National Milk Producers Federation

The latest #Dairy Defined podcast details a school milk success! A pilot program helped by the dairy checkoff has taken off in #Cincinnati, giving schoolkids access to #lactose-free milk, aka better #nutrition. Great work, and an exciting project.

The Dairy Defined podcast was joined by The Big Fat Surprise author Nina Teicholz, Ph.D., talking about #dairy's importance to diet and how dietary guidelines work. A thought-provoking discussion at an important moment for #nutrition policy.

Congratulations to Megan and Tim Schrupp for being elected by their peers to lead the National Young Cooperators Program in 2025! Based in Eden Valley, Minnesota, the Schrupps operate a third-generation family farm with Megan’s parents, milking 1,200 Jersey and Jersey-cross cows. They also carry on Tim’s family’s Empire Guernseys legacy, breeding and exhibiting registered Guernseys. With 1,400 acres of crops, solar energy and advanced cow monitoring technologies, NexGen Dairy embraces sustainability while producing top-quality #milk for First District Association. Passionate advocates for dairy, Megan and Tim have been involved in YC leadership since 2014, leading initiatives like “Dinner on the Dairy” to connect farms with their communities. Megan, a dairy veterinarian, also runs Dairy Performance Service, specializing in dairy medicine and reproduction. Together, they mentor youth, lease dairy cattle to 4-H participants and champion the future of dairy through leadership and advocacy.

Global demand for cheese is rising, but U.S. exports face hurdles as the EU misuses geographical indication rules to restrict common food names like parmesan and feta, writes Tony Rice for Progressive Dairy. Protecting common names is critical for America’s #dairy farms.

Congratulations to California #dairy producer and California Dairies, Inc. farmer-owner John Bidart for his appointment to USDA’s Growing Climate Solutions Act Advisory Council. His expertise in carbon credit projects will be a vital asset to the council.

Washington is changing, but how it will change remains an open question. From this month's CEO's Corner: "The prudent path is to focus on what’s known, remember first principles and keep energy from becoming exhausted over speculations that at this moment are only that – speculation."

We’re offering a 10–12-week summer internship in the Washington, D.C. metro area! This internship provides a unique opportunity for students to work on projects in government relations, regulatory affairs, trade, communications and more. Our intern will gain hands-on experience, attend Capitol Hill meetings and contribute meaningfully to work that shapes the U.S. dairy industry. “Interning with NMPF exceeded my expectations,” said Allyson Aves, a student at Iowa State University, who interned with NMPF last summer. “I gained valuable knowledge, worked on meaningful projects and developed skills that will shape my career.” Click to learn more and apply by Dec. 31: bit.ly/NMPFinternship2025

Access to and utilization of accurate data strengthens the role U.S. dairy plays in creating a sustainable food future. In a morning session at the Fall Meeting of the Dairy Sustainability Alliance?, Nicole Ayache of National Milk Producers Federation, and Vermont dairy farmer Brian McGarry discussed recent updates to FARM Environmental Stewardship and the capabilities they unlock for dairy farmers and cooperatives looking to evaluate potential technologies and measure progress. #DairySust24?#FARMprogram #EnvironmentalStewardship #DairySustainability

We did it again! Prairie Farms was a big winner at the National Milk Producers Federation Dairy Product Judging Contest. With 18 ribbons and sweeps in four categories, our products received more awards than any other company competing in the contest. Congratulations to our dairy farmers and cheese makers for the outstanding wins! Read about the winners by clicking this link. https://lnkd.in/ght7sfc5 #awardwinning #cheese #cottagecheese #yogurt

We're celebrating with our AMPI teams after receiving results from the National Milk Producers Federation Championship Cheese Contest! ? 1st place Monterey Jack Cheese: Sanborn, Iowa ? 1st place Hot and Spicy Cheese: Habanero Cheddar, Jim Falls, Wis. ? 1st place Flavored Butter: New Ulm, Minn. ? 3rd place Mild Cheddar Cheese: Blair, Wis. “These awards recognize years of expertise and steadfast commitment to quality throughout our cooperative, from our dairy farmer-owners to the cheesemakers in our plants,” said Mike Wolkow, AMPI senior vice president of operations. “Crafting great dairy products is both a science and an art, and our team is dedicated to bringing the best of both qualities together in our award-winning cheese and butter.” In the past five years, AMPI cheeses tallied 37 top-three finishes in national and international competitions.