craft Dessert Cups (Oceanside, Calif.) – Clean-label, Italian-inspired dessert cups in BPA-free packaging.

    “This year’s grand prize winner and finalists reflect the energy and creativity of California dairy,” said Fred Schonenberg, CEO of VentureFuel. “Their ideas are reshaping the category, and we’re proud to stand behind them with the CMAB as they help spark continued innovation and growth for dairy.”

    The final pitch 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. California is the leading U.S. state in dairy production. Its family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

    California is the leading U.S. state in dairy production. Its family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

    7th Real California Milk (RCM) Excelerator product innovation competition finalists

    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.

    About VentureFuel

    VentureFuel helps accelerate enterprise growth through startup partnerships. Its custom accelerators drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey’s, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California with the tools to learn, test, build and invest in what’s next. 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.

  • Gift the Joy of California Dairy This Holiday Season

    The countdown to the holidays is on, and the Real California Milk taste team is making it easier than ever to spread cheer with delicious gifts straight from the Golden State. From artisan cheeses to small-batch dairy treats, these California dairy gift boxes celebrate the craftsmanship and sustainability of the state’s dairy farm families.

    Shop Local, Gift Deliciously

    California’s dairy artisans make holiday gifting effortless. Choose from curated collections that fit every taste and budget—all featuring the Real California Milk seal, your assurance that each product is made with wholesome, sustainably sourced milk from California dairy farms.

    Whether sending a thoughtful gift to loved ones or elevating your own holiday table, these California-made cheese and dairy gifts are a meaningful way to support local producers while indulging in the best the state has to offer.

    Explore and Order Online

    Find the perfect California cheese box, butter sampler, or ice cream gift set—shipped directly from the state’s finest creameries to your doorstep. Visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com to discover California cheeses and dairy products at retail and find perfect pairing ideas to complete your holiday celebration.

    Cal Poly Creamery

    Petaluma Creamery

    Central Coast Creamery

    Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.

    Cowgirl Creamery

    Rumiano Cheese Company

    Di Stefano Cheese Company

    Sierra Nevada Cheese Company

    Fiscalini Farmstead Cheese

    Stuyt Dairy Cheese

    Hilmar Cheese Company

    Vella Cheese Company

    Marin French Cheese Company

    Vintage Cheese Company

    Nicasio Cheese Company

    Wm. Cofield Cheese

    Oakdale Cheese & Specialties

    		 Double Rainbow Ice Cream

    California Dairy: Wholesome, Sustainable, and Local

    California is the number one dairy state, home to more than 1,000 family-owned farms dedicated to quality and sustainability. Every purchase of Real California Milk products supports these farm families and contributes to a more sustainable dairy future.

    About Real California Milk / California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, represents the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a mission to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, CMAB promotes California dairy products, including California dairy gifts, artisan cheeses, and other sustainably sourced dairy foods, across retail, foodservice, and global markets. These efforts help connect consumers to high-quality products made with Real California Milk and support holiday gifting trends that highlight local, sustainable foods. Connect and learn more at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.

  • Referendum to Terminate Dairy Quota Implementation Plan Fails

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (Department) recently conducted a referendum vote among California Market Milk Producers within the State of California to determine whether the Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) which became effective November 1, 2018, should be terminated effective immediately.

    On August 6, 2024, the Department received a petition titled “Petition to Terminate the QIP #5” by Stop QIP. The petition asked that the Secretary call a referendum to immediately terminate the QIP. The Department performed a review of the petition signatures and their respective reported volume and determined that the twenty-five percent (25%) thresholds had been achieved. The petition was then referred to the Producer Review Board (PRB) for consideration. At a Board meeting held on December 17, 2024, the PRB reviewed the petition and passed a motion recommending that the Secretary issue an industry referendum to vote on the petition. The Secretary reviewed the PRB’s recommendation and approved it.

    The referendum to consider termination started on June 12, 2025. On September 9, 2025, one day prior to the end of the voting period for the referendum, over 501 ballots were hand-delivered to the Department by a third party. Visual inspection upon receipt confirmed that the ballots had been removed from their sealed envelopes. Due to these unusual circumstances, the Department decided to reissue the ballots in question and grant a special extension to vote to the producers whose ballots were received open. The voting period for the special extension for the affected producers was October 8, 2025, to October 24, 2025.

