Policy Thursday
Dairy Disaster Assistance & Dietary Guideline Update
FMMO Hearing Continues
FMMO Hearing Underway
NMPF On FDA’S Draft Plant-Based Labeling Guidance
Farm Bill Deadline Looming
What’s The Deal With Animal Free Milk?
Improving Federal Milk Pricing System Is A Process
National Milk Producers Federation Update
Modernizing Milk Pricing In USDA’s Hands
Moving the issue of milk price reform is now in USDA’s court, as we hear from Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation:
Milk Price Reform Discussions Continue
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest efforts to reform the federal milk pricing system:
Milk Price Reform Reaches Pivotal Point
While the process of a USDA FMMO hearing and a referendum vote by producers will take some time, the National Milk Producers Federation already have come a long way toward achieving improvements to milk pricing that will modernize this important program. NMPF’s Chris Galen shares more on today’s Dairy Radio NOW:
Provide Your Feedback on Fake Milk
National Milk’s Chris Galen joins us to discuss the public comment period for FDA’s guidance of plant based labels. Dairy advocates may learn more about the issue and offer comments here. Galen also updated us on legislation called DAIRY PRIDE, an acronym for the Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese to Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act.
Sen. Baldwin Comments On Fake Milk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) unwillingness to limit dairy terms to true dairy products makes passage of the DAIRY PRIDE Act more necessary than ever, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-WI, said in a Dairy Defined podcast released this week. Listen to the full podcast here
Dairy Pride Act Would Help End Consumer Confusion
The National Milk Producers Federation commended a bipartisan group of senators for re-introducing the DAIRY PRIDE Act, which would end the problem of consumer confusion of the nutritional content of plant-based beverages the Food and Drug Administration took inadequate steps to remedy last week.
FDA is accepting comments on its draft guidance until April 24. Meanwhile, DAIRY PRIDE introduction in the House of Representatives is expected within weeks. NMPF’s Chris Galen gave Dairy Radio Now listeners an update from our nation’s capital:
Farm Bill Discussion An Example of Bipartisanship
The National Milk Producers Federation commended three NMPF cooperative members who spoke up for dairy producers today at a bipartisan House Agriculture Committee farm bill listening session held in Tulare, CA. California earlier this week. Chris Galen provided an update on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
Holding Canada Responsible For Trade Violations
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) commended a recent announcement that the U.S. Trade Representative has formally moved to advance a U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dispute settlement proceeding and establish a second panel to determine whether Canada has been in violation of its market access obligations under the agreement. NMPF’s Chris Galen tells us about it on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
Farmer Angel Network
Farming is a uniquely stressful occupation, and farmer mental-health needs tend to be underserved, said Loganville, WI dairy farmer Randy Roecker in the latest Dairy Defined podcast. Roecker, a board member for Foremost Farms USA, is a co-founder of the Farmer Angel Network, a Wisconsin organization that helps support farmers’ mental health needs. More info about the Farmer Angel Network here: https://www.farmerangelnetwork.com/
How Much ‘Farm’ Is In The Farm Bill?
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Dairy Radio Now to discuss the challenges of getting a new Farm Bill passed.
NMPF Keeps New Farm Bill On Radar
The 118th Congress convenes and clear policy challenges lie ahead. Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Dairy Radio Now to discuss the top priorities for ’23:
Spending Bill Priority To End Year
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on what the congressional lame duck session has been up to, as we close out 2022.
NMPF Encourages Scholarship Holiday Giving
Holiday giving season is under way, and NMPF’s National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program is a worthy beneficiary for anyone who cares about a better industry future, explains Nicole Ayache, who leads the program at NMPF, in the latest Dairy Defined podcast. The full podcast is here. You can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
Deadline Looms For Ag Labor Reform
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Dairy Radio Now to share the importance of Congress acting now on ag labor reform rather than wait for a new divisive Congress.
U.S. To Host World Dairy Summit
The International Dairy Federation (IDF) World Dairy Summit brings unique opportunities for U.S. dairy as the host nation for the Chicago event, to be held next Oct. 16-19. The global conference returns to the United States for the first time in three decades, at a moment when rising exports and world-leading sustainability gives the U.S. industry a great story to tell, according to three leaders in organizing next year’s events. Listen Here to the NMPF Dairy Defined Podcast
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and giving thanks. We are very thankful for today’s dairy farmers who put in the hours every day of the year. National Milk’s Chris Galen joins us today:
Mid Terms Are History, But Who Won?
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on the days after the mid-terms:
Joint Annual Mtg Wraps Up in Denver
The National Milk Producers Federation recently wrapped up their joint annual meeting with Dairy Management, Inc. Chris Galen gives us a recap from Denver:
Joint Annual Meeting Approaching
The 2022 Joint Annual Meeting of the National Dairy Board, the National Milk Producers Federation and the United Dairy Industry Association is approaching quickly, October 23-26, at the beautiful new Gaylord Rockies Resort, which is just a few minutes from the Denver International airport. NMPF’s Chris Galen gave Dairy Radio Now listeners a preview:
USDA Invests In Climate Smart Solutions
Dairy farmers are receiving assistance from USDA when it comes to Climate Smart Solutions. Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation tells us more on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
Dairy Imitators Continue
The National Milk Producers Federation is continuing to combat the dairy imitators as we hear from NMPF’s Chris Galen:
Inflation Reduction Act Helps Farmers
The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act will pour billions of dollars into the agriculture industry. We hear more from Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation:
Inflation Reduction Act Discussed
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Policy Thursday to discuss the revamping of the scuttled Build Back Better initiative:
Build Back Better Goes On Back Burner
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Dairy Radio Now to update us on the next steps to help dairy producers with important climate technology, now that the Biden Administration’s Build Back Better proposal is dormant.
Modernizing Milk Pricing Is A Process
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest progress of modernizing the Federal Milk Marketing Order pricing system.
Feed Industry Gathers
Louise Calderwood, director of regulatory affairs with the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) joins us on today’s Dairy Radio Now from the AFIA annual meeting.
Revamping The Milk Pricing System
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updates Dairy Radio Now listeners on revamping the Federal Milk Marketing Order system the milk pricing:
Fake Milk Labeling Changes Expected
With FDA guidance expected on the proper labeling of plant-based milk alternatives sometime this summer, the National Milk Producers Federation is asking the FDA to rethink plant-based beverages when defining milk. Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on today’s Policy Thursday:
Dairy Operators Need Seasonal Workers
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest push to approve the H-2A Visa Program for year-round dairy farm employers:
Shipping Relief Needed For Dairy Exports
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) recently sent a letter to the Biden administration recommending specific steps to provide relief and support to dairy farmers and exporters facing supply chain constraints. NMPF’s Chris Galen shared more on Thursday’s Dairy Radio Now:
Farm Bill & Ag Labor Discussed
Paul Bleiberg, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the National Milk Producers Federation, in a Dairy Defined podcast, discussed the latest from Washington, including work on the next farm bill and immigration reform. Listen to the complete Dairy Defined podcast here
CWT Continues Around The Globe
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) is a program designed exclusively by America’s dairy farmers for the benefit of America’s dairy farmers. Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation gives us the latest numbers:
Quantifying Emission Reductions
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest efforts to reduce greenhouse gasses.
NY Mayor Isn’t A Flavored Milk Fan
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) responded to a bipartisan letter from Rep. Antonio Delgado and Members of Congress from New York encouraging New York City Mayor Eric Adams not to eliminate flavored milk from New York City school meals. Read More
Port Shipments Need Enforcing
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Dairy Radio Now with an update on the latest enforcement actions against some vessel owners:
Cheering On The New FDA Chief
Dr. Robert M. Califf was named Commissioner of Food and Drugs. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on our Policy Thursday to discuss what the new appointment, and why NMPF is cheering for his success:
Attempts Made To Ease Port Congestion
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new program to help address the export side of the supply chain crisis. NMPF’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest attempts to ease port congestion and get exports flowing again:
A REAL Dairy Guarantee
Trade Win Over Canada
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) celebrated a landmark decision published this week which found Canada is improperly restricting access to its market for U.S. dairy products in violation of its U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) commitments. NMPF’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on what this means for the U.S. dairy industry moving forward:
A Blessed Christmas During Uncertain Times
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updates Dairy Radio Now listeners on what the industry has been through in 2021 and what we can look forward to in 2022:
DMC Signups Begin Monday
The National Milk Producers Federation is urging farmers to sign up for maximum coverage in 2022 under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, which USDA announced will open for enrollment from Monday, Dec. 13, through Feb. 18. This year’s DMC signup is accompanied by new enhancements that make the program even more valuable for producers seeking protection against unforeseen market risks. NMPF’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on Thursday’s broadcast:
Giving Thanks
There is plenty to be thankful for this holiday season. National Milk’s Chris Galen joined us for a special Thanksgiving broadcast:
Make Every Drop Count
The dairy community will soon be gathering at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas Nov. 14-17 for the 2021 NMPF annual meeting, held in conjunction with the national dairy checkoff organizations overseen by Dairy Management Inc. With a theme of “Make Every Drop Count,” this year’s event will examine how dairy’s policy and promotion organizations work together globally to build markets for dairy products. The annual meeting website has more information. NMPF’s Chris Galen gives Dairy Radio Now listeners a preview:
Port Congestion and Social Safety Bill Update
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest news from our nation’s capital:
Discussion Continues To ‘Build Back Better’
The Build Back Better Agenda is being debated in our nations capital – and as we hear from National Milk’s Chris Galen, the proposed legislation has a hefty price tag to help create jobs, cut taxes, and lower costs for working families.
