Milk Production

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...

Rabobank is lowering its 2020 US demand growth projections from 0.8% to 0.5%, as consumers quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pic: Getty/Chinnapong

The ripple effects of COVID-19: A look into global dairy

By Beth Newhart

Rabobank assesses how the ‘corona hangover’ will impact global dairy markets in its latest report. Demand in China is already starting to bounce back after its virus exposure seems to have peaked, while the US will suffer in the coming months as cases...

“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.

“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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The St. Albans board of directors will become part of DFA’s Northeast Area Council. Pic: Getty/Georgy Rozov / EyeEm

DFA closes merger with St. Albans Co-op

By Beth Newhart

The Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) started the process of merging with the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery in June; the deal closes this week.

Fair Oaks Farms is one of 30 farms that provide milk to fairlife.

Fairlife and Coca-Cola deal with Fair Oaks abuse fallout

By Beth Newhart

Last week, an undercover video surfaced showing severe calf abuse at Fair Oaks Farms. The Indiana-based farm supplies milk to ultrafiltered milk brand fairlife, which is a Coca-Cola Company partner. Several retailers have pulled the products from shelves...

More than 61m gallons of milk are wasted by households in the UK every year, at a cost of £25m. Pic: Getty/Anon_Pichit

Could better packaging revive the milk industry?

By Beth Newhart

A study commissioned by Noluma International, which offers light protection services and certification for CPG products, suggests that proper light-protective packaging could help stem the decline in fluid milk consumption.

Global economic growth is looking gloomy and the US could see a recession next year. Pic: Getty/nanoqfu

Global milk supply growth has stalled in 2019

By Beth Newhart

The first quarter of the year is coming to a close, and Rabobank has released Q1 2019 numbers from its Dairy Quarterly report. The world’s largest exporters of dairy have stalled in year-over-year milk supply growth, but the US is experiencing a mixed...

FrieslandCampina has raised its September milk price, but its financial results for the first half of 2016 show a decrease in profits and revenue.

FrieslandCampina profits tumble

By Jim Cornall

The profit of Dutch company Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. decreased by 16.7% over the first half-year of 2016 to €160m ($178m) compared to the same period in 2015.

Nestlé invests in Morocco to boost milk production

Nestlé invests in Morocco to boost milk production

By Ben Bouckley

Nestlé has announced a multi-million investment plan in Morocco to improve the quality of fresh milk and encourage the development of the dairy industry through the private sector.