    Criteria for Passage:

    In order for the termination to be approved, California Food and Agricultural Code Section 62717 specifies that:

    Not less than fifty-one percent (51%) of the total number of eligible producers in the state shall have voted in the referendum AND one of the following criteria must be satisfied:

    a) Sixty-five percent (65%) or more of the total number of eligible producers who voted in the referendum who produced fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the total amount of fluid milk produced in the state during the calendar month next preceding the month commencement of the referendum period (April 2025) by all producers who voted in the referendum approve the plan, OR,

    b) Fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the total number of eligible producers who voted in the referendum who produced sixty-five percent (65%) or more of the total amount of fluid milk produced in the state during the calendar month next preceding the month commencement of the referendum period (April 2025) by all producers who voted in the referendum, approve the plan.

    Summary of the Results of the Referendum Vote:

    Proportion of Eligible Producers that Participated: 63.76%

    Proportion of those Eligible Producers Voting in Favor: 40.46%

    Proportion of those Eligible Producers Voting in Opposition: 59.54%

    Proportion of the Voted Volume Represented by Eligible Producers in Favor: 47.55%

    Proportion of the Voted Volume Represented by Eligible Producers in Opposition: 52.45%

    In summary, 63.76% of the total number of eligible producers voted in the referendum, and 40.46% voted in favor, having produced 47.55% of the total amount of fluid milk in the state, among participating producers, in April 2025. Conversely, 59.54% voted in opposition, and produced 52.45% of the total amount of fluid milk in the state, among participating producers, in April 2025.

    Explanation of Results:

    63.76% of the total number of eligible market milk producers in the state voted, therefore the participation criteria was satisfied.

    a. Additionally, both elements of EITHER criterion in (a) OR (b) above must also be satisfied: The producers who accounted for 47.55% of the fluid milk produced by participants in the referendum, in April 2025 voted IN FAVOR, falling short of the threshold of 51% for the first element by 3.45%; AND 40.46% of the number of eligible producers voted IN FAVOR, falling short of satisfying the threshold of 65% for the second element by 24.54%. Therefore, because neither of the two elements were satisfied, the referendum is not approved through this criterion.

    b. 40.46% of eligible producers voted IN FAVOR, falling short of satisfying the 51% threshold by 10.54%; AND producers who accounted for 47.55% of the total number of fluid milk, produced by participants in the referendum, in April 2025 voted IN FAVOR, falling short of satisfying the threshold of 65% by 17.45%. Therefore, because neither of the two elements were satisfied, the referendum is not approved through this criterion.

    Since the outcome of this referendum does not meet the criteria set forth in Section 62717 of the California Food and Agricultural code, the Quota Implementation Plan will not be terminated. A further summary of the tally results and details on invalidated ballots are included with this notice.

    Anyone with questions regarding the referendum, should contact the Quota Administration Program at (916) 900-5012.

  • Kingsburg CA Dairy Receives National Dairy FARM Excellence Award

    Integrity, ingenuity and the pursuit of excellence earned three farms and one program evaluator this year’s National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program’s Excellence Awards. The awards announced today recognize participants who uphold program values by demonstrating U.S. dairy farmers are committed to producing high quality, wholesome milk.

    The 2025 FARM Excellence Award recipients are:

    • Animal Care & Antibiotic Stewardship — Bar E Dairy (Land O’Lakes Inc.)

    • Environmental Stewardship – Five Star Dairy Farm LLC (Associated Milk Producers Inc.)

    • Workforce Development — Glezen Farms, LLC (Maola Local Dairies)

    • Evaluator of the Year — Lisa Ford (Cayuga Marketing)

    “These winners exemplify FARM’s mission of continuous improvement through action, integrity and resilience,” said Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Meggan Hain. “It’s our honor to highlight the good deeds of the dairy industry, not only to assure customers, but to reward farmers for their continued contributions and dedication.”

    Winners were announced at the 2025 Joint Annual Meeting of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA) in Arlington, TX.

