NMPF Optimistic About Fair Milk Pricing and Dairy Sector's Response to H5N1
Source: The DairyNews
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) concluded its Board of Directors meeting today with a strong expression of confidence that dairy farmers will soon benefit from a more equitable federal milk pricing system. The meeting also spotlighted the dairy industry’s effective handling of the H5N1 influenza outbreak among cattle.
Randy Mooney, a dairy farmer fr om Rogersville, MO and member of the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative, highlighted the resilience of the dairy sector despite current challenges. “Even with all the stresses on the farm, there’s still not a better industry,” Mooney said. “It’s amazing how dairy farmers do it, producing high-quality, nutritious food for the consumer.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is anticipated to unveil a plan for Federal Milk Marketing Order modernization in early July. This announcement follows a three-year campaign led by the NMPF, which included a comprehensive 49-day hearing on the FMMO last year.
The board also discussed the ongoing development of the 2024 Farm Bill and updates on biosecurity measures and testing advancements in response to H5N1, which has necessitated significant federal and farmer investments. NMPF Chief Science Officer Dr. Jamie Jonker led the conversation on this critical issue impacting the future of dairy.
Simultaneously, the meeting coincided with NMPF’s annual Young Cooperators fly-in, an event wh ere young dairy farmers advocate for the industry by meeting with lawmakers. Key discussions included the push for the Farm Bill’s passage, expanded market access for U.S. dairy products, and federal efforts to ensure integrity in milk labeling—advocating that dairy terms should only apply to animal-derived products, in line with Food and Drug Administration standards.
Further, the board reviewed potential enhancements to the NMPF-led Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) program. This 21-year-old farmer self-help initiative, due for renewal post-2024, could see expanded use of its export assistance program as the NMPF board approved five directional goals for CWT’s future operations.
The meeting concluded with the election of three new board members: Dave Peterson of Minnesota from Associated Milk Producers, Inc.; Alex Peterson of Missouri from Dairy Farmers of America; and Mike Schoneveld of Washington from Darigold. These appointments reflect the ongoing commitment of NMPF to drive forward the interests of the dairy farming community.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is anticipated to unveil a plan for Federal Milk Marketing Order modernization in early July. This announcement follows a three-year campaign led by the NMPF, which included a comprehensive 49-day hearing on the FMMO last year.
The board also discussed the ongoing development of the 2024 Farm Bill and updates on biosecurity measures and testing advancements in response to H5N1, which has necessitated significant federal and farmer investments. NMPF Chief Science Officer Dr. Jamie Jonker led the conversation on this critical issue impacting the future of dairy.
Simultaneously, the meeting coincided with NMPF’s annual Young Cooperators fly-in, an event wh ere young dairy farmers advocate for the industry by meeting with lawmakers. Key discussions included the push for the Farm Bill’s passage, expanded market access for U.S. dairy products, and federal efforts to ensure integrity in milk labeling—advocating that dairy terms should only apply to animal-derived products, in line with Food and Drug Administration standards.
Further, the board reviewed potential enhancements to the NMPF-led Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) program. This 21-year-old farmer self-help initiative, due for renewal post-2024, could see expanded use of its export assistance program as the NMPF board approved five directional goals for CWT’s future operations.
The meeting concluded with the election of three new board members: Dave Peterson of Minnesota from Associated Milk Producers, Inc.; Alex Peterson of Missouri from Dairy Farmers of America; and Mike Schoneveld of Washington from Darigold. These appointments reflect the ongoing commitment of NMPF to drive forward the interests of the dairy farming community.
