California Ag Network

Tag: National Milk Producers Federation

  • USDEC, NMPF Thank Administration for Maintaining Pressure on Canada

    The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) expressed their strong appreciation to the Trump Administration for its continued focus on using all available trade tools to resolve outstanding U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dairy market access issues with Canada. With a 50% tariff on certain Canadian imports taking effect on Saturday, the organizations urged Canada to return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation.

    “We appreciate the Administration’s persistence in standing up for American dairy producers and exporters who have waited far too long for Canada to live up to its promises,” said USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden. “Canada has had plenty of chances to fix its unfair market access practices and close the loopholes it’s used to dodge its dairy commitments under USMCA. This weekend’s action makes clear that patience has run out. We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration until Canada resolves these issues and America’s dairy farmers and exporters see the full benefits USMCA promised.”

    “This action sends an unmistakable message that Canada’s ongoing disregard for its USMCA dairy commitments carries real consequences,” said NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud. “It’s time for Canada to stop looking for workarounds and instead sit down in good faith to resolve these outstanding USMCA dairy implementation issues. Canadian retaliation would only serve to force the United States’ hand in escalating its leverage. The objective should be for both our countries to prevent increased friction and build on the progress made through weeks of negotiations.”

    Under USMCA, Canada committed to providing meaningful additional duty-free access for U.S. dairy exports through a series of tariff-rate quotas (TRQs). Canada’s administration of those TRQs has repeatedly resulted in chronic underfill. In addition, Canada has continued to exploit loopholes to sidestep USMCA disciplines on dairy protein exports. NMPF and USDEC have consistently urged the Administration to prioritize resolution of both issues as part of the ongoing USMCA Joint Review and continue to call on Canada to come to the table and negotiate in good faith. — Story contributed by the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council

  • Dairy Orgs Issue Statements on Tariffs on Canadian Imports

    White House recently issued three presidential proclamations pursuant to Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to impose additional 50% tariffs on certain goods from Canada in response to Canada’s discriminatory treatment of American products, including dairy. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), U.S Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) have issued statements regarding the measure.

    “IDFA has consistently called on Canada to fully implement its dairy commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and eliminate policies that deny U.S. dairy exporters the market access that was negotiated,” said IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes. “Our members seek the fair and transparent access promised under the agreement, including proper administration of dairy tariff-rate quotas and the elimination of policies that distort dairy protein trade.”

    “We appreciate the administration’s commitment to standing up for dairy farmers and manufacturers eager to make full use of the market access commitments Canada made under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement [USMCA],” USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden, said. “For far too long, Canada has intentionally misused its tariff rate quota system to impede the full use of USMCA dairy quotas. It’s time for Canada to come to the table and resolve this and other USMCA dairy issues. We look forward to working with the administration to ensure that all the intended dairy benefits of USMCA are fully realized.”

    “Today’s assertive action by the administration makes clear to Canada that their dairy trade practices will no longer be tolerated,” NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud said. “Canada simply cannot continue to discriminate against U.S. dairy farmers by effectively blocking negotiated access to its market. It is well past time for Canada to negotiate in good faith and tackle the outstanding USMCA dairy implementation issues to help drive a successful conclusion of the USMCA review.”

    — Story contributed by the NMPF, IDFA and USDEC

  • USMCA Review Puts Dairy Back in the Spotlight

    The Trump administration announced July 1 it will not renew USMCA in its current form, triggering the agreement’s annual review process while keeping all existing trade provisions—including dairy tariff-rate quotas and rules of origin—in force. The move does not disrupt current dairy trade but keeps long-standing issues, including Canada’s dairy market access, on the negotiating table.

    One week earlier, while speaking June 24 at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) conference, Three Nations, One Table: North American Agriculture Under USMCA, Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation and former U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator under the first Trump administration, described dairy as one of North America’s most integrated industries.

    “I think one of the most fascinating conversations on integration is dairy between the U.S. and Canada. I mean, we have facilities on both sides of the border, very close to each other, and there’s stuff going back and forth all the time, which makes it really complicated to know what the real trade is,” Doud said.

    His observation reveals a challenge ahead. While the U.S. operates under a market-oriented milk pricing system built around Federal Orders that are benchmarks, not guarantees, and Canada relies on administered pricing through fat-based milk production quotas, dairy manufacturing has become increasingly integrated as it straddles the border with investments in the U.S. by Canadian-based companies, including at least one prominent Canadian-farmer-owned-cooperative company operating and expanding state-side.

