Latest News From Processors

Midwest Dairy Announces New Chief Executive Officer
Midwest Dairy Announces New Chief Executive Officer

Midwest Dairy, the checkoff organization representing over 4,000 dairy farmers in a ten-state region, officially announced that Corey Scott of Marine on Saint Croix, Minn. has been named its new Chief Executive Officer.

Select Milk Producers Partners with Westrock Coffee to Make New Milk-Based Coffee Product
Select Milk Producers Partners with Westrock Coffee to Make New Milk-Based Coffee Product

Select Milk Producers has recently entered a letter of intent to form a partnership with Westrock Coffee, a leading coffee, tea and extracts provider, to create a milk-based coffee product.

South Dakota Governor Supports the State's Massive Dairy Industry Growth
South Dakota Governor Supports the State's Massive Dairy Industry Growth

Travel the I-29 corridor and you’ll see an explosion of dairy cattle. As of January 2024, USDA announced that the total number of dairy cows in South Dakota totals 208,000, up 70.5% since 2019.

Dairy Leaders Outline Next Steps in FMMO Hearings
Dairy Leaders Outline Next Steps in FMMO Hearings

After months Federal Milk Marketing Order hearings unfolding, dairy leaders are still doing what they can to advocate for U.S. dairy farmers. USDA is considering forty proposals that were submitted by stakeholders.

Foremost Farms USA Announces New CFO Brenda Dehart
Foremost Farms USA Announces New CFO Brenda Dehart

As Foremost Farms welcomes Brenda Dehart, it bids farewell to its current CFO Bob Bascom, who has announced his retirement.

Several Ways to Elevate Dairy to the Next Level
Several Ways to Elevate Dairy to the Next Level

At the IDFA Dairy Forum in Phoenix, Az., IDFA’s CEO Michael Dykes shared that to drive the growth of dairy forward will take investment in people, processors, production, innovation and sustainability.

January 2024 U.S. Milk Production Highlights Less Milk and Fewer Cows
January 2024 U.S. Milk Production Highlights Less Milk and Fewer Cows

The USDA Milk Production Report highlighted a drop in milk production to 18.8 billion lbs. of milk. This reflects the sixth consecutive month of lower production and a decline of 0.3% from a year prior.

Will Dairy Producers Fill the $7 Billion Processing Gap?
Will Dairy Producers Fill the $7 Billion Processing Gap?

Michael Dykes, CEO of IDFA shared at the 2024 International Dairy Forum in Phoenix that our industry has a growth mindset The big-ticket question is whether today’s producers can help fill the milk production need.

A Good Processor-Producer Relationship is Essential
A Good Processor-Producer Relationship is Essential

At the end of the day, solid communication between the processor and the farm is essential and firmly understanding the processor’s strategic long-term vision is vital. 

Darigold Appoints New Interim Chief Executive Officer
Darigold Appoints New Interim Chief Executive Officer

Darigold, Inc. announced that Chief Executive Officer, Joe Coote, is leaving the company, and the Board Chairman, Allan Huttema, has been named the interim CEO, effective immediately. 

Dairy Thought-Leaders Address Challenges and Risk Management Tools
Dairy Thought-Leaders Address Challenges and Risk Management Tools

Recently on a Farm Journal Milk Business webinar, three dairy thought leaders talked about the biggest challenges facing producers and what their takes are on risk management strategies. 

From the Pipeline: Q&A with DFA's President and CEO, Dennis Rodenbaugh
From the Pipeline: Q&A with DFA's President and CEO, Dennis Rodenbaugh

Get to know Dairy Farmers of America President and CEO, Dennis Rodenbaugh

Status Quo is Not the Goal for This Wyoming Young Dairy Producer
Status Quo is Not the Goal for This Wyoming Young Dairy Producer

Travel to Carpenter, Wy., and you’ll see two-thirds of the state’s 9,000 dairy cows, who are milked at Burnett Dairy. You’ll also get to see an upcoming second-generation dairy farmer, Reese Burnett.

Processing Plant Strike Could Lead to Sour Cream Shortage for Taco Bell
Processing Plant Strike Could Lead to Sour Cream Shortage for Taco Bell

Workers who help produce sour cream for several well-known brands, including Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Hello Fresh, have gone on strike. Here's why it could lead to a possible sour cream shortage.

Minnesota Dairy Plant Announces Big Expansion Plans
Minnesota Dairy Plant Announces Big Expansion Plans

Bongards Creameries, a leading national cheese and whey manufacture recently announced a $125 million expansion project. The project will increase the plant’s capacity to take in 5.5 million lbs. of milk per day.

World’s Largest Dairy Processor, Lactalis, Plans Expansion in Chicago
World’s Largest Dairy Processor, Lactalis, Plans Expansion in Chicago

France’s Groups Lactalis, the world’s largest dairy maker, is expanding in Chicago after a previous $3.2 billion deal made in 2020 with Kraft Heinz Co.

