Tag: dairy farmers

NMPF’s Bjerga on the Push for Whole Milk

Posted on by Alan Bjerga

NMPF Executive Vice President Alan Bjerga tells viewers how they can get involved in the push to put whole milk back on school lunch menus in an interview with RFD-TV. NMPF has put a call to action on its website, nmpf.org, which allows Americans to write their lawmakers, urging them to vote “Yes” on the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in the House of Representatives. The legislation has already passed the Senate and is expected to pass the House easily — if it can get onto an already crowded floor schedule.

 

NMPF’s Mooney Reflects on Dairy, Discusses its Bright Future

Posted on by Alan Bjerga

Randy Mooney, a dairy farmer from Rogersville, MO and for 17 years the chariman of the National Milk Producers Federation, reflects on his tenure shortly after stepping down from the role at the organization’s annual meeting. Mooney, who remains on NMPF’s executive board, discusses dairy’s bright future and the honor of serving dairy in an interview with RFD-TV.

Rollins Touts Milk Action Plan at Annual Meeting

Posted on by Alan Bjerga

ARLINGTON, TX – Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins touted the Trump administration’s milk action plan to support American dairy farmers today at NMPF’s annual meeting.   

“I want to be very clear. We will never stop fighting for those of you in the dairy industry and across rural America we have reached that golden age for our producers,” said Rollins, a Texas native who keynoted the Joint Annual Meeting hosted by NMPF, the United Dairy Board and the United Dairy Industry Association. “Dairy farmers have delivered for America for 250 years, and now it’s time for us to deliver for you.” 

Rollins spoke to roughly 750 farmers, cooperative leaders and industry professionals gathered to discuss industry topics ranging from an economic outlook to dairy labor challenges. NMPF, the largest U.S. dairy farmer group, is holding a series of discussions on policy issues throughout the meeting, ranging from the need to pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act to creating lasting labor solutions for U.S. dairy farmers.  

In her remarks, Rollins outlined USDA’s dairy priorities, outlining the administration’s four-point approach to support the industry, including:  

  • Incentivizing dairy consumption through changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, expected in December or early January;  
  • Working to drive down input costs;
  • Facilitating investments in American milk processing; and
  • Expanding markets to help milk producers prosper.     

Rollins also noted the importance of farm-labor issues, pledging to seek federal changes to rules and regulations in coordination with the departments of Labor and Homeland Security while noting that broader changes will require congressional action. “We are acutely aware of the unique labor needs of the dairy industry,” she said.  

Rollins became the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture earlier this year after serving as the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the America First Policy Institute. During President Trump’s first administration, she was the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives in the White House. She also previously served as Director of the Office of American Innovation. In these roles, she developed and managed the domestic policy agenda of the Trump administration.   

Rollins’s remarks kicked off a busy day at the conference, with remarks from immediate past NMPF Chairman Randy Mooney, newly elected NMPF Chairman Brian Rexing, and NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud as well as a luncheon featuring awards from the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program and NMPF communications.  

A reception sampling top-performing cheeses from NMPF’s annual cheese contest is this evening.  

Rexing Elected New NMPF Chairman

Posted on by Alan Bjerga

ARLINGTON, TX – Brian Rexing, an Indiana dairy farmer and a member of the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative, was chosen as NMPF’s 15th chairman at the organization’s Joint Annual Meeting today.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your chairman,” said Rexing in his first remarks after being named to the position by NMPF’s Board of Governors.

“I may be stepping into this role, but it isn’t about me,” he said. “It’s about who we represent, and the future we’re building together.”

Rexing and his wife, Ranell, operate New Generation Dairy, near Owensville, IN milking 1,200 cows and farming 3,500 acres of corn, beans, wheat, and alfalfa. Brian is a fourth-generation farmer. Brian and Ranell have four children. He is the Vice President of Evansville Young Dairymen and received the Indiana Dairy Producer of the Year award 2010. In 2021, Brian purchased a meat processing plant with a retail store. Brian is a member of DFA’s Executive Committee.

Rexing succeeds Randy Mooney, who has served as NMPF’s chairman for the past 17 years. Mooney, who also serves as chairman for Dairy Farmers of America, will remain on NMPF’s Executive Committee, which also was elected today.

“It is one of the great honors of my life to work alongside so many dedicated farmer-leaders who care deeply about the future of dairy,” said Mooney. “I’m proud to pass the baton to Brian Rexing — a leader who carries forward the spirit of dedication, vision, and integrity that defines NMPF and our entire industry.”

NMPF’s Officers and Executive Committee will consist of:

  • Chairman Brian Rexing – Dairy Farmers of America
  • 1st Vice Chairman Cricket Jacquier – Agri-Mark
  • 2nd Vice Chairman Simon Vander Woude – California Dairies Inc.
  • Secretary Craig Caballero – United Dairymen of Arizona
  • Treasurer Pete Kappelman – Land O’Lakes
  • Sheryl Meshke – AMPI
  • Rob Vandenheuvel – California Dairies Inc.
  • Melvin Medeiros – Dairy Farmers of America
  • Randy Mooney – Dairy Farmers of America
  • Joel Eigenbrood – Foremost Farms
  • Brian Hemann – Lone Star
  • Jon Cowell – Maola Local Dairies
  • Doug Chapin – Michigan Milk Producers Association
  • Frank Doll – Prairie Farms
  • Jacob Larson – Southeast Milk Inc.

