Author: Theresa Sweeney

Scholarship Fundraising Raffle Live

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

NMPF’s annual scholarship fundraising raffle is now live, running through this year’s Joint Annual Meeting and concluding Oct. 23 when winners are announced.

Prizes this year include a $1,000 travel voucher, American Express gift cards, Target gift cards, a Cabot Creamery Ultimate Gift Box, and more. The raffle can be accessed here. Annual Meeting attendees also will have the chance to support the program by participating in a silent auction.

The NMPF National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program supports Master’s and Ph.D. students conducting research important to dairy farmers. The scholarship program is largely funded through the raffle fundraiser and silent auction, making ticket purchases essential to its funding. Sustaining this program ensures that critical research benefiting dairy can continue.

Scholarship winners for 2024 selected by the NMPF Scholarship Committee included five graduate students conducting research in areas that will benefit dairy cooperatives and producers. Scholarships, announced to NMPF’s Board of Directors in June, were awarded to:

  • Agustin Olivo, a doctoral candidate in Animal Science at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Olivo’s research focuses on evaluation and dissemination of system analysis tools and performance indicators to improve environmental outcomes of New York dairies.
  • Ana Beatriz Montevecchio Bernardino, a doctoral candidate in Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Montevecchio Bernardino is studying the effect of a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory formulation on welfare of Holstein cows challenged with E. coli.
  • Grant Fincham, a master’s of science candidate in Ruminant Nutrition at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Fincham’s research looks at whole animal energy utilization and manure biogas production in feeding dried distillers grains with solubles to lactating dairy cattle.
  • Lynn Olthof, a doctoral candidate in Animal Science-Dairy Management at Michigan State University. Olthof is studying the economic implications of dairy farm management decisions.
  • Megan Lauber, a doctoral candidate in Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Lauber is investigating an integrated approach to optimize sexed semen in dairy herds.

Annual Meeting Nears

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

NMPF’s annual meeting Oct. 21-22 in Phoenix is in its final planning as dairy leaders from across the nation prepare to address critical industry issues.

The event will feature discussions on topics that matter most to United Dairymen of Arizona farmer-owners and the broader dairy community. Attendees will gain valuable insights into key export markets, including the dairy products and ingredients that promise the greatest returns. NMPF economists will offer in-depth analysis of the current dairy economy, a forecast for 2025 and insights into factors that will influence milk supply, demand and pricing in the year ahead.

NMPF’s annual Young Cooperators (YC) Leadership and Development Program, which runs concurrently with the annual meeting, this year will both provide perspective on dairying in the southwest while providing a platform for YCs to engage in meaningful discussions on issues, with a focus on building skills for effective cooperative governance and navigating labor pressures.

The annual meeting is co-hosted with the United Dairy Industry Association and the National Dairy Board.

August DMC Margin Sets Record

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) monthly margin rose by $1.40/cwt from the month before to $13.72/cwt, the highest since margin protection replaced the old price support program as the basic dairy safety net program in January 2015. The August all-milk price was $23.60/cwt, up $0.80/cwt from July, and the DMC feed cost formula dropped by $0.60/cwt of milk, driven mostly by a lower corn price.

Late September dairy and grain futures indicated that the DMC margin would average around $12.20/cwt for all of calendar year 2024.

NMPF Leads Fight Against Colombian Investigation, Tariffs

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

NMPF and the U.S. Dairy Export Council called on the U.S. government to respond forcefully to the Colombian government’s Sept. 16 provisional decision to impose an additional 4.86% tariff on milk powder imports from the United States as part of its politically motivated Subsidies and Countervailing Measures investigation.

