NMPF Heads West for Board Meeting Tackling Labor, Celebrating Whole Milk
April 1, 2026
NMPF’s first March Board of Directors Meeting outside the Beltway brought fresh Arizona air — and innovative ideas — to critical discussions for the future of days March 9–10.
Committee and full-board discussions on labor, economics and animal health highlighted the two-day format of intense discussions and presentations held in Scottsdale. The successful new format both reduced travel burdens and costs for members while providing new opportunities to share staff updates and expertise with dairy leaders.
“We have a great team that’s doing a great job,” said NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud. “We are not letting off of the gas.”
Attendees had much to celebrate in terms of wins over the past few months, including the enactment of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and favorable recognition of dairy’s nutritional benefits in the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Still, critical work remains on contentious topics including agricultural labor, a special focus at the meeting.
Key outcomes and action items from the meeting included:
- The Board approved the establishment of a Membership Committee to explore affiliate membership qualification, dues and benefits. The committee will present recommendations at the June meeting.
- The Board approved the development of an Enhanced Livestock Coverage Option with further economic analysis to be presented at the June meeting.
- NMPF moved toward common member goals on ag labor policy based on discussion with the Immigration Task Force led by Agri-Mark Chairman and executive committee member Cricket Jacquier.
- Charles Krause of Minnesota and Jennifer Leech of Virginia were welcomed as new board members representing Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
If any board members or cooperatives need targeted talking points on ag labor or other issues as they engage their elected officials, reach out to Trey Forsyth (tforsyth@nmpf.org) and Maria Brockamp (mbrockamp@nmpf.org).
The next board meeting is set for June 8–10 at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City in Arlington, VA. NMPF will send registration and hotel details in early April. The plan is for board members to attend committee meetings June 8, with the board meeting the next day and Capitol Hill visits the final day. NMPF’s Animal Health and Well-Being Committee is also meeting June 10–11.
