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 en-couraged 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.

New era for dairy

During the International Dairy Foods Association Dairy Forum in Palm Desert, California, IDFA President/CEO Michael Dykes said we are in a new era for dairy. The year is already off to a good start with President Trump signing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and the introduction of the new dietary guidelines. Dykes also stressed the need for the dairy industry to diversify its export markets, citing Latin America, the Middle East and Asia.

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.

Dairy exports move up in November

In November 2025, U.S. dairy exports totaled 515 million pounds. That’s up nearly 63 million pounds from the same month in 2024. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Services, U.S. cheese exports increased 24.5 million pounds year-to-year. Butter exports rose nearly 18 million pounds. Whole milk powder exports increased 2.6 million pounds, and dry whey exports were up nearly six million pounds in November. Nonfat dry milk and skim milk powder sales were up 178,000 pounds, and whey protein concentrate declined by over nine million pounds.

Dairy groups praise trade deal

The U.S. has signed a reciprocal trade agreement with El Salvador and Guatemala. The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council and Consortium for Common Food Names praised the trade deal. “For dairy farmers, these agreements help to keep doors open to U.S. products,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF.

Women farmers recognized with Senate resolution

The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution recognizing 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. “Whether on a dairy in Wisconsin or a smallholder farm in Africa, women producers are the understated pillar of the agricultural industry,” said Krysta Harden, president/CEO, USDEC.

Dairy industry contributions recognized

The IDFA 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.

Dairy Business Association honors Chuck Ripp

Chuck Ripp is the Dairy Business Association’s Advocate of the Year. Ripp and his brothers, Troy and Gary, farm in Dane, Wisconsin. The award was presented during the DBA’s Dairy Strong Conference.

Young farmer of the year

The 2026 Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmer is Tyler Baudhuin of Sturgeon Bay. Baudhuin is a fourth-generation dairy farmer. In addition, Derrick and Miranda Nelson of Eau Claire were named the Speak Up for Ag winners.

Holstein Breeders to be recognized

The Wisconsin Holstein Association has announced Kellercrest Registered Holsteins at Mt. Horeb will receive its Distinguished Holstein Breeder Award. The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder honors will go to Reggie and Krysty Kamps, Kamps-Rx. The Holstein Horizon Award winner is Dave and Nina Schmocker, Go-Sho Cattle. Bob Traynor, Spring Valley, will receive the Marlowe Nelson Distinguished Service Award. The awards will be presented during the Wisconsin Holstein convention Feb. 22.

Carr promoted

Colleen Carr has been promoted to senior vice president of finance and sales for Foremost Farms USA. Carr has been with Foremost Farms for the past five years.

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.