California Ag Network

Tag: dairy industry

  • Applications Available for Class X of Jersey Youth Academy

    The tenth Jersey Youth Academy will be held July 11-16. The application period for the class is open until Dec. 1. 

    Jersey Youth Academy provides a unique educational experience that motivates youth of high school and college age to prepare for and succeed in their adult careers in some aspect of the dairy industry, but specifically working with Jersey cattle and/or Jersey products.

    Program Objectives

    The program is designed around three broad objectives for participants:

    • First, to learn why and how the Jersey breed has grown and prospered, and what the future holds for the Jersey business;
    • Second, to meet leaders from the Jersey community and from across the support industry, to gain their unique insights about the dairy business with a specific focus on the Jersey cow; and
    • Third, to learn about the range of career opportunities that involve the Jersey breed and Jersey products, and begin the journey that will take them to success working in the Jersey dairy business.

    The program is conducted every two years, with participants chosen from a national pool of applicants. Selection is based on merit, motivation and preparation for the program as reflected in experiences, accomplishments and goal statement of the applicants. All program costs, including round-trip transportation for participants, are paid by the Academy.

    Eligibility

    Applications will be accepted from Jersey youth who are juniors and seniors in high school or enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year vocational school, college, or university. Applicants under the age of 22 who have completed a high school degree or equivalent and are currently employed in dairy herd management will also be considered.

    Applications are accepted only from legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

    A youth can participate in Jersey Youth Academy only once. 

    — Story provided by the American Jersey Cattle Association 

  • NAIDC Elects New Leadership for 2026-2027

    North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge® (NAIDC) recently elected new leadership, including one new board member and the 2026 – 2027 Executive Committee. As stated in the NAIDC mission statement, the organization strives to “Develop tomorrow’s dairy leaders and enhance the progress of the dairy industry, by providing education, communication and networking among students, producers and agribusiness and university personnel.”

    In its 24-year history, Dairy Challenge has evolved significantly to meet the ever-changing needs of the dairy industry. The Program originally beganin 2002 with 56 students from 13 colleges competing in one national event. Today there are more than 500 dairy students participating annually throughout the national competition, Dairy Challenge Academy and four regional events. The volunteer Board of Directors represents the many university professionals, dairy producers and industry sponsors who contribute to these opportunities.

    Newly elected to the 15-person volunteer NAIDC Board of Directors is:

    •  Brian Waymire, Nedap Livestock, CA. — Brian Waymire serves as a Large Herd Specialist for Nedap Livestock, working with dairy producers throughout the Western United States to implement technology-driven management solutions that improve dairy performance, labor efficiency and animal health. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, Waymire began his career in dairy management in 2010 and has managed dairies ranging from 400 to 7,000 milking cows. His previous management experience includes Giacomini Dairy in Petaluma, Tony De Groot Dairies in Hanford, Alhem Family Partnership in Hilmar and Jones Farms in Stevinson. He later served as a Premier Account Manager with Alta Genetics before joining Nedap. A proud alumnus of the Western Regional Dairy Challenge, Waymire has remained actively involved with the program by hosting Dairy Challenge practices, mentoring students at regional contests and Dairy Challenge Academy, judging both regional and national competitions and serving on the Western Regional Planning Committee. He credits Dairy Challenge with providing foundational skills that continue to shape hisprofessional career and values the program’s ability to bridge classroom learning with real-world dairy management.

    The NAIDC Executive Committee for 2026–2027 includes:

    •  Chair: Ted Halbach, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI.

    •  Vice Chair: Gail Carpenter, Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

    •  Associate Vice Chair: Erin Spangler, Riverview, LLP, Morris, MN.

    •  Promotions & Engagement Chair: Elizabeth Eckelkamp, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.

    •  Finance Chair: Heather Weeks, Farm Credit East, Bedford, NH.

    •  Program Committee Chair: Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.

    Continuing their terms on the board are:

    ·         Doug DeGroff, Progressive Dairy Solutions, Tulare, CA.

    ·         Jeff Elliott, Balchem, Amarillo, TX.

    ·         Jordan Fisher, Mapleview Dairy, Madrid, NY.

    ·         Matt Groen, Cargill, Guelph, ON, Canada.

    ·         Jen Lane, Cargill, Hanford, CA.

    ·         Lauren Mayo, North Carolina A&T University, Greensboro, NC.

    ·         Linda Parreira, Farm Credit West, Tulare, CA.

    ·         Craig Walter, Valley Ag Software, Poynette, WI.

