NMPF Confident in Fairer Milk Pricing System, Highlights Response to H5N1 Influenza
Source: The DairyNews
Leadership of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) expressed confidence that farmers would soon benefit from a fairer federal milk pricing system and highlighted the robust response of dairy farmers to the H5N1 influenza challenge in dairy cattle at the organization’s Board of Directors meeting, which concluded May 6.
“Even with all the stresses on the farm, there’s still not a better industry,” said Randy Mooney, a dairy farmer fr om Rogersville, MO, and a member of the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative, during the meeting. “I’m proud of wh ere we’re at, producing high-quality, nutritious food for the consumer. It’s amazing how dairy farmers do it.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to release its plan for Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) modernization at the beginning of July. NMPF has been at the forefront of advocating for updated rules that reflect the current industry landscape, a three-year effort that culminated in a 49-day FMMO hearing late last year.
Board members spent two days reviewing recent policy developments, including the progress of the 2024 Farm Bill, and receiving up-to-date information on H5N1. The outbreak has led to significant federal and farmer investments in biosecurity and testing. NMPF Chief Science Officer Dr. Jamie Jonker led a discussion on this critical issue for the dairy industry’s future.
The meeting coincided with NMPF’s annual Young Cooperators fly-in, where young dairy farmers met with lawmakers to advocate for the industry. They urged the passage of a Farm Bill, expanded market access for U.S. dairy products, and federal action to maintain integrity in milk labeling, restricting the use of dairy terms to animal products in accordance with Food and Drug Administration standards.
The Board also considered potential improvements to the NMPF-led Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) program, a 21-year-old farmer self-help initiative up for renewal after 2024. A member task force is exploring options to expand the use of CWT’s export assistance program. The NMPF Board approved a series of five directional goals for CWT as it considers the program’s future parameters.
During the meeting, the board elected three new members: Dave Peterson of Minnesota, representing Associated Milk Producers, Inc.; Alex Peterson of Missouri, representing Dairy Farmers of America; and Mike Schoneveld of Washington, representing Darigold.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to release its plan for Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) modernization at the beginning of July. NMPF has been at the forefront of advocating for updated rules that reflect the current industry landscape, a three-year effort that culminated in a 49-day FMMO hearing late last year.
Board members spent two days reviewing recent policy developments, including the progress of the 2024 Farm Bill, and receiving up-to-date information on H5N1. The outbreak has led to significant federal and farmer investments in biosecurity and testing. NMPF Chief Science Officer Dr. Jamie Jonker led a discussion on this critical issue for the dairy industry’s future.
The meeting coincided with NMPF’s annual Young Cooperators fly-in, where young dairy farmers met with lawmakers to advocate for the industry. They urged the passage of a Farm Bill, expanded market access for U.S. dairy products, and federal action to maintain integrity in milk labeling, restricting the use of dairy terms to animal products in accordance with Food and Drug Administration standards.
The Board also considered potential improvements to the NMPF-led Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) program, a 21-year-old farmer self-help initiative up for renewal after 2024. A member task force is exploring options to expand the use of CWT’s export assistance program. The NMPF Board approved a series of five directional goals for CWT as it considers the program’s future parameters.
During the meeting, the board elected three new members: Dave Peterson of Minnesota, representing Associated Milk Producers, Inc.; Alex Peterson of Missouri, representing Dairy Farmers of America; and Mike Schoneveld of Washington, representing Darigold.
