The dairy industry is at a pivotal moment, driven by growth, expansion and an unwavering dedication to innovation. During the Joint Annual Meeting hosted by the National Milk Producers Federation, the National Dairy Board, and the United Dairy Industry Association in Arlington, Texas earlier this month, Gregg Doud highlighted the industry’s strides forward, its present challenges and the promising path ahead.
A Vision for Expansion
Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, opened with a commanding vision for the future. His address emphasized the dramatic growth trajectory of the dairy industry, projecting a staggering increase to $11 billion by 2026. This expansion is not just about numbers. Doud sees it as positioning the U.S. as a global leader in dairy production, challenging countries like New Zealand and Europe for supremacy.
“When I look at this chart, I look at this is our ability to be globally competitive,” he said.
Central to this vision is the industry’s ability to export 18% of its product, marking a hopeful run toward record-breaking dairy exports. Yet, Doud acknowledged the concerns about potential disruptions within the industry, urging stakeholders to remain optimistic about the opportunities for growth.
“I love where we are in this industry,” he said. “Right now, we are right where we want to be.”
Ensuring Competitiveness
Maintaining global competitiveness was a critical theme. Doud celebrated the bipartisan efforts leading to significant advancements like the tax reforms, which he argued have fortified the U.S.'s position in global markets. Such legislative advances, alongside strategic trade deals with Southeast Asian countries, are set to open unprecedented avenues for the dairy industry.
“Think about where the president was recently — those are all the countries that border China,” he said. “That is a really interesting thing in terms of strategy. The President said: ‘Well, I want to make sure that I go visit all these countries first before I talk to President Xi in China.’ That’s not by coincidence, having the opportunity to have duty free access into Southeast Asia is something that we wanted across all of agriculture, and in particular in the dairy industry for a long, long time. That’s going to make a huge difference for us.”
Overcoming Challenges
While growth is promising, Doud did not shy away from discussing the hurdles that remain. The challenge of securing milk in schools was a significant topic, illustrating the complexities of navigating political landscapes. Despite setbacks, progress has been made, showcasing teamwork across party lines.
“It’s like we’re in a dream,” Doud noted, expressing optimism about imminent legislative victories.
Moreover, labor remains a pressing issue, with farm labor shortages described as a pivotal concern for continued expansion. Doud emphasized that progress should not be delayed by political inertia, underscoring the urgency of addressing labor challenges.
“We’re kind of in no man’s land here on this topic of farm labor, it is, without question, our No. 1 issue in dairy, but across all of agriculture, in my opinion,” Doud said. “I think we need to remind our elected officials that; we’ve got to milk the cows every day. We don’t have time to wait for the inconvenience of an election to get things done in Washington.”
Leadership and Legacy
Brian Rexing, a fourth-generation dairy farmer, followed with personal insights into his journey and vision for the industry. His story is one of legacy and commitment. He stressed the significance of family and the future they represent for the dairy industry.
Organizationally, both leaders highlighted the strength of their teams. They acknowledged the dedication of individuals like Chris Galen, NMPF senior vice president, member services and governance, and Paul Bleiberg, NMPF, executive vice president, government relations, who both have significantly contributed to industry advancements. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, serving as pillars of support and innovation as the industry navigates its future.
The future of the dairy industry is rife with opportunity. Doud’s remarks highlight a collective momentum aimed at harnessing growth while tackling the inherent challenges. The emphasis on strategic planning, trade, legislative advancements and labor solutions reflects an industry that is not only resilient but also proactive in its approach.
Your Next Read:
Canada’s Dairy Industry Thrives
