Whole milk bill awaits Trump signature

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act has passed both chambers of Congress. This legislation updates the requirements for milk in the National School Lunch Program. Since 2012, federal nutrition rules have taken whole and 2% milk out of school lunch programs. With the change, students have access to whole, reduced-fat, low-fat and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. International Dairy Foods Association President/CEO Michael Dykes said the House vote is a victory for children’s health and the dairy industry. Animal rights activist groups, including Animal Wellness Action, praised the bill because it also allows schools to offer plant-based options with a note from their doctor.

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.

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.

HPAI confirmed in Wisconsin dairy herd

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in a dairy herd in Dodge County, Wisconsin. This is the state’s first known case in cattle. Federal agencies stress that the detection does not pose a risk to consumer health or the safety of the commercial milk supply, noting that pasteurization inactivates the virus. The HPAI viruses currently circulating in birds and cattle remain a low risk to the public.

Baldwin seeks action on HPAI

Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin is calling on USDA to step up its response to avian influenza. “For years, Wisconsin has dealt with the fallout from an avian flu outbreak that has driven up grocery prices for consumers and caused undue stress for our farmers who are already facing headwinds created by the Trump administration,” Baldwin said. “As the avian flu begins to threaten Wisconsin cattle, it’s high time for the Trump administration to deliver on a response that matches the scale and urgency of this crisis.”

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.

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 Ana-heim, California.

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.

Outstanding Young Farmer finalists announced

The finalists for the Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmer Award have been announced. The finalists are Perry and Cassandra Baeten of New Franken, Tyler Baudhin of Sturgeon Bay, Luke and Ashley Lisowe of Malone, Alissa and Travis Murray of Omro, Derrick and Miranda Nelson of Eau Claire, and Ryan and Megan White of Reedsburg. The award will be presented in a special weekend event Jan. 23-25 in Weston.

Wisconsin author passes

The author of more than 50 books, Jerry Apps, has died. Apps, 91, wrote stories that showcased life in rural Wisconsin. Apps was raised on a dairy farm in Waushara County. He went on to work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the extension service. Apps was also a columnist for numerous Wisconsin newspapers and produced documentaries for Wisconsin Public Television. A celebration of life is planned in the spring.

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.