Today concluded the first full day of the Joint Annual Meeting held by NMPF and dairy checkoff organizations the National Dairy Board and the United Dairy Industry Association. The first day is devoted heavily to NMPF governance and director discussions on dairy policy and the future of the industry.

Also at the meeting, NMPF’s Board of Directors approved the organization’s policy positions and elected new members. New board members approved by NMPF delegates, a broader group than the board, include:

  • Amy Humphreys – Northwest Dairy Association
  • Kurt Williams – Lanco Pennland
  • Stephen Mancebo – Land O’Lakes
  • Brian Hemann – Lone Star Milk Producers
  • Will Dyt – California Dairies Inc.

The members awarded Honorary Directors for Life recognition to former NMPF Board members Jim Werkhoven of the Northwest Dairy Association and Joey Fernandes of Land O’Lakes.

The meeting of roughly 750 farmers and industry professionals continues through Wednesday, featuring breakout sessions on industry topics ranging from an economic outlook to the dairy labor challenges.

The annual meeting is also held in conjunction with NMPF’s Young Cooperators Leadership and Development program for younger dairy leaders, as well as NMPF’s annual cheese contest, which will announce winners tomorrow.

 

Trust Defines Dairy Despite Divisions

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

Success in a splintered world often comes down to one thing: trust. Farmers are fortunate to have it, and we are proud to keep building it.

Despite misinformation, despite self-interested attempts to separate Americans from the farmers who serve them the safest, most nutritious food in the world on a daily basis, consumer confidence in farmers outstrips other aspects of the U.S. food system. According to the Ketchum Appetite for Change consumer research study, a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults done in July 2025, 79% of Americans trust farmers to “do the right thing” in serving the public, easily the most trust in any single link of the food chain.

That’s more than grocery stores. That’s more than food companies. That’s more than the MAHA movement. It’s a testament to public appreciated for the hard work farmers do every day as the bedrock of nutrition — and in turn, it’s a responsibility farmers take seriously.

This week, the most important gathering of U.S. dairy farmers seeking better public policy for agriculture is taking place in Dallas. The National Milk Producers Federation is honored to serve those who do the right thing for American consumers and looks forward to the change to enhance its leadership in Washington and across the country.

And dairy farmers are proud to be a premier source of nourishment for Americans, and for the world, continuing to earn that trust that’s essential to our splintered-world success.

NMPF’s Bleiberg Assesses Latest Developments in Immigration Policy on Dairy Radio Now

Posted on by Chris Galen

NMPF Executive Vice President Paul Bleiberg explains for listeners of Dairy Radio Now what to make of conflicting statements issued in the past week by Trump Administration officials regarding how the federal government will enforce immigration laws on farms and agricultural businesses.

FARM Program Boosts Biosecurity

Posted on by Jessi-Ryah Cordova

Good biosecurity plans are more vital than ever to keep foreign animal diseases out of the nation’s livestock. NMPF Director of Regulatory Affairs Miquela Hanselman shared updates on the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program’s Biosecurity program area. FARM held its first live training April 30-May 1 to educate cooperative field staff and state officials on best management practices for on-farm biosecurity. “With this training, we’re just trying to get more people trained to be able to put those plans together for farmers so that we’re ready should an outbreak ever occur,” Hanselman said.

NMPF’s Galen Explains Importance of New Legislation to Increase School Milk Choices

Posted on by Chris Galen

NMPF’s senior vice president Chris Galen discusses the introduction of new legislation in the House and Senate that would increase the range of milk options available to school children. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act would give schools the option of serving 2% and whole milk once again. The House passed a similar bill in 2023, but the Senate didn’t act on it – prompting a renewed effort this year in Congress.

NMPF’s Bleiberg Reviews Capitol Hill Agenda in New Year

Posted on by Chris Galen

NMPF’s executive vice president Paul Bleiberg discusses the current agenda for Congress as the leadership transitions in Washington from President Biden to President-elect Trump.  Bleiberg also highlights that the USDA plans to soon open the 2025 sign-up for the Dairy Margin Coverage program, for those farmers not already enrolled in the federal safety net.

NMPF’s Galen Offers Highlights of 2024 Annual Meeting in Phoenix

Posted on by Chris Galen

NMPF’s Senior Vice President Chris Galen reviews highlights of National Milk’s 2024 annual meeting in Phoenix for the listeners of Dairy Radio Now. The annual conference, which just concluded Oct. 23, reviewed NMPF’s work this year on FMMO modernization, the farm bill, and dealing with HPAI in dairy cows.

 

NMPF’s Bjerga on Dairy’s Clout in the Elections

Posted on by Alan Bjerga

NMPF Executive Vice President for Communications & Industry Relations Alan Bjerga discusses the reasons why dairy farmers may be an especially influential portion of the farm vote in an interview on RFD-TV. Because dairy farms tended to cluster around major metro areas, they’re disproportionately represented in some of this year’s most closely contested states in the competition for the White House.