Processing Equipment & Systems, Automation, Control

DFA to purchase a portion of Dean Foods’ assets for $433m

By Beth Newhart

After several months of back and forth following the Dean Foods bankruptcy, the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) co-op is acquiring a majority of its assets for $433m. Prairie Farms Dairy will also get a portion for $75m.

DFA is re-evaluating its options to submit another bid by the deadline.

DFA is no longer confirmed to purchase Dean Foods

By Beth Newhart

Though it was announced last month that Dean Foods and the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) entered into an asset purchase agreement, that has been mutually terminated. The co-op is still in the running but is no longer the ‘stalking horse’ bidder.

“Do you provide paid sick leave for your employees? If not, will employees feel financially obligated to come to work even when sick?”

NMPF beefs up coronavirus resource website for dairy

By Beth Newhart

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) in the US has set up a designated website for those in the dairy industry to utilize during the health crisis. It’s updating regularly with general information, work permit templates and multimedia resources.

US lays out new COVID-19 guidelines for food industry

By Beth Newhart

The Trump Administration released a set of coronavirus guidelines for all Americans, with special provisions for critical infrastructure industries like food and beverage. Brands have been adapting this week to the new reality, while keeping employee...

US dairy groups pressure Senate to act on labor reform

By Beth Newhart

After the House of Representatives passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (FWMA) late last year, dairy organizations are reminding the Senate why they feel it’s crucial to the future of agriculture labor. Young farmers are also speaking out for essential...

Containers and lids are what it’s used most for, though it adapts to any rigid container, like single serve yogurt cups or milk cartons. Pics: Muller Technology

Muller Technology debuts flexible M-Line robot

By Beth Newhart

A new automation line for thin-wall packaging is available now from Muller Technology. It accommodates multiple mold types and pitches and multiple cavitation for rigid containers.

“We are supporting dairy as it moves into a new era of data generation, management, integration, collaboration, and insight development that will improve efficiencies and increase profitability for producers.” Pic: SomaDetect

SomaDetect partners with Valley Agricultural Software

By Beth Newhart

Valley Agricultural Software’s (VAS) Software API will soon be integrated into SomaDetect’s data system. SomaDetect analyzes milk quality and herd health using light scattering technology.

Hälsa called oats one of the most environmentally friendly ingredients for making plant-based milk, but the US does not currently produce oats that meet Hälsa's quality standards. Pic: Hälsa

Hälsa Foods to convert dairy farms for organic oats

By Beth Newhart

A new program from oat-based yogurt alternative brand Hälsa Foods will partner with dairy farms, and support them converting to farmlands for growing organic oats. It will be led by a team of Scandinavian farmers, researchers and environmental experts.

“We have to disrupt our industry from within, or we’ll be disrupted from without.

DBA appeals to farmers of the future for industry disruption

By Beth Newhart

Some top priorities for US dairy farmers in 2020 are future planning, risk management and secure milk supplies. All were examined at the Dairy Business Association’s (DBA) Dairy Strong conference in Wisconsin in January.

“We aren’t going to stop change, and we aren’t going to stop technology.

IDFA zeroes in on next-gen, and ‘making what we can sell’

By Beth Newhart

At the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) Dairy Forum this week, president and CEO Michael Dykes spoke of the challenges facing US dairy, including product innovation, milk bankruptcies and setting the industry up for a sustainable future.

“Today we are finally ending the NAFTA nightmare.

USMCA signed into law by Trump

By Beth Newhart

The US Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) passed the House in late 2019 and the Senate earlier this month. It replaces the previous North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

UPenn studies climate change through dairy cows

By Beth Newhart

Cows digest millions of tons of food every year that is not suitable for humans, making them ‘critical partners’ in developing sustainable, regenerative agro-food systems. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are studying the positive impacts...

“With an election year, sometimes legislative activity grinds to a halt.

NMPF outlines the legislative dairy landscape in 2020

By Beth Newhart

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) projects that the USMCA bill will pass the Senate soon, followed by a greater focus on agriculture labor, transportation and infrastructure and childhood nutrition this year.

DFA forms new Ingredient Solutions division

By Beth Newhart

The Dairy Farmers of America is realigning its portfolio of dairy-based ingredients into a new group, DFA Ingredient Solutions. It says this will provide better support for food manufacturers and operators.

The USMCA will create new market access opportunities for US exports to Canada of dairy, poultry and eggs. Pic: Getty/SW_Photo

USMCA passes the House, Senate to vote in 2020

By Beth Newhart

The US House of Representatives passed the new trade deal between the US, Mexico and Canada (USMCA), with big implications for dairy. The bill will be voted on by the Senate early in the new year.

With the 2020 US election looming, the US dollar is expected to be volatile and affect global dairy. Pic: Getty/sergeyryzhov

Higher dairy prices are on the horizon

By Beth Newhart

As the year's fourth quarter wraps up, Rabobank's RaboResearch looks back on global dairy's performance in 2019, and ahead to 2020. Milk production and prices are up, leading to challenges for producers.

Nestlé USA is the second largest ice cream manufacturer in the US, and Froneri will now be the second largest ice cream manufacturer in the world.

Froneri scoops Nestlé’s US ice cream division for $4bn

By Beth Newhart

Froneri started as an ice cream-focused joint venture between Nestlé and PAI Partners in 2016, and the relationship will be furthered by the acquisition of Nestlé USA’s collection of ice cream brands.

Breeding technology practices can lead to increased milk production and environmental benefits. Pic: Getty/Deb Drury

Fluid milk has room to grow with genomic testing

By Beth Newhart

The future of milk can evolve beyond organic, grass fed and a2 varieties with more widespread breeding technology, changing the way dairy farmers manage their herds, according to a new Rabobank report.

“Dairy farmers in Pennsylvania and across the US are in the fourth year of an economic downturn in which many farmers are struggling to break even.

Conservation pays on US dairy farms, even in a weak economy

By Beth Newhart

In a collaboration between the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and four Pennsylvania dairy farmers, a new report finds that conservation practices generally result in a farm’s good economic health. But farmers can’t do it alone.

“It’s impressive to see how this industry comes together. They don’t point fingers at each other, they work together.

DMI exec talks sustainability strategy after six months on the job

By Beth Newhart

After years of working under former USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden officially joined Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) in April of 2019. Her role as executive VP of global environmental strategy has put her focus on telling the sustainability...

Growing populations, westernization of diets and a preference for full-fat dairy are driving global cheese growth. Pic: Getty/Михаил Руденко

Winners and losers in a decade of global cheese trade

By Beth Newhart

More out of market investments and a strong US production base are bolstering cheese growth. Rabobank took a look at the global cheese market since 2010 in a recent report, and predicted what’s to come.

Trade tensions between the US and China have finally started to ease, but US consumers might see the tariffs reflected in retail prices soon. Pic: Getty/Lumineux_Images

Dairy prepares for potential 2020 recession

By Beth Newhart

Global dairy markets are expected to remain firm through mid-2020, but Rabobank predicts that the second half of the year will be tighter in the face of a possible global recession.

The former co-CEOs plan to ‘stay close’ to the brand as board directors and investors, working on innovation and brand storytelling.

Yasso opens new HQ in Colorado with fresh leadership

By Beth Newhart

As a Greek yogurt-based ice cream alternative, Yasso has grown to be a nationally distributed better-for-you dessert. Now the brand is handing off its leadership to a new management team and opening a headquarters in Boulder, Colorado.

“For people who don’t really know dairy, it’s a bit of a hard sell to convince them of the problem of acid whey.

Capro-X reimagines Greek yogurt waste

By Beth Newhart

Each cup of Greek yogurt generates more than three cups of acid whey waste, which is expensive to dispose of sustainably. Startup Capro-X says it offers more cost-effective, creative solutions to the problem.

Halo Top acquired by Blue Bunny producer

By Beth Newhart

Wells Enterprises has announced its purchase of light ice cream company Halo Top. Wells already manufactures popular dessert brands like Blue Bunny, Bomb Pop and Chilly Cow.

The pending location in south central Idaho is considered the heart of the state's dairy industry. Pics: The University of Idaho

Largest US research dairy set for Idaho

By Beth Newhart

The University of Idaho has planned the largest research dairy in the US, set to break ground in 2021. A demonstration farm and agro-tourism center will accompany the 2,000-cow dairy on Idaho’s campus.

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