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:

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. 

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

National Milk’s Chris Galen updated us on the latest news in the battle against dairy imitators:

National Milk’s Chris Galen updated us on what is going to replace the Families to Farmers Food Box Program:

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:

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. 

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.

National Milk’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest confirmation of the former and most likely the next Agriculture Secretary:

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:

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/

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:

Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio listeners on round 2 of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program:

National Milk’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio listeners on the latest news regarding the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program:

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). :

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:

Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest Dairy Market Report:

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:

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:

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

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:

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 :

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

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:

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 here.

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:

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:

Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joins us on today’s Dairy Radio:

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

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:

 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:

A flurry of trade legislation activity occurred in Washington D.C. recently and has the U.S. dairy industry optimistic for feeding the world.. Chris Galen, Sr. VP of Strategic Initiatives and Membership Services updated Dairy Radio listeners on the latest news:

Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to discuss the latest on how lawmakers are dealing with the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement:

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) praised the House of Representatives for approving legislation implementing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). As NMPF”s Chris Galen tells us, now it’s the Senate’s turn:

Another round of direct payments to farmers has been announced through the Market Facilitation Program. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation tells us more:

CWT continues to post strong numbers by assisting member cooperatives in securing contracts to sell dairy products to places like Asia, Central America, the Middle East, Oceania and South America. National Milk’s Chris Galen gives us an update on today’s Dairy Radio:

Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio listeners on the new Dairy Margin Coverage safety net for dairy producers.

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) welcomed California Dairies Inc., the second-largest U.S. dairy cooperative by volume, into its membership by unanimous vote during its June board meeting. NMPF’s Chris Galen has more:

Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio listeners on the federal trade mitigation package for farmers:

National Milk’s Chris Galen joined us on our Policy Thursday to discuss the
ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China and the new Dairy Margin Coverage program:

The National Milk Producers Federation continues to encourage farmers to prepare for Dairy Margin Coverage signup, scheduled to begin June 17. The USDA’s decision tool, designed to help farmers determine their appropriate coverage level, is now online here. Later this week, letters will be sent to producers informing them of their premium refunds under the previous Margin Protection Program. NMPF’s Chris Galen tells us more:

An important new study from the European Journal of Nutrition reveals that young children fed a diet relying on plant based beverages “may risk deficiencies of calcium, zinc, iodine, vitamins B2, B12, D, A, and indispensable amino acids.” National Milk’s Chris Galen on Dairy Radio:

An administration proposal to close the U. S. southern border with Mexico would send shock waves through the U.S. dairy industry, closing off access to its largest dairy export market, according to leading U.S. dairy organizations. NMPF’s Chris Galen joined us on Dairy Radio to discuss:

The National Milk Producers Federation voiced strong support for the DAIRY PRIDE Act, calling it another means toward a crucial end for consumers: the end of mislabeled non-dairy products as “milks” in the marketplace. NMPF’s Chris Galen joined provides an update:

With the U.S. Department of Agriculture reporting the first month of data applicable to farmer payments under the new Dairy Margin Coverage program, the National Milk Producers Federation commended USDA for helping farmers understand the scope of DMC program and offered its own example to illustrate the potential benefits of maximizing coverage under the new top margin-coverage level of $9.50 per hundredweight. Read More

In a letter to Hamdi Ulukaya, chief executive officer of Chobani, National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) President and CEO Jim Mulhern thanked the company for supporting transparency in the use of dairy terms on food-product labels, the subject of a recently ended FDA comment period. Read More

Will cooler heads prevail to fund the U.S. government? Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Policy Thursday:

A study released today by the U.S Dairy Export Council projects new trade agreements between Japan and other countries will put U.S. dairy exports at a competitive disadvantage, resulting in lost U.S. sales of $5.4 billion over 21 years (Read more). USDEC President and CEO Tom Vilsack joined us on Dairy Radio Now to discuss:

With only six days to go before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) comment period on fake milks ends, new consumer research shows Americans widely disapprove of dairy terms being appropriated by fake-milk producers, as well as confusion on the nutritional content of milk versus plant-based imitators, offering further evidence that FDA must enforce long-existing standards of identity on dairy imposters. Read More

We have a new Farm Bill that will benefit dairy farmers but the government shutdown has put a ‘hitch in the giddy-up’ for the time being. Dairy has been noted as a big winner in the Farm Bill, with new programs that assist dairy producers facing low prices. Chris Galen of the National Milk producers Federation joined us on our Policy Thursday to discuss some of the important policy reforms:

Despite a government shutdown, there is some optimism for dairy producers when the new Farm Bill is implemented.  Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation provided us an update:

House and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairmen Mike Conaway (R-Texas) and Pat Roberts (R- Kan.) and Ranking Members Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) made the following announcement today on the state of 2018 Farm Bill negotiations:

“We’re pleased to announce that we’ve reached an agreement in principle on the 2018 Farm Bill. We are working to finalize legal and report language as well as CBO scores, but we still have more work to do. We are committed to delivering a new farm bill to America as quickly as possible.” Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on Thursday’s Dairy Radio Now to discuss:

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) urged Congress to make passing a new farm bill a top priority in its lame-duck session, saying that dairy farmers harmed by low prices would benefit from the certainty and improvements likely to be part of the final law. NMPF’s Chris Galen joined us on Dairy Radio Now to discuss and also alert dairy producers of the deadline to submit public comment on fake-milk labeling:

U.S. dairy farmers at their annual meeting in Pheonix this week asked President Donald Trump to recognize the significant economic losses milk producers are suffering because of the administration’s implementation of Section 232 and 301 tariffs. The duties have resulted in retaliatory tariffs against U.S. dairy exports, particularly in Mexico and China. They continue to cause severe economic harm to U.S. dairy farmers, according to the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), as its board of directors adopted a resolution calling for aid commensurate to that damage. NMPF’s Chris Galen tells us more:

Every fall, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) organizes a joint annual meeting with the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) and the United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA). Dairy producers, member cooperatives, Young Cooperators (YCs), industry representatives, staff and others from all over the country arrive for three days of speeches, reports, banquets, general sessions, town hall meetings, and award ceremonies. NMPF’s Chris Galen gave Dairy Radio Now listeners a preview on today’s program.