Dairy Health Check

The US dairy industry is hopeful the trade deal means more sales to China. Pic: Getty Images/Pixfly

Now phase one of trade deal has been agreed, dairy trade groups call for further leveling of trade playing field

US industry happy with dairy deal, but a lot of work left to repair bridges with China

By Richard Whitehead

Now the world’s two most powerful economies have signed the first installment of a trade deal, much more still needs to be done to eliminate retaliatory tariffs and non-tariff barriers for American dairy exports to China.

Milk is highly digestible and efficient in its nutritional transfer, giving it an edge over plants structured to produce carbohydrates. Pic: Getty/shark_749

‘Milk protein is king’ but needs an RDA overhaul

By Beth Newhart

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of protein is 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight. But Rob Wildman of the International Protein Board (IPB) believes the system needs changing, specific to different dietary functions.

What’s new from the Winter Fancy Food Show?

What’s new from the Winter Fancy Food Show?

By Beth Newhart

The Specialty Food Association’s (SFA) Winter Fancy Food Show (WFFS) commenced in San Francisco last week. Dairy and non-dairy alternative products from the specialty sector exhibited for the first time in 2020.

Among the report's many reccomendations is a reduction in the consumption of beef, lamb and dairy by at least 20% per person.

UK report recommends dairy reduction of 20%

By Jim Cornall

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) an independent, statutory body in the UK established under the Climate Change Act 2008, is recommending a reduction in dairy intake of 20%.

The IICMA warned of several negative impacts of reduced SMP supply. Pic: Getty Images/Ram Tekale

Concerns in India over possible ice cream price hike

By Jim Cornall

Ice-cream and frozen-dessert manufacturers in India are facing difficulties in finding skimmed milk powder (SMP), as stock is not available in the market and there is sudden hike in its unit price.

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...

The study findings align with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2015–2020). Pic: Getty/DenizA

Drinking 2% milk ages adults faster than 1% milk

By Beth Newhart

Adults who drink 1% or nonfat milk were found to age less biologically than adults who drink 2% or whole milk. The new study from Brigham Young University (BYU) analyzed milk fat intake and telomere length.

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.

The NFU said it is concerned by the potential threat to the dairy industry of the UK trading on WTO rules.

Future trade policy key for dairy sector says NFU

By Jim Cornall

Securing free and frictionless trade with the EU and safeguarding British food standards will be crucial for the UK dairy sector to grow, prosper and deliver quality products the public expects, National Farmers' Union (NFU) vice president Stuart...

The Network will be a platform for women to discuss challenges and create shared strategies for advancing their careers.  Pic: Getty/shironosov

IDFA debuts Women in Dairy Network

By Beth Newhart

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) will host its annual forum later this month in the US, featuring a coalition dedicated to advancing women in the industry for the first time.

“DHA Omega-3 helps support brain health for people of all ages and represents a simple way that consumers can make a healthy choice.

‘Veganuary’ drives plant-based dairy-alternative launches

By Beth Newhart

Eating healthier is a common New Year's resolution that brands like to capitalize on every year. New plant-based dairy alternatives are kicking off 2020, trying to tap into the oat, almond and coconut-based craze that’s challenging the dairy industry.

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%.

Siggi’s enters kids yogurt market

By Beth Newhart

Siggi’s Icelandic-style yogurt is low in sugar, which the company is now bringing into the kids yogurt category, with pouches rolling out across the US.

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.

The new code prohibits retrospective pricing step downs. Pic: Getty Images/JohnCarnemolla

Australia’s new mandatory dairy code welcomed

By Jim Cornall

Australian dairy farmers now have a rule book to help them negotiate a fair price for their product with a mandatory Dairy Code of Conduct taking effect from January 1, 2020.

Five global dairy organizations are calling on world leaders to intensify efforts to progress discussions on WTO reform.

Global dairy groups share concern at WTO reform

By Jim Cornall

A group of major global dairy associations across the are joining together to express support for the multilateral rules-based trade system, underpinned by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

How can probiotic labeling improve in dairy?

By Beth Newhart

Regulations are loose on labeling in probiotic dairy products, but could this be changing? Experts say the ‘whole field would benefit’ from more descriptive labels.

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.

Researchers in Japan say avoiding formula immediately after birth is an easy fix. Pic: Getty Images/Sasiistock

Despite high rates of lactose intolerance, consumers are now eating more dairy

Japanese find breastfeeding at birth can lower milk allergies

By Richard Whitehead

Avoiding cow's milk formula and exclusively breastfeeding in the first three days of life helps reduce later lactose intolerance, according a Japanese clinical trial.

Regional Milk Production Worldwide 2018. Pic: IFCN

IFCN publishes 2019 dairy report

By Jim Cornall

IFCN, a global network for dairy economic research and consultancy, has published the IFCN Dairy Report 2019.