Tag: dairy fly-in

Dairy Farmers Urge Action on Labor, Other Issues at Congressional Fly-in

Posted on by Jessi-Ryah Cordova

More than 80 NMPF board members and young dairy farmers met with about 100 congressional offices today in the organization’s annual fly-in, advocating on behalf of dairy on issues ranging from agricultural labor to the recent return of New World screwworm to the United States.

The fly-in came after NMPF’s June board meeting on Tuesday, which was highlighted by remarks from Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden and Ambassador Julie Callahan providing perspective on the agriculture economy and trade landscape.

“We know what we need to do,” said NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud in remarks before the fly-in. “We will push in every way we can to make things happen.”

Other action items NMPF members called for in their meeting included:

  • Passing a farm bill through the full Congress in 2026
  • Maintaining access to all types of milk in school meal programs
  • Passing the DAIRY PRIDE Act ensuring integrity in milk labeling
  • Urging lawmakers to tell the administration to strengthen dairy provisions while renewing the USMCA trade agreement.

NMPF also welcomed a new board member, Ted Vander Schaaf of Northwest Dairy Association/Darigold, and a new associate member, Illinois Farm Bureau.

The fly-in was organized by NMPF’s Young Cooperators program. The organization also held committee meetings as well as a workshop on Artificial Intelligence for co-op executives. NMPF leadership continues its meetings this week, discussing animal health and well-being along with other important industry topics.

Young Cooperators Push Priorities on Capitol Hill

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

NMPF welcomed 41 young dairy farmer leaders from 15 states to Washington, D.C. June 3-4 for the 2025 Young Cooperators (YC) Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum. Sponsored by Farm Credit, this year’s event marked the National YC Program’s 75th anniversary.

Attendees participated in policy discussions and advocacy training, including a panel discussion featuring experts in federal and state agricultural policy and a talk with NMPF Executive Committee member and Florida dairy farmer Jacob Larson, who offered insights on leadership and political engagement.

The YC Advisory Council also met with the White House Office of Public Liaison to present their perspectives on key policy priorities, including meaningful agricultural labor reform and expanded access to international dairy markets.

Participants also toured the U.S. Capitol, guided by Rep. Adam Gray, D-CA, who represents the largest dairy-producing district in the country.

YCs finished the fly-in with Capitol Hill meetings with lawmakers and their staffs.

Since 1950, the National YC Program has equipped young dairy farmers with the tools and knowledge to lead. The program offers year-round training and leadership opportunities for farmers under 45 who are part of NMPF member cooperatives. Contact your cooperative to find out how you can get involved, or click here and check the National YC Program box to learn more about the program and stay informed about future events.

Engagement Essential for Younger Producers

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

Dairy farmers are descending on Washington next week, as NMPF’s Young Cooperators lead the organization’s annual fly-in. Hannah and Matthew Lansing, this year’s chairs for the YC Program, say policy engagement is critical to dairy’s future.

“There are so many things that affect us, but they don’t affect us in a way that we see every day,” said Matthew Lansing, who along with his wife and her family milk 1,100 cows and farm more than 5,000 acres at Blue Hill Dairy in Clinton, Iowa. said. “Keeping involved and up-to-date as much as we can and pushing for things that we need on a farm on a day-to-day basis is really key for us to propel forward into the future and be what we need to be for consumers going forward.”

You can find and subscribe to the Dairy Defined podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and Amazon Music under the podcast name “Dairy Defined.” For more on the YC Program, click here.

Media outlets may use clips from the podcast on the condition of attribution to the National Milk Producers Federation.