The decision alleges without any credible evidence that the United States has unduly subsidized milk powder exports, damaging Colombian dairy producers. Since the announcement of the subsidies and countervailing measures investigation in July, NMPF and USDEC have aligned efforts with their members and the U.S. government to respond to Colombia’s questionnaires, strongly rejecting the investigation’s allegations and arguing that:

  • The benefits of the alleged subsidies to U.S. dairy producers identified by the Colombian Investigative Authority were calculated incorrectly. In multiple cases, benefits were assigned from programs that were no longer in force by 2023 or assigned in a manner contrary to World Trade Organization rules;
  • The methodologies for both the transfer of the alleged subsidies to U.S. milk powder producers and the conversion factors from fluid milk to milk powder as proposed by the Investigative Authority were incorrect;
  • Due to different physical characteristics and end uses, Colombia failed to demonstrate that milk powder imports originating in the United States are comparable to fluid milk produced in Colombia, a key similarity element required in countervailing duty cases; and
  • There is no evidence that the domestic Colombian industry has suffered injury as a result of imports of milk powder originating in the United States.

NMPF and USDEC have pushed the U.S. government to immediately and forcefully respond to the unwarranted tariffs.

The tariffs, it’s important to note, are only preliminary. Colombia will consider whether to increase, decrease or eliminate them as the investigation moves forward. NMPF will continue to participate in the subsidies and countervailing duty investigation, including by participating in an Oct. 3 hearing on the case, and engage political allies as needed.

Please contact Jaime Castaneda at jcastaneda@nmpf.org with any questions about this investigation.

NMPF Hosts Dairy H5N1 Technical Committee Workshop

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

NMPF assembled a technical committee made up of key stakeholders including dairy producers, veterinarians, and state and federal partners on Sept. 4-5 in Arlington, VA, to discuss the biggest hurdles and opportunities for the industry since H5N1 was found in dairy cows.

The workshop was funded in part through a USDA grant to bring together stakeholders for H5N1 discussions and recommendations. As the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle continues to evolve, new challenges have emerged and the actions to date need to be evaluated and refined based on new information. This requires a coordinated approach to address animal health, public health, food safety and environmental concerns. NMPF has been a strong leader throughout this outbreak crisis and is uniquely positioned to bring stakeholders together.

Participants– including state veterinarians, dairy producers, researchers, state public health officials, laboratory experts from the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and representatives from the Food and Drug Administration, USDA National Preparedness and Incident Coordination, USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service– shared their unique perspectives and challenges.

The meeting included presentations on herd-level surveillance, diagnostics for surveillance, and the latest research on transmission. Dr. Mark Lyons, director of the USDA Ruminant Health Center, and Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, owner of Preventalytics and the workshop facilitator, presented on current and future herd level surveillance. This presentation led to a group discussion and breakout sessions on surveillance goals and what it means to achieve disease elimination.

Participants also discussed research needs for disease transmission following a presentation from Dr. Lindsey Holstrom from USDA NPIC, and opportunities for testing following presentations on diagnostics from Dr. Suelee Robbe Austerman of USDA NVSL, Dr. Drew Magstadt of Iowa State University, Dr. Jason Lombard of Colorado State University, and Dr. Keith Paulson of the University of Wisconsin.

Finally, participants explored the communications needs for various audiences as the industry continues to navigate this disease.

The discussions from the September workshop, as well as earlier meetings and surveys of the technical working group, will be used to inform a series of reports outlining recommendations for the industry.

NMPF, Members Advocate for Dairy on Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

Dairy farmers and their advocates are calling for dairy to maintain its premier position in the next iteration of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans via an NMPF call to action as the guidelines’ Advisory Committee concludes its public meetings this month.

NMPF’s advocacy campaign, launched in September, creates an opportunity for members to have their voices heard by the committee. USDA and HHS are currently requesting public comments as part of their update of the guidelines through Oct. 7.

A Sept. 26 meeting of the committee showed encouraging signs for dairy, as members acknowledged the need for more dairy in American diets and noted its health benefits. Still, nothing is final until the federal government signs off. Dairy advocates can participate in the NMPF campaign here.  These comments will be directed to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee as it finalizes its report outlining the committee’s recommendations to USDA and HHS as the departments prepare to write the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The guidelines affect government policies in numerous ways, such as guiding which types of milk can be served in school meal programs and setting parameters for how nutrition programs are implemented and developed.