    The Board also recognizes the service of retiring board member Megan Mouw, Elanco Animal Health, Riverdale, California. Throughout hertenure, Mouw contributed her leadership and expertise in support of Dairy Challenge’s mission to prepare the next generation of dairy industry professionals. The organization extends its appreciation for her years of volunteer service and dedication to Dairy Challenge.

    — Story contributed by Dairy Challenge

  • ‘The Future Starts Here’ at Dairy Forum 2027

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced that registration for Dairy Forum 2027 is now open.

    From Jan. 24–27, more than 1,200 leaders from across the dairy supply chain will gather in Orlando, for the industry’s premier annual event. Hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, Dairy Forum 2027 will bring together executives from dairy processors, cooperatives, retailers and suppliers to explore what is next for the industry and chart a path forward in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

    The 2027 event theme, “The Future Starts Here,” spotlights the ideas, innovations and inflection points set to define what’s on the horizon for the dairy industry. From breakthrough technologies and evolving consumer expectations to shifting policy landscapes, Dairy Forum 2027 will explore how the industry can anticipate change and lead it. Attendees will walk away with a clearer understanding of what is ahead and how to position their businesses to thrive in a more dynamic, competitive environment.

    “Dairy Forum 2027 is where forward-thinking leaders come to get ahead of what is next,” said IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes. “It is an opportunity to challenge assumptions, explore new possibilities and gain the perspective needed to make confident decisions in a rapidly changing world. The insights and connections built here will help shape the future of dairy for years to come.”

    Dairy Forum will feature main sessions, deep-dive discussions, panel conversations, and special presentations from industry leaders and conference partners. Attendees will hear from experts in business leadership, technology, nutrition, sustainability, and food policy, with a focus on what lies ahead for the dairy sector.

    Set across more than 500 acres of natural landscapes, lakes, and working farmland, the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes offers a distinctive setting for both business and connection. The property features world-class amenities, including championship golf, a full-service spa, farm-to-table dining, and a range of recreational experiences for attendees and their families.

    Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations seeking to showcase their leadership and engage with the industry’s top decision-makers.

    To register for Dairy Forum 2027 and explore sponsorship opportunities, visit www.dairyforum.com. — Story contributed by the International Dairy Foods Association

  • National Jersey Leadership Named at Annual Meetings

    Leaders for 2026-27 were selected at this year’s annual meeting for the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), including two committee chairs from California.

    Alan Chittenden of Schodack Landing, N.Y., was elected to his fifth one-year term as President of AJCA on June 20. He is a fourth-generation breeder and owner of registered Jerseys at Dutch Hollow Farms LLC. He owns and operates the farm with his parents and two brothers. They milk 900 Registered Jerseys and have the herd enrolled in REAP, are contract advertisers in the Jersey Journal and have contributed to Equity for 50 years. In 2012, the family was honored with the AJCA Master Breeder award. In addition, he has served as General Chair of The All American Jersey Shows & Sales in 2018, and chair of The All American Sale Committee in 2016. He served two terms as AJCA Director from the Second District from 2014-2020.

    Lynda Lehr, Canastota, N.Y., was elected to her first four-year term as AJCA Director from the First District. A third-generation Jersey breeder, Lehr operates Ky-Hi Jerseys with her family and brings decades of experience in dairy cattle breeding, herd management and agricultural education. Active at the local, state and national levels, she has served in numerous leadership roles within the Jersey community, including the National Jersey Jug Futurity Committee, the All American Junior Activities Committee and several New York Jersey organizations. Lehr is passionate about advancing the Jersey breed and supporting youth involvement in the dairy industry.

    Ted DeMent, Kenney, Ill., was re-elected to a four-year term as Director from the Second District. Ted and his family own and operate DeMents Jerseys, a 260-acre dairy farm established by his parents, Don and Shirley, in 1955. Ted was an appraiser for the AJCA for six years before returning to the home farm. In 2009, he and his wife, Cheryl, assumed management of the dairy. DeMents Jerseys is enrolled on REAP and uses JerseyTags for permanent identification. Ted and Cheryl received the AJCA Young Jersey Breeder Award in 2005. Ted was named the winner of the Max Gordon Recognition Award in 2021.

    Kristin Hogan-Killgore of Tillamook, Ore., was elected to serve a four-year term as Director from the Third District of the AJCA. A lifelong Jersey enthusiast and second-generation member of Misty Meadow Dairy, Killgore combines experience in commercial dairy management, breed promotion and industry leadership. She oversees payroll, human resources and business operations for her family’s 4,500-cow Jersey dairy while also helping manage the farm’s nationally recognized show program. A graduate of Oregon State University, Killgore has served in leadership roles with numerous Jersey and agricultural organizations, including the National Jersey Jug Committee and the Western National Jersey Show and a former National Jersey Queen. She is passionate about building connections within the dairy community and promoting the value of the Jersey breed.