Gallagher Steps Down As CEO
Dairy Management Inc. announced that Tom Gallagher has decided to conclude his 30-year tenure as CEO to devote more time to teaching and other opportunities. Barbara O’Brien, President of DMI and CEO of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, has been named by the board of directors as the next CEO. For information about the dairy checkoff, visit www.usdairy.com.
How Do You Spell Relief?
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest relief efforts congress is working on to assist dairy producers with their losses due to the global pandemic.
More Federal Relief For Dairy
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest relief aid for dairy farmers:
Bipartisan Infrastructure Package
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on two separate infrastructure packages being discussed by Congress. The first a bipartisan bill passed by the Senate:
Senate Works On Infrastructure Package
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest U.S. senate effort to pass a far reaching infrastructure package for the U.S.
Senate Committee Hears Farm Labor Concerns
A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing was held this week on farm labor. Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updated listeners on Thursday’s Dairy Radio Now:
Farmer Experience A Plus In Congress
Rep. David Valadao, R-CA, shares the latest in a recent NMPF Dairy Defined podcast. The full podcast is here. You can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
Proposed Spending Bill Goes To House
The House Appropriations Committee proposes a spending bill for fiscal ’22 that includes a wide variety of assistance and programs. Chris Galen, Sr. VP of Membership Services and Strategic Initiatives with the National Milk Producers Federation gave us an update on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
NDPO Offers National Weekly Calls
The National Dairy Producers Organization invites you to their weekly national calls every Tuesday night. Gary Genske, NDPO board treasurer, gives us an update on today’s Dairy Radio. The weekly calls are every Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. eastern time. The live call-in number is: 712-775-7035 pin: 330090#
Port Congestion Problems Continue
Port congestion problems continue for U.S. dairy exporters. Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on our Policy Thursday with an update:
June Dairy Month Focus: Health & Sustainability
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Dairy Radio to discuss the importance of personal and planet health as we celebrate June Dairy Month:
NMPF Welcomes USMCA Enforcement
Canada has failed to take the necessary action to be in compliance with its obligations under USMCA by restricting access to the dairy tariff rate quotas (TRQs). Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation tells us more:
Positive Dairy Market Report
Several positive signs have emerged in recent months that are pointing to a tightening milk supply-demand balance and improving milk prices. View Full DMI-NMPF Report
Working With New Administration
In a recent meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, and NMPF’s Chairman Randy Mooney offered to closely collaborate with Ambassador Tai and the entire Biden Administration on trade in order to strengthen the health of the U.S. dairy industry to allow for further expansion of the hundreds of thousands of dairy-reliant jobs across the country. NMPF’s Chris Galen tells us more on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
Dairy Pride Act Takes Aim At Imitators
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated us on the latest news in the battle against dairy imitators:
Farmers To Families Food Box Program Ends
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated us on what is going to replace the Families to Farmers Food Box Program:
Dairy Margin Coverage Update
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest Dairy Margin Coverage insurance payments to producers, and also Tom Vilsack’s “full plate” in returning as Ag. Secretary:
Dairy Farmers Are Environmental Leaders
Through commitments like the Net Zero Initiative and efforts like the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program, dairy farmers are well-positioned to be agricultural leaders in mitigating climate change, said Dr. Jamie Jonker, NMPF’s Vice President for Sustainability and Scientific Affairs, in an NMPF podcast .
FARM Year in Review
The National Dairy FARM Program (FARM) has published its 2020 Year in Review. Serving as the annual summary of the achievements and program developments of the FARM Program, the Year in Review showcases successes and challenges during a year of change and uncertainty.
Congress Returns Monday With Full Plate
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updated listeners on the big “to do” list that Congress is facing when they return from break this week.
