Tariff policy takes another turn

On March 6, President Trump announced a 30-day pause on all tariffs to Canada and Mexico. A day later, Trump made another change in the tariff policy. “Canada has been ripping us off for years on lumber and dairy products; 250% (tariff on dairy products), nobody ever talks about that, which is taking advantage of our farmers.” Trump promised to retaliate with new tariffs coming in a matter of days.

International Dairy Foods Association response

The International Dairy Foods Association released a statement in response to President Trump’s criticism of Canadian dairy tariffs. “It is accurate that Canada imposes a tariff of approximately 250% on U.S. exports of certain dairy products from Canada, and even more with Canada’s 25% retaliatory tariffs in place,” said Becky Rasdall Vargas, senior vice president, IDFA. However, that tariff would only apply if U.S. dairy exports exceed the parameters of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Due to protectionist policies in Canada, the U.S. has not gotten close to those quota levels. Rasdall Vargas said the U.S. dairy industry appreciates the Trump administration’s efforts. “At the same time, a prolonged tariff war with our top trading partners will continue to create uncertainly and additional costs for American dairy farmers, processors, and our rural communities. We urge Canada and the United States to negotiate a resolution to these issues.”

Lawmakers seek fairness in trade

A bipartisan group of senators is calling for fairness for dairy farmers in any trade talks with Canada. The lawmakers sent a letter to the agriculture secretary, commerce secretary and U.S. trade representative, saying Canada has hurt U.S. dairy prices by selling dairy products worldwide at artificially low prices. The letter said, “Historically, Canada has failed to live up to its commitments to provide access to its market.” The lawmakers also contend Canada appears to be evading USMCA rules and is exporting protein at artificially low prices. The letter was sent by Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall and Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst.

Policy experts seek better safety net for farmers

At the National Farmers Union Convention, agricultural policy leaders addressed key farm policy challenges, including legislative uncertainty in Washington. “I think right now, the easiest way to describe Capitol Hill is a bit chaotic,” said Brad Weddelman, majority chief economist, Senate Agriculture Committee. “There’s a lot going on with a new administration, new chairman.” Despite the turbulence, Weddelman stressed that Chairman John Boozman remains focused on passing a 5-year farm bill with a stronger safety net. “He’s preached that over and over again. That is his goal for this year,” he said. The conversation also centered on improving disaster assistance programs for farmers. Harlea Hoelscher, a professional staffer for the House Ag Committee, outlined House farm bill provisions aimed at strengthening relief efforts. “Chairman (Glenn ‘GT’) Thompson followed the principle of how we can bolster the programs that we already have and make them work better for producers.”

Waters of the U.S. guidance updated

The Waters of the United States rule is getting another revision. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin said this change will stand the test of time. “We are not looking for this to be ping pong anymore; what we’re looking for is to simply follow the guidance from Sackett (Supreme Court ruling),” Zeldin said. “It gave us a clear path in determining the waters of the United States. It found only those wetlands with a ‘continuous surface connection to a relatively permanent water’ are Waters of the United States. The court also struck down the long-utilized significant nexus test, leaving only those wetlands that abut or are adjacent to waters of the United States as jurisdictional.” Zeldin said his agency will work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to cut permitting costs and reduce red tape. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall was part of the announcement and said WOTUS has been a pain in the side for farmers; “This is a first big step in a very difficult farm economy that gives farmers and ranchers hope, hope that good things are going to happen in the future.”

Make America Healthy Again Commission meets

The Trump Administration’s Make America Healthy Again Commission met for the first time. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said they are committed to a holistic process to improve the federal dietary guidelines. Rollins said these guidelines will be based on sound science and released ahead of its Dec. 31 deadline.

Testing underway in Minnesota dairy herds

Minnesota is in the third week of testing its dairy herds for highly pathogenic avian influenza. “We’ve tested over 400 farms and had no positive cases,” reports Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “We also haven’t had a positive case in poultry for a couple of weeks.” Petersen said another week of testing is needed before the next phase can begin. “We’re optimistic that will happen; we’re continuing to urge farmers to follow biosecurity measures and to keep their guard up.”

Bill introduced to support processing

State Senator Andrew Lang of Olivia has introduced a bill to appropriate funding to support Minnesota’s milk and meat processing sectors. “By investing in our processing facilities, we not only support our local farmers and producers but also ensure that Minnesotans have access to high-quality, locally produced food products,” Lang said.

March supply and demand estimates released

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest supply and demand report, 2025 milk production estimates were lowered to 226.2 billion pounds. Lower-than-expected milk output per cow was cited as the reason. The Class III price forecast was lowered with a drop expected in cheese and whey values in the year ahead.

Export assistance program gets a name change

The National Milk Producers Federation board of directors has voted to change the name of its voluntary dairy export assistance program. Cooperatives Working Together was created in 2003 with dairy co-ops and individual producers contributing to this program. The new name of this program will be NEXT, which stands for NMPF Exports and Trade. A new business plan for the successor organization will be up for final approval in June.

Danish dairy co-op to partner with South Dakota firm

Arla Foods plans to produce whey protein for the food and beverage industry through a partnership with Milbank, South Dakota-based Valley Queen. Arla Foods is one of the largest dairy cooperatives worldwide and is based in Denmark.

Trivia challenge

Texas is the home state for Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. That answers our last trivia question. For this week’s trivia, what country consumes the most cheese on a per-capita basis? 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.