    Chairs of standing committees for 2026-27 are Cornell, Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif., Finance; Tyler Boyd, Hilmar, Calif., Breed Improvement; Ralph Frerichs, LaGrange, Texas, Development; and Jason Johnson, Northwood, N.H., Information Technology and Identification.

    Cornell Kasbergen was re-elected Vice President for the coming year. Kasbergen and his family milk 6,000 Jerseys and Holsteins on their Rancho Teresita Dairy in Tulare. — Story contributed by the American Jersey Cattle Association

  • DHIA Offering $1,000 Scholarships

    The National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) is now accepting applications for its 2027 scholarship program. These scholarships, valued at $1,000 each, go to high school seniors and college undergraduate students. Applicants must be full-time, incoming or continuing students at a technical college or a two-year or four-year college/university. To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, the applicant must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, family member of a DHI employee, or employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a member of National DHIA. Members of National DHIA include AgSource Dairy, Arizona DHIA, Capstone Dairy Data Services, Central Counties DHIA, CentralStar Cooperative Inc.-DHI Services, Dairy One Cooperative Inc., DHI Cooperative Inc., Eastern Wisconsin Dairy Herd Improvement Cooperative, Idaho DHIA, Indiana State Dairy Association, Lancaster DHIA, Minnesota DHIA, Rocky Mountain DHIA and United Federation of DHIAs.

    The scholarship selection committee will evaluate applicants based on scholastic achievements, leadership, community activities, work experience, knowledge of and experience with DHIA, and responses to questions on the application. Applications are due Oct. 31, 2026. Recipients will be announced at the 2027 National DHIA Annual Meeting and Leadership Session.

    To apply for a National DHIA scholarship, go to: www.dhia.org/scholarships and download and complete the electronic application form. For more information, contact JoDee Sattler, National DHIA scholarship coordinator, at 414-587-5839 or jdsattler@dhia.org.

    National DHIA will award approximately ten $1,000 scholarships. Generous contributions from National DHIA members, friends and supporters help fund these scholarships.

    National Dairy Herd Information Association, a trade association for the dairy records industry, serves the best interests of its members and the dairy industry by maintaining the integrity of dairy records and advancing dairy information systems. — Story contributed by the Dairy Herd Information Association

  • Congressional Dairy Caucus Revived

    Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) joined Reps. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) in relaunching the Congressional Dairy Caucus. Central Valley dairy producers continue to struggle due to high input costs, competitive pressures from trade partners and shifting consumption patterns, and this caucus aims to work to elevate those concerns at the federal level and advocate for milk and dairy products.

    “As the sole dairyman in Congress, I’m proud to join my colleagues in launching the Congressional Dairy Caucus,” Valadao said. “Dairy is the cornerstone of the Central Valley’s economy, and I know firsthand the challenges our producers face—from rising input costs and labor shortages to changing consumer demands and an increasingly unpredictable marketplace. Our dairy producers deserve strong advocates in Washington who understand what’s at stake, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to strengthen the dairy industry, promote the nutritional benefits of dairy products, and ensure the hardworking men and women who feed our nation have the support they need to succeed.”

    “Eastern Connecticut has a proud heritage of multi-generation, family-owned dairy farms,” Courtney said. “Dairy farms are a key part of our local economy and provide nutritious products to our communities. The industry is facing pressing challenges of rising input costs, market volatility, and competitive pressures from trade partners. As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Dairy Caucus, I will continue making dairy farmers’ voices heard in Congress and work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address their needs and help grow their businesses.”

    — Story contributed by Rep. David Valadao

  • IDFA Expands Government Relations Team and Advocacy Operations

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced an expansion of its government relations and advocacy operations to strengthen the association’s federal and state engagement on behalf of the dairy industry.

    The expanded team is led by Chelsie Keys, senior vice president, government relations, and includes Rob Rosado, vice president, legislative affairs and Adam Tarr, vice president, legislative affairs. IDFA also announced that Darrin Youker has joined the association as director, state government relations and Cal Wilson has joined as manager, government affairs. Youker and Wilson will report to Keys.

    “The policy landscape for dairy has fundamentally changed,” said IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes. “Today, major decisions affecting dairy manufacturers, processors, retailers and consumers are increasingly being shaped not only in Washington, but in state capitols nationwide. IDFA is heavily investing in advocacy to ensure our industry is effectively represented at every level of government.”

