Lawmakers in the House of Representatives this week introduced the Helping America’s Farmers Act. The legislation would create a new economic injury disaster loan program at the Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency. Introduced by Representative Jahana Hayes, a Connecticut Democrat and Antonio Delgado, a New York Democrat, the bill is endorsed by the National Milk Producers Federation and Dairy …
American Dairy Coalition Calls for Whole Milk to Return to Schools
The American Dairy Coalition wants to bring whole milk back to U.S. school lunchrooms. According to the proposed Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, whole milk will continue to be banned from schools across the nation. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines are only updated and published every five years. The coalition says, “the time is now to ensure whole milk can once …
Dietary Guidelines Reaffirms Dairy’s Crucial Role, But Wider Science Review Needed
ARLINGTON, VA – The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) said it was pleased that the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s final report reaffirms dairy’s crucial role in a nutritious diet but expressed concern that the committee failed to recognize newer, broader science that shows the benefits of dairy foods at all fat levels.  “The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) today …
Don’t Leave Dairy Behind in Japan Negotiations
Fifty members of Congress sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer this week, urging him to work swiftly on a Phase Two Agreement with Japan. The letter was also sent to Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue. They say the recent Phase One agreement with Japan made progress on several important issues, but American farmers and processors remain at …
May Margin Triggers Dairy Margin Coverage Program Payment
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced this week that the May 2020 income over feed cost margin was $5.37 per hundredweight (cwt.), triggering the third payment of 2020 for dairy producers who purchased the appropriate level of coverage under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. To date, FSA has issued more than $176 million in program …
USDA Announces Initial Purchase of Vaccine for National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced the initial purchase of vaccine for the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB). APHIS will invest $27.1 million in foot-and-mouth disease vaccine, which the agency would use in the event of an outbreak to protect animals and help stop the spread of disease. …
Dairy Margin Coverage Program Proving its Worth so far This Year
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced last week that the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) safety-net sign-up for 2021 coverage will begin October 12. Producers have plenty of time to decide whether or not to enroll in the program. But some FSA offices have yet to allow producers to actually come in to the office. Some are doing on a …
A Rise in Dairy Production and Price Forecasts
The latest USDA dairy outlook projects increased production and stronger prices. Rod Bain has the story. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by …
USDA Dairy Safety-Net Program Sign-Up Begins Oct. 12
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced that Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) safety-net sign-up for 2021 coverage will begin October 12 and will run through December 11, 2020. DMC has already triggered payments for two months for producers who signed up for 2020 coverage. “If we’ve learned anything in the past six months, it’s to expect …
A Rebound in Livestock, Poultry and Dairy Sectors
June’s USDA outlook for meat and dairy indicate increases in several production and price categories compared to the previous month. Rod Bain reports. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Allows Viable Research in the Cattle IndustryFebruary 6, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle …