California Ag Network

Tag: California Dairy

  • Real California Milk Foodservice Launches New High-Protein Resource Hub

    As consumer demand for high-protein menu options continues to reshape the restaurant industry, Real California Milk Foodservice has launched a new protein-focused resource center designed to help chefs and foodservice operators capitalize on one of today’s fastest-growing menu trends.

    Available at RealCaliforniaMilkFoodservice.com/protein, the new hub brings together culinary inspiration, nutrition information and practical business resources that demonstrate how California dairy ingredients can help operators create craveable, protein-forward menu items that drive guest satisfaction and profitability.

    From breakfast through late-night menus, milk, cheese and yogurt naturally deliver high-quality protein while offering the flavor, versatility and functionality chefs rely on every day. The new online destination showcases how Real California dairy products can elevate menu innovation across virtually every restaurant segment.

    “Our goal is to provide foodservice professionals with practical tools that make it easier to respond to evolving consumer preferences,” said Katie Cameron, Director of Foodservice at the California Milk Advisory Board. “Protein continues to be one of the strongest drivers of menu decisions, and California dairy offers operators a simple, delicious way to deliver the protein consumers are looking for while creating memorable dining experiences.”

    The new protein section features:

    •           Chef-inspired, protein-rich recipes featuring Real California dairy ingredients

    •           Menu development ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacking occasions

    •           Business insights on leveraging protein trends to increase menu value and profitability

    •           Guidance for incorporating dairy into protein-forward menu strategies

    •           Educational resources highlighting the nutritional benefits and versatility of California dairy products

    •           Inspiration for building balanced, craveable dishes that appeal to today’s health-conscious consumers

    The new protein hub complements the Real California Milk Foodservice website’s extensive collection of recipes, supplier resources, chef inspiration and product information, further strengthening its role as a comprehensive resource for foodservice professionals seeking innovative dairy solutions.

    California is the number one dairy state. 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 Dairy Families and Raley’s Partner To Fight Food Insecurity

    In honor of June as National Dairy Month, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) is partnering for the fourth year with Raley’s Food For Families program to deliver milk and dairy foods to nourish families in California communities.

    Throughout June, California dairy families, through the CMAB, will match customer donations made in-store and online to the Food For Families program dollar-for-dollar, up to $35,000, helping supply California dairy products to feeding programs. Messaging featuring “Do Good with Dairy” will appear in-store and across digital channels to raise awareness of the initiative.

    In California, over 1.8 million households face food insecurity.

    “Even in the most productive agricultural state in the nation, families can struggle with food insecurity and nutritional challenges,” said California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. “When we work together – the way the California Milk Advisory Board and Raley’s are for Dairy Month – we can get more fresh, nutritious dairy products where they are needed most, and where they can do the most good.”

    “As a California dairy farmer, I strongly believe in making milk and dairy foods accessible to families, as they are among the most nutritious and affordable options available,” said Nicole Morris, who operates JNM Dairy with her husband. “This partnership provides essential support to communities while emphasizing the vital role dairy plays in supporting families’ health and well-being.”

    Milk donations will be distributed to 12 Food For Family partner food banks – Alameda County Community Food Bank, Central California Food Bank, Food Bank for Monterey County, Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, Feeding the Foothills, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, Redwood Empire Food Bank, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County, Second Harvest of the Greater Valley and Yolo Food Bank.

    “Milk is a nutrient-rich staple that plays a vital role in helping our neighbors maintain healthy food choices at home. We are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership between the CMAB and Raley’s Food For Families. Being able to provide dairy products like milk to the community makes a meaningful difference,” said Second Harvest of the Greater Valley CEO Jessica Vaughan .

    Raley’s absorbs all administrative costs to maximize the impact of every donation.

    “Throughout the year we welcome donations to Food For Families to nourish our communities,” said Zoe Edwards, Raley’s Food For Families Operations Manager. “Dairy remains one of the most in-demand, nutritious food groups and an important source of protein that food banks are eager to ensure access to. We are proud to partner with Real California Milk to supply dairy products to our food bank partners.”

    The Real California Milk CADAIRY4GOOD platform focuses on increasing access to dairy foods for individuals and families throughout California through partnerships to pilot programs to deliver product and refrigeration resources to the state’s food banks and feeding programs. — Story Contributed by the California Milk and Raley’s Food For Families

  • Real California Milk’s Street of Dairy Showcases Latest Trends

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) will spotlight a variety of on-trend dairy products at the 2026 International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) show in Orlando, Fla. June 7-9. As a key exhibitor at the event, which brings together 10,000 attendees and more than 800 exhibiting companies at the largest industry-only trade show for dairy, deli, bakery, and foodservice professionals, CMAB will connect with industry professionals while sharing all that California dairy has to offer through on-trend culinary dishes and more.

    An assortment of dairy applications will be sampled throughout the show in CMAB’s booth #2035, including specialty cheese, cultured dairy beverages, kefir, desserts and premium dairy ingredients. California culinary expert Joe Baird will showcase a selection of trending recipes including Kimchi Grilled Cheese with Black Sesame Orange Compound Butter, French Onion Soup Dip On Toasted Brioche, Lavender Blackberry Chai Latte, Quesadilla Al Pastor With Pineapple Lime Crema, Panna Cotta Chocolate Dipped Drumsticks with Roasted Hazelnut Crunch and Banana Fosters Milkshakes will be featured in the Real California Kitchen.

    California dairy processors in attendance include Albertson’s (Lucerne), Amazing Ice Cream, Angelo & Franco, Bellwether Farms, Belfiore Cheese, Cheese Bits/Yummy Industries, Crystal Creamery, Fiscalini Cheese Co., Karoun Dairies, Lifeway Foods, Marin French Cheese Co., Marquez Brothers, Mid Valley Family Foods, Pacific Cheese, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company, Scott Brothers Dairy, Sierra Nevada Cheese Co. and Sweet Craft Dolceria. — Story Contributed by the California Milk Advisory Board

  • 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.

  • CAPCA Honoree Shares How Insecticides May Boost Alfalfa Growth

    Insecticide application may have a positive impact on alfalfa growth in addition to its use in pest control. Michael Rethwisch of UCCE Riverside County sat down with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to talk about his research and recent award at the California Association of Pest Control Advisers Conference in Reno. Watch this brief video and read more in California Dairy Magazine.

  • 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.

  • 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.