    The expanded structure reflects IDFA’s continued investment in policy expertise, member engagement, coalition building, political engagement and coordinated advocacy as issues affecting dairy are increasingly shaped at both the federal and state levels of government. Those issues include food and nutrition policy, food ingredients, safety and labeling, sustainability, packaging and recycling, labor, transportation, trade, taxes, supply chain resilience, school meals, SNAP and WIC modernization and a growing number of state-level food policy proposals.

    IDFA has also established a strategic advocacy fund to support these efforts, deepen member engagement and further target coalition and advocacy efforts in states where policy risks and opportunities are greatest.

    “State advocacy has become critically important to the future of the dairy industry,” said Keys. “IDFA is building the team, resources and partnerships necessary to engage effectively in key states while continuing to lead on federal priorities important to dairy manufacturers and marketers. We are creating a more integrated advocacy operation that combines federal engagement, state engagement, political operations, coalition development and strong member participation.”

    As director, state government relations, Youker will lead IDFA’s state advocacy work, tracking and engaging on the growing volume of state legislative and regulatory activity affecting dairy. He will develop strategic advocacy initiatives and coordinate closely with IDFA members, state partners, coalitions and policymakers across the country.

    Youker joins IDFA with more than two decades of experience in agriculture policy, government affairs, advocacy communications and journalism. He comes to IDFA from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, where he served as policy director and helped lead the department’s legislative agenda, stakeholder engagement and federal agriculture work. His background also includes government affairs roles with Horizon Farm Credit and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, where he advocated on agriculture, conservation, transportation, tax, environmental and rural policy issues. Earlier in his career, Youker led member communications for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and worked as a journalist covering agriculture, transportation and government.

    “Darrin brings exactly the kind of experience IDFA needs as state policy becomes increasingly important to the future of dairy,” said Dykes. “He understands agriculture, coalition building and the realities of state policymaking, and he will be an immediate asset to our members.”

    As manager, government affairs, Wilson will support IDFA’s federal and state advocacy efforts, legislative tracking, member engagement, fly-ins, political engagement and IDFA PAC operations. Wilson joins IDFA after serving on the staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, where he gained experience across the committee’s broad agriculture policy portfolio and supported the work of members and senior staff during a fast-paced Congress. He previously interned for the Senate Agriculture Committee and for the office of former Senator Pat Roberts. Wilson is a graduate of the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

    “Cal’s experience with the Senate Agriculture Committee gives him a strong foundation in the policy issues that matter to food and agriculture,” said Dykes. “He will be an important addition to our Government Relations team as we continue strengthening IDFA’s advocacy, member engagement and political operations.”

    IDFA is also hiring a director, PAC and political affairs, to further strengthen the association’s political engagement and PAC operations.

    “These investments reflect IDFA’s long-term commitment to ensuring the dairy industry has a strong, credible and effective voice in the policymaking process,” Dykes said. “Our members expect strong advocacy, thoughtful policy leadership and meaningful engagement at every level of government. This enhanced team positions IDFA to deliver exactly that.”

  • National FFA Partners with World Dairy Expo

    The National FFA Organization has endorsed and will promote World Dairy Expo’s 2026 FFA Dairy Judging Contest to its national membership. This collaboration aims to expand opportunities for leadership, hands-on learning and connections within agricultural education.

    The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1 million student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    In 2025, more than 100 schools from across the United States participated in the FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo, underscoring the enthusiasm and commitment of FFA members nationwide.

    “Historically, this contest has drawn strong participation from Midwest chapters, along with dedicated teams traveling from as far as California, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Texas,” said Lexa Miller, Cattle Show and Contests Coordinator for World Dairy Expo. “This partnership will encourage even more chapters to make the trip to Madison and further strengthen an already outstanding competition and educational experience.”

    The 2026 FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Contest will take place on Tuesday, September 29, in Madison. FFA chapters across the country are encouraged to learn more by visiting the “Contests” section atworlddairyexpo.com. Registration opens July 13, 2026 and closes September 11, 2026.

    “This initiative reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders—individuals who will make a lasting impact on their communities and the world,” said Christine White, Chief Program Officer for the National FFA Organization. “World Dairy Expo offers an unmatched opportunity for young leaders to connect with the dairy industry at its highest level and be part of an event that defines excellence in dairy cattle evaluation. These are exactly the kinds of partnerships we seek for our FFA members.”

    Additional FFA-endorsed activities can be found through the National FFA Organization website.

    Returning to Madison, Wisc. Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, the Wold Dairy Expo features the largest dairy-focused trade show, youth contests, seminars and networking opportunities with leaders shaping the future of dairy. Learn more at www.worlddairyexpo.com. — Story contributed by the World Dairy Expo

  • IDFA Welcomes House Appropriations Support for Key Dairy Priorities

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

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

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

  • U.S. Dairy Comments USTR Trade Estimate Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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