    The FARM Excellence Awards were created in 2021 to celebrate farms dedicated to continuous improvement in each of the FARM Program pillars, and to recognize a FARM Program evaluator for their exceptional care and attention to the farms they evaluate. The awards are judged by FARM Farmer Advisory Council members and other subject matter experts. Farms and evaluators may be nominated by fellow dairy farmers and evaluators, members of their communities, extension, cooperative or processor staff, veterinarians, or other industry professionals.

    Visit the FARM website for more information about the FARM Excellence Awards.

    About the Winners:

    Bar E Dairy is located in Kingsburg, CA and is a member of Land O’Lakes, Inc. Bar E Dairy received the 2025 FARM Excellence Award in Animal Care & Antibiotic Stewardship for its commitment to exceptional animal welfare and judicious use of antibiotics through on-farm technology and innovation.

    Five Star Dairy Farm LLC is located in Alma, WI and is a member of Associated Milk Producers Inc. Five Star Dairy earned the 2025 FARM Excellence Award in Environmental Stewardship for its use of conservation practices to promote and maintain the land, water and wildlife in its community.

    Glezen Farms, LLC is located in Lisle, NY and is a member of Maola Local Dairies. Glezen Farms secured the 2025 FARM Excellence Award in Workforce Development for its dedication to fostering a safe, informed and responsible workforce through training and resource investment.

    Lisa Ford is based in Auburn, NY and is a FARM Program evaluator for Cayuga Marketing. Lisa took home the 2025 FARM Evaluator Excellence Award for her devotion to serving Cayuga members through education, leadership and advocacy.

    The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program was created by NMPF with support from Dairy Management Inc. in 2009. Program participation is open to all U.S. dairy farmers, cooperatives, and processors. Participants follow rigorous guidelines to ensure the utmost social responsibility on our nation’s dairy farms, while committing to continuous improvement. For more, visit nationaldairyfarm.com.

    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.

  • California Milk Advisory Board Welcomes Leslie Ganzer to Foodservice Team

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representing California dairy producers, today announced the addition of Leslie Ganzer to its Foodservice team. In her new role, Ganzer will support engagement initiatives with major foodservice operators and distributors to expand participation in CMAB programs.

    Ganzer joins CMAB with a strong background in strategic sales execution, partner development and account retention across the foodservice and manufacturing sectors. She most recently served as a Territory Account Manager at Informa, where she led sponsorship sales and renewal growth for national events such as the Restaurant Leadership Conference. She also implemented AI-driven prospecting and analytics tools to modernize client outreach and performance tracking.

    Prior to Informa, Ganzer held multiple leadership roles at foodservice market research firm, Technomic Inc., where she managed multimillion-dollar accounts with national chains, broadline distributors, commodity boards and manufacturers. Her earlier career with EcoSure (Ecolab) and C.H. Robinson provided deep insight into large-scale food safety, logistics and operations.

    At CMAB, Ganzer will focus on strengthening partnerships and aligning dairy marketing initiatives with operator needs and trends. Her experience bridges analytics and sales strategy—helping CMAB deepen its relationships with key industry partners and enhance its data-driven approach to foodservice growth.

    “Leslie’s combination of strategic sales experience and foodservice insights will bring tremendous value to our operator and distributor relationships,” said Katie Cameron, Director of Foodservice at CMAB. “Her proven ability to grow partnerships and deliver measurable results aligns perfectly with our mission to expand the reach of Real California dairy products across the foodservice industry.”

    Ganzer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Relations from the University of Iowa.

    California is the number one dairy state with more than 1,000 family dairy farms focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

    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.

  • Dairy Council Of California Releases Annual Report

    This year’s Annual Report reflects a transformative period for Dairy Council of CA — one defined by innovation, strategic focus and forward-thinking leadership. The report highlights progress in supporting nutrition security through education, collaboration and science-based advocacy, while strengthening partnerships that elevate the health of communities across California.

    Through engagement with leaders in education, health, agriculture and the dairy community, Dairy Council of CA continues to champion the importance of nutrition education and sustainable food systems in improving public health. The report showcases measurable impact, including reaching 1.7 million children and families, expanding professional trainings and contributing to national and international dialogue on dairy’s role in health and sustainability.

    You are invited to explore this year’s outcome-based report to see how our collective efforts are driving healthier behaviors, stronger partnerships and lasting impact across the state. Read it HERE.