Farm economic frustration spills into political arena

Cook Political Report Senior Editor and Elections Analyst David Wasserman says economic pressures are contributing to a more unsettled political environment. “This might be the most restless mood we’ve seen rural America in politically since 1986, when family farm foreclosure rates were nearly 25%,” he said. Wasserman cited inflation, input costs, fertilizer, diesel fuel and interest rates as sources of frustration. The election could also affect the timing and direction of farm bill negotiations. Wasserman said retiring lawmakers and those leaving Congress for other offices may have an incentive to reach an agreement before the end of the year.

DMC enrollment period announced

During a stop at World Dairy Expo, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced enrollment for Dairy Margin Coverage will continue through mid-December. DMC is authorized through 2031, and an additional 1 million pounds of milk is eligible for Tier 1 coverage. Rollins also said another $13 million will be available for the Dairy Business Innovation initiative.

Rollins: strong beef demand is long-term positive

During a news briefing at World Dairy Expo, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins was asked about President Trump’s decision to increase beef imports. Despite high consumer prices, Rollins acknowledged beef demand has remained strong. “As prices continue to creep up, for example, for a pound of ground beef, normal supply and demand would tell you that demand would go down when prices go up,” said Rollins. “What was happening was exactly the opposite, that the prices continued to rise and people continued to buy.” Despite the short-term decision by President Trump, Rollins said the administration is doing everything it can to support beef producers. She cited the expansion of federal grazing land and support for small- to medium-sized processors; “It’s just going to take a while for the herd to rebuild, and we’re making sure that our ranchers know that we will continue to be the most pro-rancher administration and the most pro-rancher USDA in history.”

Record exports for Wisconsin

It was a record-setting year for Wisconsin food, forestry and agriculture exports for the first six months of this year. Ag exports are up more than 5% from the same period in 2025. The top five export markets for the state are Canada, Mexico, South Korea, China and Japan. Dairy products, including cheese, whey and milk proteins, made up 18% of the ag exports.

Dairy groups weigh in on U.S.-China Board of Trade

The National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council are praising the Trump administration for the creation of the U.S.-China Board of Trade. USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden also welcomes the inclusion of U.S. dairy exports on the list of products being considered for tariff reduction. “USDEC urges the board to swiftly deliver the full elimination of the retaliatory tariffs that still weigh on U.S. dairy so our suppliers can compete on a more level playing field,” Harden said. NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud commends the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office for prioritizing agriculture exports. “The positive momentum today is good for farmers, good for trade and good for both countries,” Doud said.

Workforce issues discussed at WDE

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson wants to overhaul the H-2A visa program, saying the current system does not work for all sectors of agriculture. Thompson said the seasonal nature of H-2A means it does not adequately serve dairy, livestock, greenhouse and certain agricultural processing operations. He also criticized the rapid increase in required wages under the previous administration. Thompson is promoting the Securing American Workforce Act, or SAWA, to modernize the temporary agricultural worker program. He discussed the proposal during a visit to World Dairy Expo.

Gallop poll highlights positive views about agriculture

Fifty-four percent of Americans have a positive view of farming and agriculture. The annual Gallop survey found 70% of Republicans and 45% of Democrats have a positive view about farming. Agriculture is one of only two industry sectors receiving positive ratings. However, there has been a significant drop in support for farming and agriculture from its 2017 high of 70%.

A specialty cheese production leader

More than half of the nation’s specialty cheese is produced in Wisconsin. Data from USDA estimates specialty cheese varieties make up over 28% of Wisconsin cheese production. The state’s share of this market nationwide grew nearly 8% this past year.

EHD Confirmed

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease has been confirmed in Wisconsin’s Waukesha County. This is the first time EHD has been detected in the state since 2013. EHS has severely impacted the state’s deer population and was found in non-lactating cows in this case.

Novonesis expands

Novonesis has completed a major expansion at its West Allis production facility. This project increases the company’s North American production capacity for dairy cultures and makes the West Allis site one of the world’s largest lactobacillus production facilities.

Ibach nominated for USDA post

President Trump has nominated Greg Ibach as the next undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. Ibach is the former head of the Nebraska agriculture department and served as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs during the first Trump administration. Ibach will succeed Luke Lindberg, who is the new executive director of the United Nations World Food Program.

Scott to lead DMI

Dairy Management Inc. has appointed Corey Scott as its new president and CEO. Scott is the current president and CEO for Midwest Dairy. Before that, she worked for Athian and Land O’Lakes. Scott will become the third president and CEO in DMI’s history, succeeding Barbara O’Brien, who plans to retire next month. Meanwhile, Midwest Dairy Senior Vice President of Sales and Partnerships Beth Bruck-Upton has been appointed as the Midwest Dairy interim chief executive officer. The appointment takes effect on October 12.

Former ag committee member passes

Former Georgia Congressman Charles Hatcher, 87, passed away. Hatcher is a former member of the House Agriculture Committee and was married to Krysta Harden.

Trivia challenge

Chocolate milk is the dairy product proven to refuel tired muscles after physical activity. That answers our last trivia question. For this week’s trivia, what cities have hosted the National FFA Convention? We’ll have the answer in our next edition of the Dairy Star.

Don Wick is owner/broadcaster for the Red River Farm Network of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Wick has been recognized as the National Farm Broadcaster of the Year and served as president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Don and his wife, Kolleen, have two sons, Tony and Sam, and five grandchildren, Aiden, Piper, Adrienne, Aurora and Sterling.