    As negotiations move forward, policymakers will be weighing not only market ‘access,’ but also where value is created and where it lands in an “integrated” North American supply chain and what else is being integrated in terms of ‘sustainability’ definitions, metrics and data collection. In today’s ag and dairy economy, the question of what crosses the border is much more complicated than it was six years ago. — Story contributed by the American Dairy Coalition

  • FARM Publishes 2026 Drug Residue Prevention Manual

    The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program released its 2026-2027 Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Reference Manual, equipping farmers with an educational tool that promotes best management practices for responsible and judicious use of antimicrobials in dairy cattle.

    The updated manual has information about the FDA’s conditionally approved and emergency use authorizations of drugs to combat New World screwworm. It also includes the Food and Drug Administration’s Guidance for Industry No. 273: “Defining Durations of Use for Approved Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs Fed to Food-Producing Animals” (GFI No. 273), finalized and announced in February.

    “The U.S. dairy industry is committed to antibiotic stewardship and judicious use of all medications used for dairy cattle,” said Dr. Jamie Jonker, National Milk Producers Federation’s chief science officer. “The Drug Residue Prevention Manual continues to be a trusted resource for dairy farmers when making educated choices with their veterinarians to care for their animals.”

    When dairy animals get sick or injured and treatment is necessary, producers and veterinarians use antibiotics and other drugs prudently. The manual serves as a resource for producers and veterinarians, and includes information on:

    •Residue prevention best practices

    •Record keeping and herd health

    •Drug administration

    •Culling of animals

    •Residue testing

    •Drug classes

    •Approved drugs and screening tests

    The Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Manual and the associated pocket guide are sponsored by Zoetis. Their sponsorship supports the development of on-farm resource development for U.S. dairy farmers.

    The manual is available for download on the FARM Program website. — Story contributed by the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management

  • Dairy Orgs Praise H-2A Reform Bill

    The Internationalist Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) both voiced support for the Securing Agriculture Workforce Act, aimed modernizing the H-2A temporary ag workers program.

    “The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act represents the most significant reform to the ag workforce we’ve seen in decades,” said NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud. “It is particularly critical for dairy farmers, who have been effectively shut out of the nation’s primary legal agricultural guest worker program.”

    The bill was introduced by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Penn.),  who chairs the House Ag Committee. Both organizations praised his leadership with the bill.

    “Dairy farms and processors alike operate year-round and need access to a reliable workforce. Modernizing the H-2A program to meet the workforce needs of year-round dairy farm operations moves the needle in the right direction by strengthening the dairy supply chain,” said IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes. ” Although dairy processors also need reforms that offer workforce support, the Securing Agriculture Workforce Act better positions all of U.S. dairy to ensure families continue to have access to nutritious dairy products. IDFA thanks Chairman Thompson for his leadership in introducing this important legislation.”

    “I applaud Chairman Thompson and the other original co-sponsors for introducing this bill. Chairman Thompson, thank you for leading the way, as you so often have to the most important issues facing agriculture. NMPF will rally its advocates across dairy and all of agriculture to support this bill, and it stands ready to help build momentum in the House, secure a Senate companion bill, and ultimately get this legislation to the president’s desk.”

  • Dairy Orgs Praise H-2A Guidance for Dairy Operations

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) have released statements supporting the Trump Administration’s recent guidance clarifying how dairy operations my use the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program when they can demonstrate a qualifying temporary or seasonal labor need under existing laws.

    “IDFA appreciates President Trump’s commitment to advancing a workforce solution that recognizes the unique needs of America’s dairy industry,” IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes said on June 17. “Today’s announcement makes the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program a more viable tool for dairy producers, who have had no way to participate in a program designed primarily for seasonal agriculture.”

    “Dairy farmers appreciate the new clarification released by the Trump administration outlining how dairy operations may use the H-2A agricultural worker program. The dairy industry has long sought access to the H-2A program, and this guidance will help open the door for dairies to begin using this program,” said NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud. “We applaud secretaries Rollins and Mullin and acting Secretary Sonderling for their proactive leadership on this issue and look forward to learning more about these important new changes.”

    In its guidance, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarified that the policy memorandum in no way imposes new obligations on employers submitting H-2A petitions, ensuring the USCIS will handle petitions on a case-by-case basis.

    “NMPF pledges to work with both Congress and the administration to secure long-term certainty for the dairy workforce, including solutions to transition to H-2A, which will ensure that dairies across the nation are set up to thrive, boosting rural communities and providing Americans and the world with high-quality, nutritious products,” Doud said.

  • NMPF Releases Statement on New World Screwworm

    The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) released a statement following the detection of New World screwworm in Texas last week. NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud weighed in on the news stating:

    “The return of Wew World screwworm to the United States decades after its initial eradication is a disappointing milestone, but it’s also one for which dairy producers have been preparing for more than a year, in collaboration with USDA and across agriculture. It’s important to remember that this development has no effect on food safety, and that measures to combat both the screwworm and its spread are in place and time-tested. We appreciate the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proactive efforts to prepare for this moment, and we stand ready to work with the department to address any ongoing challenges.

