California Ag Network

Tag: dairy industry

  • World Dairy Expo Welcomes Brokish as Sponsorship Manager

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About World Dairy Expo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Donors to FIND Food Bank:

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

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

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

  • 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.

  • California Milk Advisory Board Offers Opportunity For Student Ambassadors With International Audiences


    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has announced the return of its student internship program where young agriculture ambassadors will represent Real California Milk internationally. Applications are now open for summer representatives in  CMAB’s partner countries.

    The interns, selected from students enrolled in agriculture-related programs at colleges and universities throughout the state, will be chosen based on academic achievement, connection to the dairy industry and a willingness to travel abroad and learn more about international dairy sales and marketing, as well as a plan to work in the California dairy industry in the future.

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

    “Over the last decade, the CMAB has worked closely with partners in Mexico and Asia to develop markets for California dairy products. This program is focused on providing insight into international marketing for future leaders who will work in the dairy business and one day serve on dairy industry boards and lead industry groups,” said Glenn Millar, Vice President of International Business Development for the CMAB.

    Interested candidates must submit a completed application, essay, and other requirements by Friday, November 14, 2024. Additional information is available here.

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California 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.

  • Unused Assessments Collected By The Dairy Marketing Branch Now Available To Fund Ca Dairy Industry-Focused Research

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (Department) recently conducted a referendum among California Market Milk Producers to consider whether the Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) should be terminated. The deadline to vote in the referendum was September 10, 2025.

    On September 9, 2025, prior to the end of the voting period for the referendum, over 50 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 has decided to reissue the affected ballots and grant a special extension to vote to the producers whose ballots were received open. These new ballots are going out in the mail today; only properly completed and signed ballots, postmarked or otherwise received by the Department in a sealed envelope no later than October 24, 2025, will be counted.

    The Department will announce and notify all California Market Milk producers of the referendum results following tabulation of the ballots. Tabulation of ballots will not begin until the special extension period for receiving ballots has concluded.

    A copy of the notice to industry regarding the “Petition to Terminate the QIP #5” resubmitted by StopQIP on August 6, 2024 can be viewed here: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/pdf/notices/2025_QIP_Petition_for_Referendum_Notice.p

    df.

    The current QIP can be viewed here: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/pdf/QuotaImplementationPlan.pdf.

    If you have any questions regarding the referendum, please contact the Quota Administration Program at pooling@cdfa.ca.gov or (916) 900-5012.

  • Cali (of Kerman, CA) Re-crowned as Grand Champion of the International Brown Swiss Show at World Dairy Expo

    Iroquois Acres Jong Cali brings home Senior and Grand Champion of the International Brown Swiss Show. Cali, the winning Component Merit Cow, is exhibited Brian Pacheco of Kerman, Calif., and received the Allen Hetts Grand Champion Trophy and Vid Vye Memorial Trophy. Following her as the Reserve Grand Champion is the Reserve Senior Champion and winning Six-Year-Old & Over Cow, Robland Norwin Bermuda-ET, exhibited by Tony Kohls and Goldfawn Farm, Arlington, Minn.

    Intermediate Champion went to the Junior Three-Year-Old cow, Jenlar Fc Whipsaw-ETV, owned by Iroquois Acres, Bridport, Vt. Whipsaw earned the Eugene Nelson Intermediate Champion Award. The second prize Junior Three-Year-Old, Fairdale Kickstart Figgy, was named Reserved Intermediate Champion. She is owned by Kylie and Micah Sparrow of Stamping Grounds, Ky.

    The Intermediate Champion of the International Brown Swiss Show, Jenlar Fc Whipsaw-ETV, is owned by Iroquois Acres, Bridport, Vt. Fairdale Kickstart Figgy was Reserve Intermediate Champion and exhibited by Kylie and Micah Sparrow of Stamping Ground, Ky.

    In the heifer show, Junior Champion honors went to the winning Fall Calf, Blessing Garbro Pistachio-ETV, owned by Logan & Chloe Duckett and Peter Vail of Rudolph, Wis. The Reserve Junior Champion was the second place Fall Calf, Jenlar Acclaimed Waikiki-ETV, exhibited by Brianna and Abby Meyer of Chilton, Wis.

    The Premier Breeder banner went home with Jenlar Holsteins and Brown Swiss from Chilton, Wis., while Pit-Crew Genetics of Cambridge, MN is named Premier Exhibitor. The Premier Sire of the show is Hilltop Acres Daredevil-ET

    Official judge Allyn Paulson of Rockford, Ill., along with his associate Brian Olbrich of Harvard, Ill., were charged with placing 384 head of Brown Swiss in the International Brown Swiss Show.