Unimpressive USDA Milk Production Report Spells Surplus in More Ways Than One
Unimpressive USDA Milk Production Report Spells Surplus in More Ways Than One

After hearing reports of milk being dumped due to the surplus of milk on the market, the recent USDA Milk Production report wasn’t surprising. The May report documented a 0.6% increase over a year prior.

Largest Dairy Cooperative Withdraws from International Dairy Foods Association
Largest Dairy Cooperative Withdraws from International Dairy Foods Association

DFA decided to withdraw its membership from the IDFA over IDFA’s decision to proceed with its single-issued petition to modify the federal milk marketing order (FMMO) system.

Midwest Dairy Producers Forced to Dump Milk
Midwest Dairy Producers Forced to Dump Milk

With much of the Upper Midwest processing capacity maxed out in terms of milk production, finding a new home for milk is not an easy task. This is causing dairy farms to dump milk due to the oversupply. 

MULHERN TO RETIRE AS NMPF PRESIDENT AND CEO AFTER DECADE OF SERVICE
MULHERN TO RETIRE AS NMPF PRESIDENT AND CEO AFTER DECADE OF SERVICE

NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern announced he will retire from his position at the end of this year, concluding a decade of service leading the organization and capping a 45-year career.

The Power of Pulling Together
The Power of Pulling Together

Tucked in the rolling hills of a quaint New England town, Fairholm Farm in Woodstock, Ct., a century-old farm’s recipe for success also includes technology and securing additional profit sources.

Michigan Milk Producers Association, Canadian Dairy Distillery Partner to Upcycle Dairy Byproduct Into Biofuel
Michigan Milk Producers Association, Canadian Dairy Distillery Partner to Upcycle Dairy Byproduct Into Biofuel

Michigan Milk Producers Association and Canadian Dairy Distillery announced a joint initiative that will transform a dairy byproduct into the world’s lowest carbon-intensity ethanol.

Organic Valley Rebuilds Oregon Plant After Devastating Fire
Organic Valley Rebuilds Oregon Plant After Devastating Fire

Dusting off the ashes from a three-alarm fire that heavily damaged the Organic Valley’s McMinnville, Ore., 25,000-square foot main building in 2021, the cooperative has since rebuilt.

Q&A with the president and CEO of Tillamook County Creamery Association
Q&A with the president and CEO of Tillamook County Creamery Association

The president and CEO of Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), Patrick Criteser shares his career path, advice, lessons learned and more in a casual sit-down conversation.

All Signs Lead to South Dakota
All Signs Lead to South Dakota

The dairy industry has been impacted by overtime labor rules, rigorous permitting processes and the shortage of water. As a result, cows are migrating toward areas like South Dakota, who has seen tremendous growth.

NMPF’s Jim Mulhern Discusses Federal Milk Marketing Orders Modernization Proposal
NMPF’s Jim Mulhern Discusses Federal Milk Marketing Orders Modernization Proposal

Recently, NMPF president and CEO, Jim Mulhern, spoke to AgriTalk’s host, Chip Flory, about federal milk marketing orders. NMPF has requested a national hearing to amend five pricing provisions under the FMMO.

Q&A with the Founder and CEO of GoodSport Nutrition
Q&A with the Founder and CEO of GoodSport Nutrition

The founder and CEO of GoodSport Nutrition, Michelle McBride shares her career path, advice, lessons learned and more in a casual sit-down conversation.

Moving Milk in 2023: No Small Task
Moving Milk in 2023: No Small Task

Hauling milk from the farm to the plant is no small task. Moving member milk was addressed at the Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Annual (MDVA) Meeting last month in Hershey, Pa

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WIC Participants Highly Concerned with USDA’s Proposal to Cut Back Dairy

The USDA recently proposed to cut the amount of dairy provided through the WIC food package by up to 6 quarts per month, depending on the participant, with the largest reduction for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

IDFA Announces ‘Healthy School Milk Commitment’ to Provide Nutritious Milk with Less Added Sugar for Students in Public Schools
IDFA Announces ‘Healthy School Milk Commitment’ to Provide Nutritious Milk with Less Added Sugar for Students in Public Schools

IDFA announced the launch of the Healthy School Milk Commitment, a pledge by dairy companies to deliver milk’s 13 essential nutrients to America’s students while reducing calories and added sugars in flavored milk.

Grande Cheese Company Acquires Another Wisconsin Plant
Grande Cheese Company Acquires Another Wisconsin Plant

A manufacturer of Italian cheese, Grande Cheese Company announced earlier this week that it has acquired the former Foremost Farms cheese plant in Chilton, Wis., which will further enhance its manufacturing capabilities.

Prairie Farms Dairy Announces New Chief Operating Officer
Prairie Farms Dairy Announces New Chief Operating Officer

Prairie Farms Dairy announced the promotion of Chris Hackman as its Chief Operating Officer. Hackman currently serves as Senior Vice President of Operations, and will succeed Gary Aggus, who has served as COO since 2006.