    Now that USDA has confirmed that screwworm is here, dairy farmers and all livestock producers pledge close collaboration with USDA, state and local officials, and producer organizations to mitigate any harmful effects and educate farmers on how to protect their herds. We have been creating resources to guide farmers in their responses, and we will keep our members well informed of any important screwworm developments.

    We also urge officials to follow scientific guidance in any decisions affecting animal movements and regulatory responses to avoid causing economic harm that could be greater than the screwworm itself. We also ask that adequate resources be provided to combat this problem, which causes suffering in animals and creates risk for producers.”

    Currently, no instances of New World screwworm have been reported in California.

  • Milk Production Shows Growth at Slowed Rate

    Milk production grew 2.3% on a liquid basis in March, marking the fourth consecutive month of positive but slowing milk production. Despite decelerating production, milkfat supplies remain ample, and CME butter prices have eased over the last month as a result.

    Skim solids tell a different story: Nonfat dry milk (NFDM) prices set records throughout April and into May as new cheese capacity and insatiable demand for high-protein dairy products competed with dryers for milk. Yogurt and cottage cheese production and retail sales continue to gain momentum, and whey protein concentrate use rose almost 20% in March despite steep prices.

    However, even as protein demand remains high, warning signs of economic pressures on consumers are beginning to flash. Inflation in April accelerated to 3.8%, and consumer sentiment dropped to a record low. Economic pressures have translated to softer foodservice volumes, highlighted by cheese and butter domestic use easing. Overall, the Class IV rally driven by NFDM has helped buoy the All Milk Price, resulting in a March DMC Margin of $9.57/cwt, yet that improved margin disguises significant regional variation.

    Graph of the Month

    Milk production is still growing but has recently showed signs of deceleration. While component growth contributed heavily to increases in milk production in 2025, recent year-over-year increases were almost entirely due to growth in the milking herd. Beef-on-dairy is contributing significantly to farm income as dairy commodity prices ease; producers are producing additional black calves in response but are not pushing for additional component growth due to the cost of the additional feed input relative to the marginal gain in production. Still, genetic advancements continue, meaning that some growth in liquid milk per cow and higher component production are built into today’s herd.

    Click here to read more on the May Dairy Market Report. — Story by National Milk Producers Federation

  • NMPF Applauds Farm Bill Passage in House

    The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) voiced its support for the passage of the Farm Bill in the House of Representatives, and are now urging Senate to follow suit.

    The Farm bill was passed Thursday morning, and includes several provisions that benefit American dairy producers, such as expansion of the SNAP Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives projects into broader Dairy Nutrition Incentives Projects, according to the International Dairy Foods Association. NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud praised the passage.

    “The House-passed 2026 Farm Bill supports the farm safety net, preserves existing conservation programs that include opportunities for dairy and livestock producers, bolsters trade promotion programs while protecting common food names, recognizes the important role of dairy in nutrition, and supports animal health programs. All of these are important priorities to dairy farmers and the broader industry, and we appreciate the leadership shown by House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson and other dairy champions to get this legislation through the House,” Doud said. “We look forward to the Senate taking up the farm bill without delay. At a time where farmers face unprecedented challenges, Congress needs to provide the stability of a five-year, comprehensive farm bill. We will work with leaders in both chambers, from both parties, to get a farm bill signed into law.” — Story Contributed by the National Milk Producers Federation

  • Dairy Prices Continue to Gain Strength

    Butter, cheese and dry whey showed growth in both domestic use and exports in February. Despite recent focus on high-protein products, butter had a particularly strong month, with exports up 94% and domestic use up 15% year-over-year. Healthy demand for dairy products is supporting commodity prices at the CME, with all except dry whey posting monthly gains in March. Nonfat dry milk (NFDM) reached record levels in mid-April as high protein products competed for skim solids. DMC margins improved slightly from January, settling at $8.46/cwt for February, and recent price rallies in commodity prices are expected to boost margins in the coming months.

    American consumers are seeking out higher-protein products like cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, sending less milk to dryers (see March’s Graph of the Month). That in turn is tightening availability of NFDM and contributing to record high NFDM prices. With over 70% of NFDM typically exported, the U.S. now sits significantly above EU and NZ pricing. If U.S. sales to these markets begin to ease, prices are likely to follow. Yet even if prices eventually decline, thanks to the strength and pull of protein in products like yogurts, cottage cheese and beverages, NFDM prices should be firmer than the last several years, even if today’s altitude is unlikely to be maintained indefinitely.

    Source: National Milk Producers Federation

    Read the full National Milk Producers Federation report here. — Story contributed by the National Milk Producers Federation