The guidelines are updated every half-decade.

NMPF, USDEC Call for Immediate Government Intervention to Resolve Port Labor Strike

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) called on the Biden Administration to immediately intervene in the port labor strike that began at 12:01 AM EST today at East and Gulf coast ports. The dairy organizations warned that this disruption could have a devastating impact on American dairy farmers and exporters who rely on the smooth functioning of these ports to get their products to international markets.

“The administration must act now to bring both sides back to the table. The stakes are too high,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “This strike puts the livelihoods of American dairy farmers and the strength of our supply chain at risk. The administration needs to step in and end the strike before further damage is done.”

The U.S. dairy industry relies heavily on ports to maintain access to global markets. In 2023, over 530,000 twenty-foot equivalent units of dairy products, valued at $1.7 billion, were shipped through East and Gulf ports, accounting for 21% of total U.S. dairy exports by volume. The ongoing strike directly jeopardizes $32 million in dairy exports per week, with additional indirect consequences looming as exporters are forced to reroute shipments and face rising transportation costs.

“Global customers depend on the reliability of U.S. dairy products,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “Delays caused by this strike not only risk damaging those relationships but also severely impact perishable dairy products that require timely delivery. The negotiating parties need to come together to find a resolution and ensure port operations resume as soon as possible.”

Dairy exporters experiencing challenges with rerouting or stuck shipments should reach out to Tony Rice (trice@nmpf.org) with questions.

Dairy Convenes with a Full Policy Agenda

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

NMPF’s member cooperatives are preparing for our organization’s premier annual event: the Joint Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with the United Dairy Industry Association and the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. This year’s event is in Phoenix from Oct. 21-23, near one of the country’s most dynamic milk-producing regions. It’s an incredible opportunity to celebrate accomplishments, renew goals and craft strategy for future challenges. As is always the case, NMPF’s farmer and co-op leadership can feel satisfaction with jobs well-done that will position dairy farmers and the entire industry for a positive future.

High on that agenda is Federal Milk Marketing Order Modernization, for which we submitted our final comments earlier this month. USDA’s proposed changes to the FMMO system reflect the principles we laid out in our testimony and earlier comments, principles we arrived at after years of painstaking, methodical work engaging the top minds in in the industry. While we would never pass up an opportunity to suggest improvements (and we didn’t), fundamentally we have no quarrel with USDA and its plan. Barring unexpected, objectionable revisions, we look forward to it being put forward for producer votes expected early next year.

An unheralded part of USDA’s plan is that not only does it propose an update of the current system, it lays out a road map for how to make changes more methodically and easily in the future. There’s a balance between making change too easy, which could destabilize a system, and making it so difficult that it’s intimidating and costly to even attempt. Considering that the last major changes to the FMMO system came in 2000, it’s clear that, to date, the latter scenario has prevailed. That shouldn’t be the case; along with this modernization, future necessary modernization should be simpler. Achieving that is another win for farmers that will create a fairer, more responsive FMMO.

We’ll also be talking a lot about exciting changes to the Cooperatives Working Together program, which for more than two decades has helped U.S. dairy producers and cooperatives further America’s growing share of growing global dairy exports. We emphatically believe this program, updated and fully funded, will blaze a new chapter for U.S. global leadership in dairy exports.

FMMO and CWT alone would be enough to get everyone in Phoenix excited – but there’s much more. We’ll be discussing our industry’s prudent response to the still ongoing H5N1 virus outbreak in dairy cattle, which, after intense concern in the spring, is still with us. We continue to be both a resource and an advocate for dairy farmers on this critical issue. We also are marking this year’s implementation of new FARM program standards, serving up agricultural-sector-leading improvements.