DFA Annual Meeting Celebrates 25 Years of Success
DFA Annual Meeting Celebrates 25 Years of Success

Celebrating 25 years, Dairy Farmers of America, held its annual meeting on March 21 in Kansas City, Mo. Coming off a strong financial 2022, the largest dairy cooperative is committed to work together for future success.

Come to the Table
Come to the Table

Producers and consumer brands, such as Nestlé and Starbucks, gather round to brew sustainable solutions.

Agri-Mark Names New President and CEO
Agri-Mark Names New President and CEO

Agri-Mark Chairman of the Board, James “Cricket” Jacquier, announced that David Lynn has been named President and CEO of the cooperative ensuring a seamless leadership transition.

A New, Exciting Vision for Dairy
A New, Exciting Vision for Dairy

Seizing opportunities ahead and navigating challenges, Michael Dykes, the president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) sees the glass full—optimistic about IDFA’s new vision for dairy.

Kemps Launches First-of-its-Kind Smooth Cottage Cheese for Kids
Kemps Launches First-of-its-Kind Smooth Cottage Cheese for Kids

Kemps is introducing Kemps Smooth Cottage Cheese for kids, a new cottage cheese with no curds and a smooth and creamy texture.

An Opportunity to Represent Real Milk Internationally
An Opportunity to Represent Real Milk Internationally

The California Milk Advisory Board announced the return of its student internship program where young agriculture ambassadors. California dairy producer, Tony Lopes highly encourages others to sign up.

Leprino’s Durkin Elected Chair of Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy
Leprino’s Durkin Elected Chair of Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy

Mike Durkin, president and chief executive officer of the Leprino Foods Company, was elected chair of the board of directors of the checkoff-founded Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy at its first meeting of 2023.

Southeast Milk Ceases Operations at Milk Balancing Facility
Southeast Milk Ceases Operations at Milk Balancing Facility

Southeast Milk, Inc., a full-service dairy cooperative operating across six states in the Southeastern U.S., announced today it has ceased operations at its reverse-osmosis plant in Baconton, Ga.

Fire at AMPI Wisconsin Cheese Processing and Packaging Plant
Fire at AMPI Wisconsin Cheese Processing and Packaging Plant

A fire broke out at an Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) cheese processing and packaging plant in Portage, Wis., late in the evening on Monday, Jan. 2. 

California Dairies Inc. to Acquire DairyAmerica in 2023
California Dairies Inc. to Acquire DairyAmerica in 2023

California Dairies Inc., the largest dairy farmer-owned cooperative in California, will acquire DairyAmerica on January 1, 2023.

U.S. Set to Host the World Dairy Summit for the First Time in 30 Years
U.S. Set to Host the World Dairy Summit for the First Time in 30 Years

At a moment when U.S. dairy exports are increasing, the light shines big on the United States, as it was announced the International Dairy Federation (IDF) World Dairy Summit will be held in Chicago Oct. 16-19, 2023.

How Well Do You Know Your Processor?
How Well Do You Know Your Processor?

A dairy farmer’s worst nightmare is to open an unexpected letter in the mailbox notifying them that they are being dropped by their processor. Solid communication between the processor and the farm is essential.

Nearby Buffalo Dairy Farmers Committed to Caring for Cows, Despite 3-Plus Feet of Snow
Nearby Buffalo Dairy Farmers Committed to Caring for Cows, Despite 3-Plus Feet of Snow

New York dairy farm families work hard to care for their cows, even when a historic snowstorm dumped three plus feet of snow on their farms.

Recession or Not: The Consumer Has Reached Their Breaking Point
Recession or Not: The Consumer Has Reached Their Breaking Point

The consumer no longer can absorb higher costs. Tanner Ehmke with CoBank says that lighter foot traffic is seen in some grocery stores, while discount retailers have seen a significant increase in foot traffic.

AgTech Startup Applicants Wanted for the 2023 DFA CoLab Accelerator Program
AgTech Startup Applicants Wanted for the 2023 DFA CoLab Accelerator Program

Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 DFA CoLAB Accelerator program. The 2023 program will focus on AgTech and help bring new technologies to DFA’s family farm-owners.

O’Brien Delivers First-Year Outcomes: A Refreshed Checkoff Strategy
O’Brien Delivers First-Year Outcomes: A Refreshed Checkoff Strategy

DMI is modernizing the checkoff strategy with a fresh organizational structure and a new three-year plan and budget that delivers immediate results and lays ground for long-term benefits for farmers and importers.

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Next Farm Bill: 500-Foot Viewpoint a Must for Dairy

The current Farm Bill is due to expire in 2023. While that may still seem a long way away, unity in the dairy industry to create a 500-foot view will be essential to spell success for dairy with the next Farm Bill.

NMPF Unanimously Endorses Marketing Order Modernization Plan in Annual Meeting
NMPF Unanimously Endorses Marketing Order Modernization Plan in Annual Meeting

National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) leadership unanimously endorsed a proposal to modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order milk-pricing system at its annual meeting in Denver.