Make America More Ground Beef effort proposed

California-based Western United Dairies is promoting a Make America More Ground Beef initiative. Dairy operations nationwide would have the opportunity to voluntarily cull surplus dairy cattle. In addition to being a revenue source for dairy farmers, MAMGB would satisfy President Trump’s focus on affordability by increasing the domestic beef supply. Supporters of this incentive program for dairy farmers would like to see it launched as soon as this spring.

Dairy market signals distorted

U.S. milk production is at record highs, but these volumes are due to unusual market signals. Milk cow numbers are at their highest since 1993, but the supply of replacement dairy heifers is at its lowest level since 1978. According to a new report from American Farm Bureau Market Intel, strong beef-on-dairy genetics have provided important income through calf sales while reducing the number of dairy-bred heifers going into production. This strategy has encouraged dairy farmers to keep cows in production longer, increasing the milk supply and lowering the milk check. The report questions how milk production can start at these levels before aging cows and a thin pipeline of replacements forces a sharp adjustment.

CoBank: opportunities for dairy protein

A new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange identifies dairy as a food category poised to meet growing consumer demand for protein. Traditional dairy products, including milk, cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese, are high in protein. Dairy-based ingredients are also finding their way into protein bars, protein shakes and whey powders. The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans increases the recommended daily allowance for protein. Increased usage of glucagon-like peptide-1 medications for weight loss is also prompting more consumer demand for products like yogurt and cottage cheese.

Milk production report updated

Compared to a year ago, milk production in the 24 major dairy states was up 4.6% in December. In this region, South Dakota had the biggest increase in milk production, rising more than 11%. Minnesota milk production was up nearly 4%. Over the past year, South Dakota dairies added 25,000 milk cows to the state herd. The number of milk cows in Minnesota increased by 15,000 head.

Minnesota food processing sector squeezed

The immigration crackdown in Minnesota has been felt throughout the state. “Food processing is really dependent on immigrant labor,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “What’s concerning to me is a lot of the folks have their I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) or their H-2A, but they’re being stopped, and that’s a disruptive thing to a lot of businesses.” In Petersen’s view, this situation has the potential to slow down the entire agricultural supply system. “We have a just-in-time delivery system, so a plant going down or being slow for a day backs everything up.”

Dignity Act gains support

With immigration dominating the headlines, a bill creating a legal pathway for undocumented workers to remain in the U.S. now has 35 cosponsors. The Dignity Act would allow undocumented immigrants who have been in the country for more than five years, have no criminal record and have been paying taxes to apply for legal status. Florida Representative Maria Elvira Salazar introduced the bill, citing the individuals who have been working in numerous industries, including dairy farming.

Next step taken in feedlot rulemaking process

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is amending its rules for feedlots and manure storage. Potential changes could include adjustments to setbacks, manure sampling requirements and nitrogen best management practices. MPCA will now move into the rule development stage of the process, which is expected to last several years.

Westrom calls for reform at pollution control agency

Senate Ranking Member Torrey Westrom was critical of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency during his time on a legislative panel at MN Ag Expo. Too often, Westrom said MPCA has an agenda when regulating farmers. “It starts at the top,” said Westrom. “We need to get a governor, Republican or Democrat, that really takes this seriously so we can have permits processed faster, like in weeks or months, not years or decades.” The Elbow Lake legislator said neighboring states have a more farmer-friendly regulatory environment. “We can get there; we just need to revise, reform and change our culture in MPCA and other regulatory agencies.”

Dairy funds available

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is opening its Dairy Assistance, Investment and Relief Initiative. The DAIRI program provides financial assistance to dairy farmers enrolled in the Dairy Margin Coverage program. “We’re grateful to the Minnesota legislature for investing in DAIRI, which will help make it easier for farmers to afford DMC premiums,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. Applications will be accepted through March 19.

Dairy industry contributions recognized

The International Dairy Foods Association presented its Laureate Award to David Ahlem and Mike McCloskey. Ahlem is the former CEO and chairman of Hilmar, retiring this past year. McCloskey is the co-founder and CEO emeritus of Select Milk Producers Inc. He is also the founder of Fairlife and is the chairman/CEO of Fair Oaks Farms.

Meshke leads IDFA cheese industry board

The IDFA announced members of its executive council and the new directors of its five industry segment boards. Associated Milk Producers Inc. President/CEO Sheryl Meshke is the chair of the IDFA cheese board.

Legislator of the year

The Minnesota Milk Producers Association has named Representative Josh Heintzeman as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. The Nisswa Republican will receive the award during the annual Dairy Dinner banquet and Dairy Day at the Capitol on Feb. 25. Heintzman is the co-chair of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

Young cooperator recognition

Tom and Kristin Duden of Princeton are the recipients of the First District Association Young Cooperator of the Year Award. They have been on the First District Association YC Board since 2024.

Trivia challenge

A typical cow chews its cud 50-60 times per minute. That answers our last trivia question. For this week’s trivia, what dairy breed’s milk is naturally high in beta carotene? 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.