Senate Farm Bill Proposal Advances Key NMPF Priorities
July 7, 2026
The Senate Agriculture Committee’s release June 23 of its farm bill proposal marks another important step toward securing a comprehensive, five-year law this year that delivers needed certainty for dairy farmers and their cooperatives.
The proposal includes several key dairy priorities strongly supported by NMPF, building on the strong foundation established by House passage of its farm bill earlier this year. The proposal:
- Authorizes mandatory cost and yield surveys to better inform future Federal Milk Marketing Order updates
- Extends the Dairy Indemnity Program and Dairy Promotion and Research Program
- Makes permanent the Dairy Forward Pricing Program
- Supports voluntary, producer-led conservation programs
- Protects common cheese names in international markets
- Strengthens dairy export promotion
- Expands nutrition opportunities for dairy products
- Clarifies that whole milk may be served in the school breakfast program
- Increases support for dairy innovation, animal health and farm stress assistance.
The Boozman plan “will bring greater certainty to producers,” NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud said in a statement. “Dairy farmers look forward to working with senators to get this legislation passed and into conference with the already passed House bill, where lawmakers can craft the best legislation possible.”
These provisions reflect NMPF’s sustained advocacy with lawmakers in both chambers and both parties to ensure dairy’s needs are addressed throughout the farm bill process.
The Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to formally consider the bill later this month.