    Complete class results can be found at www.worlddairyexpo.com.

    Junior Champion honors went to Blessing Garbro Pistachio-ETV, owned by Logan and Chloe Duckett & Peter Vail of Rudolph, Wis. Following Pistachio as the Reserve Junior Champion was Jenlar Acclaimed Waikiki-ETV, exhibited by Brianna and Abby Meyer of Chilton, Wis.

    Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo is the premier forum for the dairy community to learn, share, create commerce and showcase competition. The annual event is taking place in Madison, Wis. September 30 – October 3, 2025. Dairy producers can experience the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, a world-class dairy cattle show, attend seminars, meetings and presentations highlighting the latest and greatest in the industry and connect with other producers. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook, Instagram,LinkedIn, Spotify, or YouTube for more information.

  • International Dairy Foods Association to Gather in California for 2026 Dairy Forum

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is excited to announce that registration for Dairy Forum 2026 opens today.

    From January 25–28, 2026, more than 1,200 leaders from across the dairy supply chain will unite in Palm Desert, California, for the industry’s premier annual event. Held at the luxurious JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Dairy Forum 2026 will bring together executives from dairy processors, cooperatives, retailers, and suppliers to strengthen collaboration, spark innovation, and shape a bold, dynamic future for the industry. This year’s theme—UNITED FOR DAIRY—highlights the industry’s shared commitment to progress through innovation, leadership, and cross-sector partnerships.

    “Dairy Forum 2026 is where the future of dairy takes shape,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “This is the place for leaders to come together, build meaningful connections, and explore new strategies to grow, adapt, and lead. When we are united, the dairy industry is more resilient, more innovative, and more prepared to meet the moment.”

    Dairy Forum includes main sessions, deep dive sessions, panel discussions, special presentations by conference partners, and numerous opportunities to connect with leaders in the dairy industry. The 2026 event features keynote presentations from:

    • Rahm Emanuel, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Mayor of Chicago, White House Chief of Staff, and U.S. Congressman
    • Sarah Frey, farmer, best-selling author, speaker, and entrepreneur
    • Jason Dorsey, researcher, speaker, and best-selling author
    • Brad Nordholm, president and chief executive officer, Farmer Mac

    Set against the stunning backdrop of the California desert, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa offers panoramic views, two championship golf courses, world-class tennis and pickleball courts, sparkling pools, and a luxurious day spa. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options at signature restaurants offering fresh, local cuisine. With over 234,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space, it’s an ideal destination for gatherings in the heart of the desert.

    Sponsorship opportunities are available to organizations looking to elevate their brand among the industry’s most influential decision-makers.

    To register for Dairy Forum 2026 and explore sponsorship opportunities, visit www.dairyforum.com.

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

  • Selina Lopes Joins California Milk Advisory Board Team

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representingCalifornia dairy producers, today announced the addition of Selina Lopes as Producer Relations Coordinator.

    Lopes brings a deep-rooted passion for the dairy industry and a diverse background in agriculture to the CMAB. She joins the organization from her most recent role as an Agriculture Instructional Support Specialist at Modesto Junior College (MJC). Her professional experience also includes serving as Development and Donor Relations Coordinator at the St. John Student Center, and working as a Business Communications Intern at Corteva Agriscience. In a previous role at World Wide Sires Ltd. , she supported advertising and public relations efforts for dairy clients across international markets.

    Raised on a dairy farm in Gustine, Calif., Lopes has been actively engaged in the industry from an early age showing dairy cattle through 4-H and FFA and participating in the California Junior Holstein Association. While attending MJC, Lopes was President and Vice President of the Dairy Science Club, the contest chairperson for the MJC Field Day Dairy Judging Contest, and the chairperson of the MJC Biannual Heifer Sale. During this time, she also held the title of District Six Dairy Princess from 2021 to 2022, representing the industry with enthusiasm and pride.

    Lopes pursued her education in agriculture, earning an associate degree in Agricultural Business from MJC, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications from Oklahoma State University (OSU), graduating in 2024. While at OSU, she was actively involved in campus organizations including the Dairy Science Club and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, further solidifying her commitment to advancing the dairy community.

    “As a farmer-funded organization dedicated to driving demand for products made with milk from California dairy farms, we greatly value Selina’s extensive relationships and comprehensive understanding of the dairy industry. Her insight is an exceptional asset to our team,” said Bob Carroll, CEO of the CMAB.

    California is the number one dairy state. Its more than 1,000 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. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.