Some Udder Stuff

Cap lifted for 2026

Beginning Farmer Tax Credit

The Minnesota Legislature has removed the funding cap on the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit for 2026 transactions. This means all eligible asset owner applications that are complete and submitted by required deadlines can be approved for this year only.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Rural Finance Authority began accepting applications for the 2026 Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Jan. 1. The credits were funded on a first-come, first-served basis, and initial funds ran out after the second day of applications.

A waitlist was created for those who have already applied, and those who have done so will be contacted via email in the coming weeks to confirm application approval. People who have not yet applied may submit lease applications by July 17, and applications for sales by Nov. 1.

National FFA Organization partners

with World Dairy Expo

World Dairy Expo is proud to announce that the National FFA Organization has officially endorsed and will promote World Dairy Expo’s 2026 FFA Dairy Judging Contest to its national membership. This collaboration expands opportunities for leadership, hands-on learning and meaningful connections within agricultural education.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In 2025, more than 100 schools from across the U.S. participated in the FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo, underscoring the enthusiasm and commitment of FFA members nationwide.

“Historically, this contest has drawn strong participation from Midwest chapters, along with dedicated teams traveling from as far as California, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Texas,” said Lexa Miller, cattle show and contests coordinator for World Dairy Expo. “This partnership will encourage even more chapters to make the trip to Madison and further strengthen an already outstanding competition and educational experience.”

The 2026 FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Contest will take place Sept. 29, in Madison, Wisconsin. FFA chapters across the country are encouraged to learn more by visiting the “Contests” section at worlddairyexpo.com. Registration opens July 13 and closes Sept. 11.

“This initiative reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders — individuals who will make a lasting impact on their communities and the world,” said Christine White, chief program officer for the National FFA Organization. “World Dairy Expo offers an unmatched opportunity for young leaders to connect with the dairy industry at its highest level and be part of an event that defines excellence in dairy cattle evaluation. These are exactly the kinds of partnerships we seek for our FFA members.”

Additional FFA-endorsed activities can be found through the National FFA Organization website.

World Dairy Expo remains the global dairy industry’s premier meeting place, where innovation, education, and world-class competition come together. Returning to Madison, Wisconsin, Sept. 29–Oct. 2, the event features the world’s premier dairy cattle show, the largest dairy-focused trade show, inspiring youth contests, cutting-edge seminars and unparalleled networking opportunities with leaders shaping the future of dairy. Learn more at www.worlddairyexpo.com.

World Dairy Expo seeking 2026 media interns

As the 59th World Dairy Expo approaches, Expo is searching for college students passionate about the dairy industry to be part of the 2026 media team. Four students will be hired to experience the storied event as media interns.

Under the direction of Expo’s communications manager and digital marketing specialist, media interns assist with communication initiatives at World Dairy Expo and the management of the Media Room, Expo’s on-site resource for reporters, writers and photographers.

This week-long internship in Madison, Wis., provides students with an active role in writing press releases, creating social media content through multiple platforms and contributing to Expo’s on-site newspaper while engaging with media professionals and dairy industry representatives from around the globe.

Qualified applicants are actively pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a dairy, agriculture, or communications-related field with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Students should visit World Dairy Expo’s website,www.worlddairyexpo.com, and select “Careers & Internships” under the “About Expo” tab for the complete job description and all pertinent application details. Questions about this position should be directed to Lisa Behnke at lbehnke@wdexpo.com.

Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo is the premier forum for the global dairy community to learn, share, create commerce and showcase competition. The annual event will return to Madison, Wis., Sept. 29 – Oct. 2. Dairy producers can experience the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, a world-class dairy cattle show, attend seminars, meetings and presentations highlighting the latest and greatest in the industry and connect with other producers. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Spotify, or YouTube for more information.

Leaders elect board officers to guide

dairy checkoff strategy

Leaders of Dairy Management Inc., the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and the United Dairy Industry Association, announced newly elected officers who will help guide national dairy checkoff strategies and programs aimed at protecting and growing dairy sales.

“I’m honored and excited to continue working alongside dairy farmers nationwide to strengthen demand and build new opportunities for our industry,” said Marilyn Hershey, a Cochranville, Pa., farmer who was re-elected chair of DMI. “Together, our boards play a critical role in guiding investments and ensuring the checkoff delivers meaningful value for farmers and importers.”

DMI, which manages the national checkoff program, is co-funded by NDB and UDIA. In addition to Hershey, other DMI officers elected are:

Vice Chair – Mary Kraft, Fort Morgan, Colo.

Secretary – Roger Fluegel, Visalia, Calif.

Treasurer – Becky Nyman, Hilmar, Calif.

The NDB elected the following officers:

Chair – Lolly Lesher, Bernville, Pa.

Vice Chair – Marv Post, Volga, S.D.

Secretary – Arlene VanderEyk, Tulare, Calif.

Treasurer – Gail Klinkner, Viroqua, Wis.

The 37-member NDB, formed in May 1984 under the authority of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983, carries out coordinated promotion and research programs to help build demand and expand domestic and international markets for dairy products.

UDIA officers elected during the 2025 joint annual meeting of UDIA, NDB and the National Milk Producers Federation are:

Chair – Charles Krause, Buffalo, Minn.

1st Vice Chair – Kris Wardin, St. Johns, Mich.

2nd Vice Chair – Audrey Donahoe, Clayville, N.Y.

Secretary – Daniel Buttars, Lewiston, Utah

Treasurer – Tom Walsh, De Graff, Minn.

The UDIA is a federation of state and regional dairy farmer-funded promotion organizations that provide marketing programs developed and implemented in coordination with its members. The UDIA is overseen by a board comprised of dairy farmers elected by respective local and regional boards of UDIA member organizations.

Twelve students earn National DHIA

undergrad scholarships

The National Dairy Herd Information Association Scholarship Committee selected 12 high school seniors and college students to each receive a $1,000 scholarship. Committee members ranked applicants based on scholastic achievements, leadership in school and community activities, and responses to DHI- and career-related questions. To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, applicants must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, a family member of a DHI employee, or an employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a National DHIA member.

This year’s National DHIA scholarship recipients are Ashley Brandel, Lake Mills, Wis. (parents: Matt and Tracy Brandel); Natalie Clemenson, Zumbrota, Minn. (parents: Brian and Tiffany Clemenson); Sarah Diehl, McVeytown, Pa. (parents: Joe and Kristin Diehl); Alaina Dinderman, Orangeville, Ill. (parents: Brian and Kristi Dinderman); Alaina Fisher, Waconia, Minn. (parents: Amanda and Brian Fisher); Logan Harbaugh, Marion, Wis. (parents: Lynn and Sara Harbaugh); Nicole Hauschildt, Zumbro Falls, Minn. (parents: Stephanie and Chad Domke); Chloe Lawrason, Beaverton, Mich. (parents: Jared and Lisa Lawrason); Lily Marshman, Oxford, N.Y. (parents: John and Sheila Marshman); Keegan Medeiros, Laton, Calif. (parents: Melvin and Christina Medeiros); Ella Raatz, Colby, Wis. (parents: Al and Teri Raatz); and Lindsey Rotz, Pelican, Rapids, Minn. (parents: Paul and Carolin Rotz).

Money generated from the annual National DHIA Scholarship Auction primarily funds the organization’s scholarship program. Investments and donations also help build the fund. To donate to the National DHIA Scholarship Fund, contact Leslie Thoman at 608-848-6455 ext. 108 or lthoman@dhia.org.

On July 1, the 2027 National DHIA Scholarship application will be posted on the National DHIA website at: www.dhia.org/scholarship.asp. Applications are due Oct. 31.