Per capita dairy consumption at historic levels

       USDA’s Economic Research Service reports Americans consumed more than 650 pounds of dairy per person in 2024. Butter consumption is at an all-time high of 6.8 pounds per person. Yogurt consumption rose 6% to 14.5 pounds per person. Cottage cheese, at 2.4 pounds per person, is at levels not seen since 2009. Total cheese consumption was unchanged from the previous year, while milk consumption saw a modest decline.

USDA lowers price forecast

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest outlook includes lower milk price forecasts for 2025 and 2026. World Agricultural Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski said weak cheese prices are weighing on milk prices, while nonfat dry milk is offering limited support. “The Class III price is reduced five cents a pound based on lower cheese prices,” Jekanowski said. “The all-milk price for 2025 was reduced five cents to $21 per hundredweight.” For 2026, the all-milk price forecast is down 50 cents to $18.75 per hundredweight.

More milk in the tank

U.S. milk production was up 4.5% in November. South Dakota’s dairy industry continues to grow, with November milk output up 10.8%. The size of the state dairy herd increased 22% over the past year. Minnesota milk production rose just over 4%. Minnesota’s dairy cow numbers are up 13,000 head. In the major dairy states, California milk production increased 10.4%, and Wisconsin was up nearly 2%.

European Union dairy products hit with Chinese tariff

Just before Christmas, China imposed provisional tariffs on European Union dairy products. The temporary duty increase ranges from approximately 22% to 43%. The EU Commerce Ministry said the tariffs will cover a variety of dairy products, including cheese, milk and cream with a fat content exceeding 10% by weight. The move is in response to the EU placing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

Large number of USDA employees left the department in ’25

According to a report from the USDA inspector general, more than 20,000 employees left the agriculture department during the first five months of the Trump presidency. That is roughly 20% of the USDA staff. Most of those employees left through the Department of Government Efficiency’s financial incentive program. More than 30% of the staff left the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Twenty-four percent of Farm Service Agency employees and 22% of National Resource Conservation Service staff left the ag department.

Big league speakers scheduled for American Farm Bureau convention

Next month’s American Farm Bureau Federation Convention will feature a powerful line of political leaders. In addition to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the four corners are on the schedule;
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson and Ranking Member Angie Craig will outline their vision for farm policy. The convention will be Jan. 9-12 in Anaheim, California.

Hennepin County opts for plant-based food options

Minnesota’s Hennepin County has adopted an administrative policy requiring the serving of plant-based food at all county-sponsored meetings and events. While plant-based options are the new standard, meat and dairy products remain available if requested. Minnesota AgriGrowth responded with a letter of opposition to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. In addition to the message it sends, AgriGrowth is upset the county worked with the activist group, Mercy for Animals, to develop the policy change. With this decision, AgriGrowth is moving all future events, including its fall summit, out of Hennepin County.

Making an impact

Dairy checkoff dollars were used in unique and innovative ways this past year to build consumer trust and increase dairy sales. Midwest Dairy Board Chair Charles Krause, who farms at Buffalo, Minnesota, said individual dairy farmers can have an impact. “A couple of things that I did this last year on my farm, alone, was we did a project where we brought influencers onto our farm and gave them a 1-day boot camp on where their food comes from, and these ranged anywhere from an Olympic athlete to a husband and wife couple to a nutritionist and people in the healthcare industry,” Krause said. “We also, on my farm, brought registered dietitian students from the University of Minnesota onto our farm to teach them the nutritional sustainability that dairy offers.” Midwest Dairy’s 10-state region includes Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota.

Food companies adapt to GLP-1 trend

Approximately 12% of American adults are taking glucagon-like peptide-1. That will likely increase next month with the new federal approval for the appetite-suppressing medication in pill form. A consumer foods analyst at Rabobank said more food companies and restaurants will be making changes to cater to this audience. Chipotle, Olive Garden and Noodles & Company have added menu options with smaller portions that are higher in protein. Frozen food companies are also labeling meals with higher protein and fiber as “GLP-1 friendly.”

We love alfalfa

DLF’s North American business has launched a “We Love Alfalfa” campaign, highlighting the significance of this crop. At www.welovealfalfa.com, DLF is educating users about the crop and bringing attention to the progress that has been made in the industry. DLF is a global seed company owned by Danish grass seed farmers. In recent years, DLF acquired the Corteva conventional alfalfa breeding program. The former Pioneer alfalfa varieties are available under DLF’s Forage First 5 Series brand. DLF’s Alforex Seeds brand has the former Alforex Seeds and Dairyland Seed alfalfa varieties. These products are distributed by La Crosse Seed.

Alltech award

Alltech presented its 2025 Most Valuable Employee Award to Alejo Gutierrez of Enchanted Dairy in Little Falls, Minnesota. The award recognizes dairy farm employees with an exceptional work ethic and who exhibit integrity. Qualities such as perseverance, honesty and integrity are part of the selection process.

Trivia challenge

The oldest cow in recorded history is Big Bertha; the Irish cow lived to 48 years and nine months. That answers our last trivia question. For this week’s trivia, what percent of Americans purchase ice cream from a retailer at least once per year? 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.