On the policy front, we’ll be talking about our advocacy for the next farm bill and beyond, with important legislative vehicles such as the Innovative Feed Act offering potential pathways for greater dairy prosperity. We also can’t forget about the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives last year — we won’t rest until it’s approved – or the Dairy PRIDE Act, which, slowly but surely, continues to grow in congressional support.

And no meeting would be complete with our cheese contest, which in recent years has added yogurt, and this year butter, as a category. If the nation’s finest cheese, butter and yogurt, can’t get you to register, then nothing will.

There are also challenges ahead. Regardless of which political alignment comes out on top this election season, tax changes enacted in 2017 come up for renewal in 2025. We need to come out firing on behalf of dairy farmers when that debate occurs. We continue to be concerned about anti-animal-agriculture efforts afoot related to the upcoming Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and we need to make sure we don’t concede an inch in ensuring that dairy’s unparalleled nutrition remains widely recommended and available for all Americans.

It’s a full agenda, but one that inspires to work hard every day to serve our members, who in turn serve consumers in the U.S. and around the world. We’ll have a lot more to say later this month, and even more to do after that. We always welcome the tasks.

Gregg Doud

President & CEO, NMPF

 

U.S. Dairy Calls for Swift Government Action as Colombia Moves to Impose Unjust Tariffs

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today expressed their strong disappointment with a preliminary ruling by Colombia’s government that unfairly targets U.S. dairy exporters by advancing baseless claims that U.S. milk powder was unduly subsidized. The groups called on U.S. trade officials to take immediate action to challenge Colombia’s unjust decision and defend American dairy farmers and exporters.

Based on the announcement by Colombia, the preliminary findings call for an additional 4.86% tariff to be implemented on U.S. milk powder exports.

USDEC and NMPF have been working closely with allies in Colombia as well as their members to demonstrate that no U.S. milk powder going to Colombia is subsidized and that Colombia’s dairy sector challenges are due to a variety of other factors. Even the Colombian government acknowledged that there are “many elements that currently affect the Colombian dairy sector”.

“It’s extremely unfortunate that the Colombian government has chosen to use these politically motivated allegations to impose protectionist trade barriers, which will ultimately not only harm U.S. exporters, but Colombian companies and workers who rely on U.S. dairy products and ingredients,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “The U.S. government must act promptly and forcefully to send a message that these sorts of tactics will not be tolerated.”

“Today’s preliminary findings show yet again that the current Colombian government does not respect its trade commitments,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “Instead of working with the U.S. government and dairy industry to resolve this issue in a mutually beneficial way, Colombia has instead chosen to move forward with this meritless investigation. The U.S. government must use every tool at its disposal to counter the unwarranted tariffs on U.S. milk powder.”

Colombia proceeded with the preliminary imposition of new tariffs on U.S. milk powder exports without evidence of damage caused by those products on its producers or any indication that government support to U.S. dairy farmers resulted in lower U.S. milk powder prices. The action follows a similar case Colombia initiated against U.S. ethanol exports, along with unwarranted import bans on U.S. poultry and beef exports.

The next steps in the investigation include the collection of further evidence by the Colombian government and a public hearing to consider arguments in the case near the end of the evidentiary period. The preliminary tariff will be in effect for four months as the investigation moves forward. A final determination to impose tariffs could be maintained for up to five years prior to review.

Landmark Agreement Secures U.S. Exporters’ Rights to Use Common Names in Chilean Market

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

U.S. exporters of certain cheeses and meats will continue to be able to use those terms in Chile.

The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) commended the passage into law of commitments by the Chilean National Congress today that safeguards the rights of U.S. cheese and meat exporters to use certain common names – such as “parmesan” and “prosciutto” – to market and sell their products in the Chilean market.

The agreement came together following an exchange of letters between U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Chile’s Undersecretary of International Economic Relations Claudia Sanhueza on June 21, which confirmed a mutual understanding and agreement that U.S. exporters will be able to continue to market their products in Chile using a number of common cheese and meat terms.