Milk Production Outstrips Gains
Milk production is increasing faster than demand is recovering, making 2021 a challenging year for dairy farmers, said Peter Vitaliano, NMPF’s chief economist, in an NMPF Dairy Defined podcast. Excerpts on today’s Dairy Radio:
Vilsack Anticipates Full Plate
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest confirmation of the former and most likely the next Agriculture Secretary:
A Busy Next 100 Days
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Dairy Radio to discuss the Biden administration’s next 100 days and what it means for the dairy industry:
Dietary Guidelines: Make Every Bite Count
Newly released federal dietary guidelines will benefit dairy, even as work remains to be done, said Miquela Hanselman, NMPF’s regulatory affairs manager, from a Dairy Defined podcast. More info on the new guidelines: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/
More Stimulus For Farmers
Setting non-dairy issues aside after a rough week in Washington D.C., Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation gave us an update on more stimulus heading to dairy farmers:
Dear President Trump and Secretary Perdue
CFAP – Round 2
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio listeners on round 2 of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program:
CFAP Enrollment Deadline Approaching
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio listeners on the latest news regarding the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program:
CFAP & USMCA Update
National Milk’s Chris Galen updates Dairy Radio Now listeners on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and the latest news on the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). :
Congress Has Work Before Summer Recess
Lawmakers need to pass a budget before heading to summer recess. NMPF’s Chris Galen provides an update, and also reminds us of the public comment deadline for input on the new dietary guidelines:
Dairy Market Report Recap
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest Dairy Market Report:
USMCA Needs Enforcement
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is designed to usher in significant changes to U.S.-Canadian dairy trade, restore certainty to U.S.-Mexico trade relations and establish important protections for common name cheeses. But as Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation says, the full benefit now relies on robust enforcement of the agreement:
Dairy CFAP Update
More than 15,000 dairy operators have signed up for the Coronovirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). National Milk’s Chris Galen joined us on Dairy Radio with an update:
Dairy Rebound Expected
Higher milk prices and effective federal policies – both encouraged by dairy’s unity in responding to the coronavirus crisis – are presenting positive opportunities, according to James “Cricket” Jacquier, a member of the NMPF’s executive committee and chairman of the board for Agri-Mark. Dairy Defined Podcast
Corona Aid Update
Dairy farmers are eligible for direct support through USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). CFAP provides direct financial assistance to agricultural producers, providing them the ability to weather the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19.
Visit www.farmers.gov/cfap for additional information about CFAP – NMPF’s Chris Galen updates Dairy Radio listeners:
Dairy Industry Looks Beyond 2020
Far-reaching dairy sustainability goals go hand-in-hand with economic opportunity for dairy farmers, according to Krysta Harden, executive vice president, global environmental strategy, for Dairy Management Inc. and Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, in an NMPF podcast:
Federal Stimulus Hopes to Weather Storm
Details of the new disaster relief program are being discussed by USDA, NMPF’s Chris Galen tells us more on today’s Dairy Radio Now :
Stay Focused
The economic and health risks of coronavirus have many dairy producers on edge – but staying focused on the task at hand and remembering the value that dairy farming provides can help carry farmers through, says NMPF’s Emily Yeiser-Stepp: LISTEN
Dairy Farmers Await Stimulus Relief
USDA recently announced a stimulus package for dairy farmers, but where do assistance efforts go from here? NMPF’s Chris Galen joined us today’s Dairy Radio Now:
Spotlight on Bovine Coronavirus
More than four decades of dairy-industry experience with bovine coronavirus shouldn’t translate to complacency on farms about the human version, says Mike Lormore, the Director of U.S. Dairy Cattle Technical Services for Zoetis, in a recent NMPF podcast.
Joint Plan To Support Dairy Industry
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) sent a set of recommendations to the U.S. Department of Agriculture urging the Administration to take swift, comprehensive action to support the U.S. dairy industry through the COVID-19 crisis. NMPF’s Chris Galen joined us on today’s Dairy Radio:
“We’re Going To Get Through This”
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) is maintaining contact with global customers, despite challenges posed by Covid-19. President and CEO Tom Vilsack tells more about long-term opportunities for U.S. dairy exports:
Dairy Industry Needs Stimulus
Legislation Congress passed last week contains provisions needed for dairy. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation updated listeners on Thursday’s Dairy Radio Now:
Safe, Steady Milk Production Continues
Dairy Farmers Descend on Senate, Demand Labor Reform
Dairy farmers from National Milk Producers Federation member cooperatives and state dairy associations are visiting U.S. Senate offices today and tomorrow as part of a fly-in calling for an agricultural labor bill that could be reconciled with a plan the House approved last year, providing the stable, secure labor force U.S. dairy producers need. Read more
Farm Labor Crisis Needs Attention
The U.S. House passage of legislation that helps address dairy’s unique workforce challenges is now awaiting Senate approval. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio listeners on the Farm Workforce Modernization Act:
Fake Milk Labeling Needs Resolution
House Energy and Commerce subcommittee included the DAIRY PRIDE Act on its list of key pieces of legislation related to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this year. Chris Galen, Sr. VP of Membership Services and Strategic Initiatives with the National Milk Producers Federation joins us on Dairy Radio with an update: