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Jonker Honored as NMPF Represents U.S. Producers at World Dairy Summit

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

An NMPF delegation collaborated with counterparts on shared dairy priority areas including trade, animal welfare, the use of dairy terms, dairy promotion and other topics at to the International Dairy Federation (IDF) World Dairy Summit in Santiago, Chile, Oct. 20-23.

The summit marked the end of NMPF Chief Science Officer Jamie Jonker’s five-year term as chair of IDF’s Science Program Coordinating Committee. Jonker spoke at the IDF Forum session, which featured a review of IDF’s key projects this year and priorities for 2026.

Jonker also received an honorary IDF membership recognizing his tenure as SPCC chair and his contributions to the organization and to dairy globally. Jonker has “demonstrated remarkable leadership, guiding the Federation through numerous changes and challenges with purpose,” the IDF Board of Directors cited in its recognition.

NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud and NMPF Executive Vice Presidents Jaime Castaneda and Shawna Morris participated with U.S. Dairy Export Council and checkoff program leaders in bilateral meetings, including with the Indian Dairy Development Board, Dairy Farmers of Canada, Eucolait, European Dairy Association, Nestle, the Mexican dairy sector, and the Chilean dairy sector. The meetings provided the opportunity to exchange information on developments in key markets of interest to the U.S. dairy industry and explore the potential for further work together on shared interests.

Castaneda and Morris spoke on a panel discussion about ensuring that government-led dairy nutrition policies are guided by objective scientific evidence, a key message that will frame next year’s Latin American Dairy Nutrition Conference in Lima, Peru coordinated by NMPF and the U.S. Dairy Export Council in collaboration with the National Dairy Council.

Additionally, William Loux, who heads NMPF and the U.S. Dairy Export Council’s Joint Economics Team, shared the U.S. perspective of the current economic landscape on a separate panel session.

As a precursor to the summit itself, NMPF co-led a roundtable session of animal care programs around the world. Launched in Chicago during the summit hosted by the U.S. in 2023, the roundtable provides a valuable avenue for fostering information sharing and alignment steps by leading animal care programs such as FARM.

The annual gathering of more than 1,000 dairy industry professionals from around the world provides an opportunity to promote the U.S. industry and collaborate with global partners on the sector’s most significant trends and opportunities.

Policy, Outbreak Preparation Drive Interest at World Dairy Expo

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

Federal policy, farmer challenges and preparation for disease outbreak shaped conversations led by NMPF, the National Dairy FARM Program and the National Young Cooperators (YC) Program at World Dairy Expo sessions Oct. 2 in Madison, WI.

The day started with NMPF’s National Young Cooperators Program hosting a panel discussion featuring four dairy farmers who shared how they’re confronting real-time labor challenges through technology, training and people management.

YC Chairperson and First District Association member Dr. Meggan Schrupp shared how her strategy involves finding the right fit for the job, with Land O’Lakes Inc.’s Laura Raatz echoing the importance of cultivating a positive work culture. Rodney Fowler with Michigan Milk Producers Association said technology is a significant change, using robotic milkers and heat-detection technology to better manage his operation. Joel Eigenbrood, chief financial officer for multiple dairies in Michigan and chairman of Foremost Farms USA, shares a similar outlook, underlining the necessity of questioning existing practices and seeking better methods. The panel emphasized the importance of adaptability as the industry continues to evolve.

FARM’s mid-morning panel session gave attendees the latest updates and information on emerging diseases in dairy cattle. NMPF Chief Science Officer Jamie Jonker provided a high-level overview on current outbreaks, setting the stage on how these diseases impact animal health. Land O’Lakes member-owner Mitch Kappelman provided insight from a producer perspective, explaining biosecurity measures he implements on his family’s farm.

“I think the biosecurity issue affects all of us,” said Kappelman. “We all need to do what’s right for our industry, and I think that’s why we’re all here today.”

Dr. Rachel Cumberbatch noted the potential trade implications and barriers when dealing with an outbreak, and how this can impact access to foreign markets. Farmers left the session equipped with new information thanks to Danelle Bickett-Weddle’s presentation on strategies and tools available to producers, highlighting the work done with FARM Biosecurity to prepare producers for an outbreak.

NMPF’s afternoon session featured President & CEO Gregg Doud as part of a panel discussion on Dairy Policy in the Trump Era, with insight on issues such as regulatory rollbacks, ag labor, trade and the push to bring back whole milk.

Associated Milk Producer Inc.’s CEO Sheryl Meshke and Dairy Farmers of America’s farmer-member Brian Rexing joined Doud in the session, which NMPF’s Alan Bjerga moderated. The trio talked about the on-farm effects of recent policy changes, the Make America Healthy Again movement and the potential to capitalize on current challenges.

The night preceding the presentation was highlighted by another recognition: That of previous NMPF President & CEO Jim Mulhern as World Dairy Expo Industry Person of the Year. Mulhern, a Wisconsin native, concluded his tenure leading NMPF at the end of 2023 after a four-decade career in dairy.

NMPF Prepares for USMCA Review Process

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

NMPF and USDEC submitted comments Oct. 31 to the office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in response for the agencies request for input into priorities for the upcoming USMCA 2026 joint review.

The organizations call for the U.S. government to ensure that both Canada and Mexico uphold their dairy-related obligations in the agreement.

This includes addressing Canada’s evasion of its market access commitments through its intentionally limited dairy tariff rate quota administration and circumvention of the USMCA export disciplines intended to limit Canada’s propensity to offload dairy proteins onto the global market at artificially low prices that undercut U.S. producers.

NMPF and USDEC also call on USTR to ensure Mexico fully implements the USMCA side letters pertaining to the protection of common cheese names like “feta,” particularly as the European Union seeks to conclude a trade agreement with Mexico that includes restrictions on the free use of generic terms. NMPF and USDEC remain focused on ensuring that U.S. dairy producers and processors receive the full benefits of U.S. trade agreements and are not subject to distortionary trade practices that limit global market opportunities.

 

 

 

NMPF Identifies Dairy Trade Barriers for U.S. Government

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

NMPF and USDEC filed extensive comments Oct. 30 as part of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) request for global trade barriers for its 2026 National Trade Estimate report.

The list of issues compiled by NMPF and USDEC highlight dairy trade irritants in 34 different markets, including regional blocs like the European Union and parties to the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement.

Several key issues that the organizations cite include Canada’s refusal to comply with its dairy commitments under USMCA, dairy facility registration challenges across various markets, and the European Union’s long list of trade-distorting measures ranging from certification requirements to the abuse of geographical indications to monopolize common names like “parmesan.”

Supplementing NMPF’s engagement with USTR as cleared confidential advisors, the comments serve as a key resource for the U.S. government as it engages in negotiations with trading partners. The 2025 National Trade Estimate report has served as a guide for crafting the Trump Administration’s reciprocal trade plan. It also offers details on priority dairy markets and products as the U.S. government seeks to resolve barriers to dairy trade and expand market access opportunities.

NMPF Urges Caution on Ultra-Processed Foods

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

NMPF filed comments Oct. 23 in response to USDA and the Food and Drug Administration’s request for information as the agencies explore options for creating a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods.

Researchers have found links between the consumption of highly processed foods and a range of negative health outcomes. However, more research is needed, and there is currently no standard for what amount of processing would make a food “ultra-processed.” The FDA and USDA are attempting to bridge the gap by creating a uniform definition, which would allow for consistency in research and policy.

Because of the processing techniques used for some dairy foods like flavored yogurts, flavored milk, cheeses, and powdered dairy products, the way ultra-processed foods are ultimately defined could affect how these products can be marketed, and whether or not they will be included in federally funded programs such as SNAP, WIC or school meals programs.

In its comments, NMPF urged USDA and FDA to use caution when developing any definition of UPFs, highlighting that previous attempts and currently available UPF classification systems have failed to account for nutrient density and affordability. “If the administration moves forward with developing a definition, it must be developed carefully to avoid misclassification of nutrient dense foods and recognize that not all foods being processed are equal,” the comments said.

NMPF also urged the administration to exempt all dairy foods from any future definition or “ultra-processed” classification, based on decades of research supporting dairy’s health benefits in American diets.

Shutdown Work Includes ELRP Sign-Up Extension

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

As the federal government shutdown continues, NMPF continues to serve as a resource to farmers and remains in contact with USDA and other agency staff to make sure dairy farmer needs are met.

At NMPF’s urging, USDA has committed to giving farmers an extended deadline for applying to the Emergency Livestock Relief Program 2023 and 2024 Flood & Wildfire. When the shutdown began, farmers only had about two weeks with a fully operational USDA to submit ELRP applications online or to their local FSA office. USDA has reassured NMPF it plans to extend the ELRP application deadline into mid-November. Interested farmers should contact their local FSA offices to learn more about details on local hours and services and ask them to discuss their ELRP applications.

NMPF staff are also working with USDA to address issues regarding premium payments and payouts under the Dairy Margin Coverage and Dairy Revenue Protection programs, as well as other matters. Please contact NMPF with any questions or concerns at info@nmpf.org.

NMPF Helps Secure Market Access Gains in Asia

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

NMPF’s ongoing advocacy bore fruit in October with new trade agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia that include strong market access provisions, along with opportunities to extend similar benefits to Thailand and Vietnam, that together open new doors for U.S. dairy in Southeast Asia’s growing markets.

The trade deals better position the United States to compete with global suppliers such as the EU, New Zealand and Australia. “With these new agreements, the administration has delivered big wins for America’s dairy farmers,” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, said in a statement celebrating the agreements.

The agreements deliver meaningful, concrete results for U.S. dairy exporters:

  • The Malaysia agreement eliminates nearly all remaining dairy tariffs, creates a new tariff rate quota for fluid milk exports, recognizes the U.S. dairy safety system and streamlines facility registration and certification requirements, all long-standing priorities highlighted and championed by NMPF.
  • The Cambodia agreement achieves similar gains, including a complete elimination of tariffs on U.S. dairy exports and a prohibition on future facility listing requirements that could block trade. Both agreements also include a groundbreaking new model for protecting common food names. The frameworks with Vietnam and Thailand lay out the foundation for similar progress ahead, outlining commitments to address tariffs and regulatory barriers that have challenged U.S. competitiveness in those key markets.

NMPF was able to leave its fingerprints on the agreements through its access to negotiations and longstanding efforts in these markets, coordinating with the U.S. Dairy Export Council. NMPF staff, along with NMPF member Dairy Farmers of America’s Michael Lichte, serve as cleared advisors to the U.S. negotiating team, providing critical technical input on agreement text and dairy priorities.

Earlier this year, NMPF also provided the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and USDA with a detailed, market-by-market analysis outlining tariff disparities, key interests and non-tariff barriers, which helped shape the U.S. approach to negotiations.

NMPF’s persistent advocacy helped make these results possible—from elevating the challenges caused by changing certification rules and facility registration requirements, to defending fair use of common food names, to highlighting competitive disadvantages facing exporters, to emphasizing Southeast Asia’s strategic importance through congressional testimony, public comments, and direct engagement with U.S. officials.

Annual Meeting to Reflect Commitment to Policy, Market Improvements

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

NMPF’s members are ready to convene next week to review the past year and strategize dairy’s future in Arlington, TX for the organization’s 2025 Joint Annual Meeting held with the United Dairy Board and United Dairy Industry Association.

This year’s theme for the Nov. 10-12 gathering, “Driving Results for Dairy,” reflects policy and promotion group commitment to deliver tangible results for dairy farmers and their cooperatives across the dairy value chain.

Featured speakers include nutrition policy expert Nina Teicholz, author of “The Big Fat Surprise,” and dairy economist Dr. Oral Capps from Texas A&M University. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has also been invited to speak at the meeting.

Other general sessions will focus on immigration policy and what it will take for the dairy sector to achieve meaningful progress to improve the farm labor situation. Another general session will address the trade policy environment, at a time when shifting trade policies are affecting customer relationships around the world. That session will also provide an update on the start of NMPF’s new NEXT export assistance program. Speakers will explore fresh strategies, technologies, and partnerships that can open new revenue streams on the farm in a final general session.

Attendees may attend up to three of six different breakout session topics, including those examining the checkoff’s work with NMPF to ensure consumer sales and trust and how the groups leverage science strategically to secure positive positioning for dairy with key opinion leaders. NMPF-led breakout sessions will share the latest on dairy’s economic outlook for the coming year, along with a session on how farmers can best deal with immigration enforcement issues. More information can be found at the meeting website.  

NMPF Young Cooperators are also part of the event, with a two-day track of YC events and educational sessions. NMPF’s Board of Directors also will elect a new chairman, as current Chair Randy Mooney will be stepping down from that position after 17 years.

This year’s annual meeting Dairy Bar is in a grand ballroom that allows attendees an opportunity to network, meet with our 2025 exhibitors, and enjoy the milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream donated by our Dairy Bar sponsors. The schedule also includes longer breaks to offer attendees more time to connect with each other at the Dairy Bar between sessions.

Washington May Be Stuck, But We Don’t Have To Be

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

Despite the legislative branch grinding to a halt this October, it hasn’t impaired NMPF’s ability to make progress for dairy farmers. For all you may read about Washington at an impasse, October was not a month of rest at the National Milk Producers Federation.

Some highlights:

  • Trade talks worldwide continue full-steam-ahead, with a fully staffed Office of the U.S. Trade Representative working on agreements that have significant implications for dairy. New framework trade agreements announced with Asian nations including Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam are a big win for the industry. And last week NMPF and the U.S. Dairy Export Council followed that by filing extensive comments as part of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) request for global trade barriers for its 2026 National Trade Estimate report.

In them we spotlight dairy trade irritants in 34 different markets, including regional blocs like the European Union and parties to the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement. Several key issues cited include Canada’s refusal to comply with its dairy commitments under USMCA; dairy facility registration challenges across various markets; and the European Union’s long list of trade-distorting measures, which range from certification requirements to the abuse of geographical indications to monopolize common names like “parmesan.”

  • Also on trade, NMPF and USDEC on Friday submitted comments to USTR on its upcoming USMCA 2026 joint review, calling for Canada and Mexico both to uphold their dairy-related obligations in the agreement. That includes addressing Canada’s evasion of its market access commitments and Mexico’s need to fully implement USMCA side letters pertaining to the protection of common cheese names.
  • Regulatory processes are also continuing during the shutdown, and an important one is the government’s attempt to define “ultra-processed” foods, a key priority for the MAHA movement. MAHA’s emphasis on whole and natural foods holds great promise for dairy, but a definition of ultra-processed that’s poorly thought out also carries great risk of unintended consequences for public health, affecting food safety, accessibility and affordability.

Our comments on the definition, sent Oct. 23 to the Food and Drug Administration, ensure that dairy farmer voices are included in this critical definition, which will affect every part of the food chain. And it’s only the latest input we’ve had with the government, as it’s our 11th set of regulatory comments filed this year, on everything from plant-based naming practices to front-of-pack labeling to the upcoming Dietary Guidelines.

  • At USDA, where limited staff have returned to Farm Service Agency offices, we’ve sought, and received, assurances that the Emergency Livestock Relief Program 2023 and 2024 Flood & Wildfire application process is up and running again.  When the shutdown began, farmers only had about two weeks with a fully operational USDA to submit ELRP applications online or to their local FSA office. USDA has reassured NMPF it plans to extend the ELRP application deadline into mid-November. Interested farmers should contact their local FSA office to learn more about details on local hours and services and ask to set up a time to discuss their ELRP applications.

These are only a few of the tangible results we’ve achieved in the past month, even as important conversations continue on immigration, the threat of New World screwworm, and other issues. Even amid dysfunction, functions continue, and we continue to do our best for farmers.

It’s what we’ve been sent to Washington to do. We will continue to make progress during the government shutdown, regardless of how frustrating the situation may be, and we all hope it will end soon. In the meantime, please contact us with any questions or concerns at info@nmpf.org, so we may continue to be a resource as this continues to unfold.

Gregg Doud

President & CEO, NMPF

 

Preparing for the unexpected

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

By The National Dairy FARM Biosecurity Program

Predicting the future is impossible. Preparing for the unexpected is possible. That was one of the topics discussed at the World Dairy Expo, where a panel explored the potential impact of emerging diseases on the dairy industry. As harvest wraps up and plans for 2026 get underway, consider creating continuity in your business plan if your dairy is unable to move raw milk or cattle for a few days – or longer.

Secure milk supply plan for continuity of business

Limiting animal and animal product movement is one strategy to control the spread of diseases. The Secure Milk Supply (SMS) Plan aims to support business continuity while not spreading disease. It was created because the dairy industry recognized how a “stop movement” of raw milk for a contagious animal disease would affect their business. The SMS Plan is a tool to use when cattle are affected by movement controls but not infected with foot and mouth disease (FMD) or a similar contagious animal disease. More information on FMD and the SMS Plan is available at www.securemilk.org.

The SMS Plan was created by the dairy industry and decision makers for the dairy industry and consumers. A group of dairy farmers, processors, milk haulers, veterinarians, disease and biosecurity experts at universities, and state and federal animal health officials came together to write the first SMS Plan. It was last updated in 2017, and both the dairy industry and disease response plans have changed. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) recognized the need and assembled a stakeholder group in 2025 to propose updates. The SMS Plan development and updates were funded by USDA.

Benefits of SMS Plan updates

The SMS Plan updates include how to safely move raw milk and colostrum for animal feed and include new information on frozen semen and embryos. It’s expanding beyond FMD to include “similar contagious diseases” like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This unexpected contagious disease spread to dairy cattle in 17 states, affecting animal health and business continuity. Updated resources for biosecurity are underway. Simplified movement guidance permit criteria are included. This broader set of preparedness tools helps the dairy industry, and ultimately, consumers of American dairy products.

Gathering feedback

NMPF and the stakeholder group seek your input on the proposed changes to the SMS Plan. Join a webinar, watch a recording of the changes, and submit comments by Dec. 20 at www.nationaldairyfarm.com.

The SMS Plan aims to help producers:

  • Develop contingency plans for interrupted movement.
  • Limit exposure to their herd through enhanced biosecurity.
  • Learn how to find early signs of disease.
  • Request an outbreak movement permit from state officials for raw milk (if required) and healthy animals going to harvest or another premises.
  • Continue to supply safe and wholesome milk to consumers.

 

Additional information:

What is foot and mouth disease (FMD)?

Sometimes called “hoof” and mouth disease, FMD is a very contagious foreign animal disease. It’s found in two-thirds of the countries of the world. The last U.S. case was in California in 1929. Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia had cases this summer after being FMD-free for over 50 years.

FMD causes blisters on the feet and in the mouth of two-toed (cloven-hooved) animals like cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, deer, bison, and other wildlife. Cattle with FMD will be lame, drool, and do not want to move or eat or be milked because of the painful foot, mouth, and teat sores. It does not affect people or food safety. Meat and milk are safe to eat and drink. An outbreak will have a significant mental health impact on individual farmers due to closed export markets, disease control measures, animal suffering, and financial uncertainty. Learn more about FMD at www.fmdinfo.org.

 

This column originally appeared in Hoard’s Dairyman Intel on Oct. 27, 2025.

U.S. Dairy Celebrates Market Access Advances in Southeast Asia

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council praised today’s announcement of new trade agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia and new trade agreement frameworks with Thailand and Vietnam, strengthening U.S. dairy’s position in Southeast Asia’s high-growth market.

“With these new agreements, the administration has delivered big wins for America’s dairy farmers,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “Agreements like those struck with Malaysia and Cambodia will ensure we have fair access to Southeast Asia’s fast-growing markets. That’s essential so that our farmers and cooperatives can keep doing what they do best – producing top-quality milk and dairy products for families here at home and around the world. We look forward to working closely with the administration as they turn the new frameworks with Vietnam and Thailand into strong deals as well.”

“These agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia open new doors for U.S. dairy exports in two dynamic markets and the frameworks with Vietnam and Thailand offer the promise of more to come,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “By removing tariffs, addressing nontariff trade barriers and cutting red tape, the agreements will make it easier for U.S. suppliers to deliver the high-quality dairy ingredients and foods that Southeast Asia’s growing consumers demand. USDEC appreciates the great work of the U.S. negotiating team in securing these important results.”

The agreement with Malaysia will deliver meaningful gains for U.S. dairy exporters including the elimination of virtually all remaining dairy tariffs, state of the art protections for common cheese names, assurances regarding dairy certification, recognition of the U.S. dairy safety system, streamlining of facility registration requirements, and reinforcement of the vital importance of basing regulations on sound science.

The agreement with Cambodia delivers similar results extending to also include a full elimination of all tariffs on U.S. dairy exports and a prohibition on the establishment or maintenance of a facility listing requirement for U.S. dairy products.

The trade framework agreements with Thailand and Vietnam provide outlines of the provisions with each to come, both offering the promise of similarly strong outcomes on tariffs and nontariff barriers impacting dairy exporters.

Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand are already among the top twenty export destinations for U.S. dairy products, account for $118 million, $127 million and $87 million respectively in sales last year. The new deal comes as the EU advances negotiations on free trade agreements this year with Malaysia and Thailand while Vietnam entered the sixth year of its FTA with the EU this year. All three also have long-standing deals with New Zealand and Australia. In light of this, the U.S. agreements are particularly important to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in this key region. While U.S. dairy exports to Cambodia totaled only $3 million last year, it too offers potential for further growth.