Commodities

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 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.

Positive dairy reaction as USMCA passes Senate

By Beth Newhart

After months of uncertainty, the US Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) has officially passed the US House and Senate. President Donald Trump said he will sign it into law next week.

“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.

Wisconsin lost nearly 1,500 dairies in two years, despite the industry's significant contribution to the state's economy. Pic: Getty/Dcwcreations

More than 800 Wisconsin dairies closed in 2019

By Beth Newhart

Data from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture revealed that a record 10% of dairy farms in Wisconsin shuttered last year. It topped 2018’s loss of 7.25%.

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.

The deal is being reviewed by legal channels, and has not yet been signed by officials in either country. Pic: Getty/Christoph Burgstedt

US reaches new trade deal with China

By Beth Newhart

The US government announced a ‘Phase One’ trade deal on Friday that stipulates China will make substantial purchases of US goods and services in the coming years, including from agriculture.

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.

“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.

Dean Foods is ‘engaged in advanced discussions’ with the Dairy Farmers of America regarding a potential sale of all company assets.

Dean Foods files for bankruptcy in Texas

By Beth Newhart

One of the most well-known dairy companies in the US is prepared to sell its business after years of disappointing numbers. The Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) may be a potential buyer of the Dean Foods assets.

Q3 marked a year since Glanbia's acquisition of SlimFast in 2018. Pic: SlimFast

Glanbia’s dairy soars while performance nutrition takes a hit

By Beth Newhart

In Glanbia’s third quarter results, the global nutrition group announced total revenues were up 16.9% with strong numbers from its Nutritional Solutions (NS) division. But Performance Nutrition (GPN) struggled despite key acquisitions.

The bill was announced at the US Capitol Building on Wednesday. Pic: Idaho Dairymen's Association

Bipartisan farm labor bill could ensure a stable workforce

By Beth Newhart

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019 was introduced in the US House of Representatives this week, with the goal of expanding the H-2A foreign guestworker program and aiding with legalization of current workers.

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.

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.

 “We want an ongoing relationship with China. We are in this for the long haul.

USDEC positive after China visit in spite of new tariffs

By Beth Newhart

Over the weekend, US president Donald Trump put into effect a new round of tariffs on Chinese goods, while the US Dairy Export Council (USDEC) visited Chinese officials to preserve its relationship with China.

Milk Specialities vows to take new sustainability action

By Beth Newhart

Dairy protein ingredients company Milk Specialties Global has released its first corporate social responsibility report, outlining new tactics for how it will reduce its carbon footprint and recycle water.

Large scale operations in new areas are driving US milk production. Pic: Getty/Yauhen Akulich

Are Idaho and Texas the future of US dairy?

By Beth Newhart

More milk production is happening on fewer farms, and large-scale operations have expanded into non-traditional markets. Rabobank’s latest report on the changing US dairy landscape examines the biggest challenges.

“It is vital that consumers have transparency and awareness of the quality dairy products available to them.

‘Mozzarella’ protected for global cheese use

By Beth Newhart

The European Union’s effort to take sole ownership of common cheese terms based on origin has ended in an agreement, protecting the fate of ‘mozzarella’ around the world.

“We expect to see further growth from acquisitions, with a long-awaited shift in the top three of the global ranking likely.

Rabobank publishes Dairy Top 20

By Beth Newhart

Nestlé, Lactalis and Danone continue leading the global dairy industry, but could see some shakeups in the future, according to a new analysis from Rabobank.

DBA ‘policy picnics’ bolster member engagement

DBA ‘policy picnics’ bolster member engagement

By Beth Newhart

This summer, the Dairy Business Association (DBA) has hosted ‘policy picnics’ in collaboration with the Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative. The member events brings together the dairy community during a time of economic stress.

Florida nitrogen ice cream chain to franchise nationally

By Beth Newhart

Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream this month launches its national franchise program to expand the brand beyond south Florida. It was one of the first nitrogen ice cream concept stores in the US when it opened in 2012.