Some Udder Stuff

World Dairy Expo cattle show entries now open

Entries for the dairy cattle show at the 59th World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin are now being accepted exclusively online at worlddairyexpo.com. The entry deadline is Aug. 31, at 11:59 p.m.. Late entries will be accepted, but at an increased fee.

The dairy cattle show will run Sept. 27 through Oct. 2. Entry information, the schedule of events, rules and other updates can be found in the premium book, available online at worlddairyexpo.com. Exhibitors may request a mailed copy of the premium book by contacting Laurie Breuch, dairy systems manager, at lbreuch@wdexpo.com, or Lexa Miller, dairy cattle and contests coordinator, at lmiller@wdexpo.com.

World Dairy Expo continues to monitor highly pathogenic avian influenza and all other health concerns impacting dairy cattle. While H5N1 testing has been rescinded for animals in states that have Unaffected State Status under the USDA National Milk Testing Strategy surveillance, the required test for HPAI/H5N1 is an influenza A PCR test for lactating cattle from states with Affected or Provisional Unaffected State Status. World Dairy Expo also requires animals transported with animals from affected or provisional unaffected states to be tested. Please reference testing timelines in the health regulations and with your state animal health official prior to departure for the show. WDE will share new information and directives as provided.

The dairy cattle show will begin with the International Junior Holstein Show cow classes and International Milking Shorthorn Show heifer classes at 10 a.m. Sept. 27. The breed shows will follow a split-day schedule with their heifer and cow classes. For the complete World Dairy Expo schedule of events, visit worlddairyexpo.com.

Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo is the premier forum for the dairy community to learn, share, create commerce and showcase competition. The Dairy Cattle Show will return to Madison, Wisconsin. Sept. 27 to Oct, 2. In addition to the dairy cattle show, the week-long event features the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, youth contests, seminars, meetings and presentations highlighting the latest and greatest in the industry along with an opportunity to connect with other dairy producers. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Spotify, or YouTube for more information.

Nominate dairies for NMC’s National Dairy Quality awards program

It’s time to submit nominations for NMC’s National Dairy Quality Awards program. This program recognizes U.S. and Canadian dairies that excel in producing high-quality milk. Nominations close Aug. 31.

Coordinated by NMC: The Global Milk Quality Organization, the NDQA program honors dairy producers who market milk with a low somatic cell count and low standard plate count. Additionally, judges evaluate dairy producers’ systems of monitoring udder health, milking routine, protocols for detection and treatment of clinical and subclinical cases of mastitis, and strategies for overall herd health and animal welfare.

Dairy industry professionals — including veterinarians, extension agents, dairy processor field staff and consultants — are encouraged to nominate dairy herds that exemplify milk quality excellence. To nominate a dairy producer, go to: https://www.nmconline.org/ndqa and complete the online nomination form. Dairy producers cannot nominate themselves or their peers.

The NDQA nomination form asks for: herd size, rolling herd average (pounds of milk, fat and protein), Dairy Herd Improvement testing, SCC and SPC averages, SCC and SPC high monthly average, bulk tank SCC and SPC testing frequency, clinical mastitis incidence, culling data and cow deaths. Milk quality numbers are based on the 12-month period of June 1, 2025-May 31, 2026.

Judges will name approximately 50 finalists from the NDQA nominations. Finalists, along with their nominators, will complete a more detailed final application. From the finalists, judges will rank dairy operations as Platinum, Gold or Silver. The Platinum winners receive international recognition, complimentary lodging and registration, and a travel stipend to attend the NMC’s 65th Annual Meeting, Jan. 25-28, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida.

Grant‑writing support pilot program launched to help

farmers pursue sustainable agriculture funding

Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) and AgCountry Farm Credit Services (AgCountry) announce the launch of a pilot program to assist producers seeking additional sources of capital for stewardship activities. 

The Farm Credit Associations are partnering with Lasso, a grant-writing service, to help participating producers find and apply for publicly funded grants. Producers report strong interest in stewardship activities but face financial barriers. The Farm Credit Associations are piloting grant-writing services for their customers as part of a broader toolbox of products and services for on-farm improvements. The pilot is available for eligible farm projects in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. 

The program provides support to producers considering equipment upgrades, infrastructure improvements, or energy and efficiency projects who may be unsure whether grant funding is available or how to navigate the application process. Selected participants will receive Lasso’s end-to-end support, including identifying relevant grant opportunities, preparing applications, and managing post-award requirements. FCSAmerica and AgCountry will cover the majority of the cost.

“Producers are deeply committed to leaving their operations stronger for the next generation, but navigating evolving funding opportunities can become a significant hurdle,” said Myriah Johnson, vice president of sustainability for  FCSAmerica and AgCountry, which operate as part of a collaboration that includes Frontier Farm Credit.

Lasso works directly with producers to understand their needs and match projects with federal, state, regional, and local grant programs, including opportunities such as the Value-Added Producer Grant, the Agriculture Diversification & Development Fund (North Dakota), and Choose Iowa’s Butchery Innovation Grant (Iowa). Lasso reports a 90% success rate and has helped secure more than 70 grants, representing millions of dollars in funding for on-farm projects.

“Many farmers have strong project ideas but don’t have the time or resources to navigate the grant process on their own,” said Nicole Rojas, co-founder of Lasso. “Partnering with Farm Credit Services of America and AgCounty Farm Credit Services allows us to remove that barrier by helping producers identify the right funding opportunities and manage the grant process from start to finish, so they can focus on running their farms and investing in their operations with confidence.” 

FCSAmerica has had a sustainability program since 2022 to support customer‑owners advance stewardship activities on their operations. We continually deepen our knowledge to provide the resources and insights customers seek as part of their stewardship decision-making. 

Producers interested in participating in the pilot should be open to pursuing public grant funding and have an on-farm project plan with potential vendors or service providers identified.Learn more about FCSAmerica. AgCountry, and Lasso.

Midwest Dairy drives demand, trust in 2025

Midwest Dairy released its 2025 Annual Report, demonstrating a strong year of progress trust building and demand on behalf of dairy farmers.

Projects and activations drove dairy demand and expanded consumer trust in 2025. Campaigns across retail, convenience stores, and coffee chains generated more than four million incremental pounds of milk sales while reaching millions of consumers across the region.

“We want farmers to see the results of their investment and where their money was spent,” said Charles Krause, chair of the Midwest Dairy Board. “The report highlights growth in dairy demand, expanded consumer trust, leadership initiatives, and investments in research and innovation. It also includes measurable outcomes like incremental milk sales and consumer reach.”

Protein-powered promotions boost sales

Research indicates that among all generations, protein ranks as the number one most important nutrient for health and wellness. With 81% of consumers1 agreeing that “dairy is a good source of protein,”Midwest Dairy focused on campaigns to highlight dairy product benefits.

Retail and foodservice promotions capitalized on the protein trend to deliver measurable sales growth and inspired fresh ways to consume dairy products. In fact, limited-time seasonal offers at Kwik Trip/Kwik Star drove 1.8 million incremental pounds of milk sold, and a partnership with Chicory, which focused on digital recipe innovation, resulted in over three million incremental pounds of milk sold.

Consumer outreach expands dairy trust

Midwest Dairy programs connected farmers directly with consumers, students and healthprofessionals to build confidence and trust in dairy.

In 2025:

— More than 162,000 students reached through the 2025 Discover Dairy Adopt a Cow program.

— NCAA Big 12 college athletics partnerships generated 10 million impressions.

— Influencer partnerships delivered 10.5 million views.

—Wellness Warriors initiative connected dairy farmers with health and nutrition professionals to highlight dairy’s role in healthy lifestyles.

Checkoff investments support innovation and leadership

Midwest Dairy invests farmer checkoff resources in research, innovation and leadership development to capitalize on opportunities for dairy.

— $355,000 in Undeniably Dairy grants supported 136 dairy promotion projects.

— 17 farmers graduated from the Dairy Experience and Agricultural Leadership (DEAL) program.

— Lasso grants supported on-farm innovation projects, while the Accelerator Program supported entrepreneurs in bringing innovative dairy products to market.

— Youth leadership programs helped extend dairy outreach and advocacy with 29 dairy ambassadors and princesses.

Midwest Dairy is committed to building onto the 2025 momentum to deliver meaningful progress on behalf of dairy farmers. Read the full 2025 Annual Report at

www.midwestdairy.com/annualreport.

FARM Program publishes 2026 drug residue prevention manual

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Program today released its 2026-2027 Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Reference Manual, equipping farmers with an educational tool that promotes best management practices for responsible and judicious use of antimicrobials in dairy cattle.

The updated manual has timely information about the Food and Drug Administration’s conditionally approved and emergency use authorizations of drugs to combat New World screwworm. It also includes the FDA’s Guidance for Industry No. 273: “Defining Durations of Use for Approved Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs Fed to Food-Producing Animals” (GFI No. 273), finalized and announced in February.

“The U.S. dairy industry is committed to antibiotic stewardship and judicious use of all medications used for dairy cattle,” says Dr. Jamie Jonker, National Milk Producers Federation’s chief science officer. “The Drug Residue Prevention Manual continues to be a trusted resource for dairy farmers making educated choices with their veterinarians to care for their animals.”

When dairy animals get sick or injured and treatment is necessary, producers and veterinarians use antibiotics and other drugs prudently. The manual serves as a resource for producers and veterinarians, and includes information on:

—Residue prevention best practices

—Record keeping and herd health

—Drug administration

—Culling of animals

—Residue testing

—Drug classes

—Approved drugs and screening tests

The Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Manual and the associated pocket guide are sponsored by Zoetis. Their sponsorship supports the development of on-farm resource development for U.S. dairy farmers.

The manual is available for download on the FARM Program website. The pocket guide will be available later this month. Through educational resources and training, the FARM Program advances its mission of fostering a culture of continuous improvement by demonstrating U.S. dairy farmers are committed to producing high-quality, safe milk with integrity.