Certain provisions under the EU-Chile trade agreement signed in December 2023 enabled the unfair treatment of U.S. meat and dairy products by abusing geographical indication protections. In response, CCFN, NMPF and USDEC worked closely with U.S. and Chilean government officials to address the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement’s (FTA) threats to U.S. cheese and meat products.

Included in the agreement is a mutual understanding regarding “prior users” of certain cheese and meat terms in the market. For a limited number of products that the EU allowed to be grandfathered and that American exporters had exported to Chile prior to the updated FTA, all U.S. producers of those products will have the right to continue to use those terms in Chile. In addition, an extensive list of common names will also be protected for use in Chile for all U.S. producers.  The exchange of letters is now integrated into the FTA between the two countries and is subject to its provisions, including the FTA’s enforcement measures.

“CCFN applauds the Administration for their initiative to negotiate the protection of parmesan and a number of other key products,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director for CCFN. “We greatly appreciate USTR and USDA’s work with the Chilean government and urge the Administration to continue its efforts to push back against the European Union’s strategic monopolization of common names. To that end, it’s vital that the U.S. establish a firm policy of proactively seeking protections for common name products with key trading partners all around the world.”

“Chile is a critical market and partner for U.S. dairy in Latin America,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “We greatly appreciate USTR and USDA for their hard work to strengthen this relationship, which will directly help U.S. producers grow their businesses in Chile. We look forward to continuing to work together to create new avenues for U.S. dairy exports and to avoid similar challenges from cropping up in other international markets.”

“This agreement is a milestone for U.S. dairy producers,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “It ensures that many of our products will maintain fair access to the Chilean market, supporting the growth and success of American dairy farmers on a global scale. Now, we need to build on that momentum by securing agreements with other trading partners to protect export opportunities for even more U.S. cheeses.”

The agreement will enter into force 90 days from the National Congress’ Sept. 3 approval.

Outreach Helps Weather Outbreak

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney
  • Helped lead and coordinate industry response to H5N1 in dairy cattle developments
  • Expanded educational opportunities for NMPF members
  • Generated advocacy opportunities via Young Cooperators program and other initiatives

NMPF communications staff played an industry leading role in heading off a potential crisis in the public’s confidence in milk via responding to the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle, coordinating media outreach while providing members with up-to-the-minute updates on federal and marketplace responses to an unprecedented animal health concern.

Coordinating with other industry actors including the cross-sector Dairy Communications Management Team, NMPF led the drafting of initial messages to dairy farmers and assisted in messages distributed to the public and media upon USDA’s first disclosure of cases on March 25. Numerous NMPF staff interviews with news organizations, combined with frequent member alerts and a series of well-attended webinars represented a multi-prong approach to managing the acute phase of reporting. In recent weeks, as cases have ebbed, NMPF has continued in its informational role.

As a result in part of NMPF’s efforts, no discernable decrease in milk sales was connected to the outbreak, while farmer navigation of changing federal and state rules, while inevitably rocky at times, was smoothed considerably by accurate, timely information. As 2024 approached its waning month, continued sporadic cases of H5N1 in dairy herds signaled that the virus wasn’t simply going to disappear, underscoring the need for continued vigilance.

NMPF this year significantly expanded its webinar offerings, providing members with valuable educational opportunities. NMPF offered 13 member webinars during the first eight months of the year, covering critical topics such as FMMO modernization, biosecurity, cybersecurity and farmer mental health. By broadening its educational resources, NMPF continues to provide tools to its members to help them navigate complex challenges, enhance operations and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

NMPF also developed and served the next generation of dairy-farmer leadership through its National Young Cooperators (YC) program, hosting its annual Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum in June. Forty-nine young dairy farmers and cooperative coordinators from 17 states representing ten member cooperatives participated in discussions about political engagement and dairy policy issues along with training on how to be an effective advocate and spokesperson for dairy. YCs then headed to Capitol Hill to speak with members of Congress and their staff about NMPF priorities including the 2024 Farm Bill, dairy labeling and foreign market access.