U.S. Dairy Export Council

Spring is one of the best times to be on the farm. At Peterson Dairy, we’re welcoming a new generation of calves and enjoying longer days, greener pastures, and the renewed energy this season brings to both our herd and our team. This #EarthDay serves as a reminder of the essential role dairy farmers play in providing high-quality dairy and caring for the land that makes it all possible! “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Just ask these heifers! Last night, they were MOOved to a fresh paddock, and as you can see, they were thrilled. By making sure they graze each area thoroughly before moving on (like finishing one plate before getting seconds), we support a healthier, more resilient system. Grazing dairies may seem simple, but doing it sustainably takes care and constant learning. We’re always working to improve our soils and forages because good stewardship is how we farm - and how we live. There’s a strong connection between healthy land and a thriving herd, and we’re looking forward to another great season.    #USDairy #DairyFarming #EarthDay

International demand for U.S. cheese continues to grow, with exports up 22% in the 12 months ending in January 2025. For the first time ever, cheese exports surpassed 1 billion pounds in a single year. As more cultures incorporate cheese into their diets, it’s important for U.S. dairy producers to operate at the intersection of sustainability and cultural tradition. Strong sustainability standards help maintain our position as a supplier of choice, while incorporating U.S. dairy into culturally relevant foods allows us to deliver products consumers want. I was at #CheeseCon in Madison, WI, last week hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Center for Dairy Research, discussing how U.S. dairy’s strategies keep pace with today’s dynamic policy landscape and growing consumer interest in how food is produced. My key message: U.S. dairy’s efficiency and commitment to continuous improvement gives us a competitive edge as global markets are increasingly shaped by consumer expectations and emerging sustainability policies. Through global engagement, the U.S. Dairy Export Council is working to grow demand, protect market access, and showcase U.S. dairy as a sustainable food systems solution. Special thanks to USDEC members Carly Arendt, Jason Burley, and Alfiya Thomas, who participated in the panel session and shared insights on dairy sustainability initiatives. I’m proud to share the sustainability commitments made by our members, support science-based standards, and help our members deliver trusted products – like U.S. cheeses – that consumers are hungry for. #USDairy #USDEC #USCheese

On Wednesday and continuing today, 12 members of USDEC’s Operating Committee engaged with members of Congress, congressional staff and administration officials to emphasize key priorities for U.S. dairy trade. The committee members were already in Washington, D.C., for USDEC’s annual meeting held earlier in the week. Participants included USDEC Chair Rebecca Nyman, Vice Chair Alex Peterson and Dairy Management Inc. Chair Marilyn Hershey. They were joined by USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden, Chief Operating Officer Martha Scott P., and the USDEC Trade Policy team, including Jaime Castaneda, Shawna Morris, and Tony Rice. Topics included potential opportunities and impact concerns related to the administration’s trade agenda, the importance of targeting tariff actions, the need to expand U.S. dairy export markets, ongoing dairy trade problems with Canada and the EU, the need for active U.S. involvement in international organizations like Codex, the WTO and the FAO, common name protections and more. The packed agenda included meetings with: • U.S. Trade Representative officials, including Dr. Julie Callahan, assistant USTR for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy, and Marshall Stallings, Director for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement. • U.S. Department of Agriculture officials, including Jason Hafemeister, acting deputy undersecretary; Daniel Whitley, Foreign Agricultural Service administrator, and Courtney Knupp, senior trade advisor to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. • Meetings with a variety of House and Senate offices, as well as committee staff for the Senate Finance and Agriculture Committees and the House Ways & Means and Agriculture Committees. Some of the USDEC Operating Committee members who participated are shown in the photo. Left to right: USDEC’s Martha Scott P., California dairy farmer Rebecca Nyman, U.S. Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), DairyAmerica’s Patricia Smith, Hilmar Cheese Company’s Kyle Jensen, Darigold’s Christine Van Asten and USDEC’s Jaime Castaneda.

At USDEC’s annual meeting Tuesday, CEO Krysta Harden encouraged resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty, urging everyone to stay committed to serving global customers with high-quality U.S. dairy products. “Don't let the noise take over. Don't let others control who you are and what you believe,” Harden said. “Our partners trust us. They trust you. They know the quality of your products. They know the high value. They know when you say you're going to do something, you are going to do it," Harden said. "They know they are a valued customer."

Actus Nutrition has had great success marketing its dairy ingredients abroad by leveraging its expertise, working with industry partners and meeting the needs of customers. For this reason, Actus is recipient of USDEC's 2025 Excellence in Exports Award. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3EpWYlM

David Ahlem, president and CEO of Hilmar Cheese Company, has led a number of initiatives that advance U.S. dairy exports, whether technological breakthroughs at his own company or industry-wide efforts. That has earned him USDEC's 2025 Excellence in Innovation Award. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4cp5X3r

On Thursday, the USDEC farmer delegation to Guatemala visited Finca Pasajinak, the country's largest dairy farm, which is committed to environmental stewardship, innovation and community development. U.S. dairy farmers work with local farmers to help source healthy and nutritious dairy. The USDEC delegation, comprising U.S. dairy farmers and USDEC staff, is pictured alongside representatives from the Guatemalan Dairy Development Association (ASODEL) and the owners of the dairy, Manuel and Regina Marroqui.

On Wednesday, USDEC CEO Krysta Harden signed a landmark MOU with ASODEL (Asociación de Desarrollo Lácteo de Guatemala) President Estaban Morales to promote collaboration and advance the dairy sector in Guatemala. It underscores U.S. dairy's commitment to aiding local farmers and promoting sustainable growth.

On Tuesday, the USDEC farmer delegation in Guatemala met with U.S. Ambassador Tobin Bradley, who talked about U.S. collaboration with Guatemala to enhance the country's infrastructure and support the local government, both crucial for U.S. dairy exports. Pictured, left to right, are Wisconsin dairy farmer Gail Klinkner, California dairy farmer Rebecca Nyman, Missouri dairy farmer Alex Peterson, U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala Tobin Bradley, USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden, Pennsylvania dairy farmer Marilyn Hershey and New York dairy farmer Sheila A. Marshman, MBA, Ph.D.

USDEC thanks USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Counselor Marcela Rondon for her insightful market briefing on the Guatemalan agriculture landscape and the potential for dairy growth in the region as we work to address Guatemala’s increasing dairy demand. The relationship between government cooperators, like USDEC, and the Foreign Agriculture Service is vital as we work together to advance U.S. agricultural interests globally. FAS connects American farmers and exporters with international opportunities while fostering food security and economic growth worldwide. The agency is pivotal in strengthening global partnerships and ensuring fair trade practices for U.S. agriculture. Rondon is pictured at left with USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden.