Dairy Feeling Price Pressures, But Producers Staying Cautiously Optimistic

Alan Bjerga, with the National Milk Producers Federation, joined us on Tuesday from Wisconsin with his Dairy Industry Outlook.

MADISON, Wis. (RFD-TV) — Dairy producers from across the globe are gathering for the annual World Dairy Expo, and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is on hand to share insights and connect with farmers.

Alan Bjerga from NMPF joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report ahead of the event to discuss why the organization participates in the Expo each year and what producers can expect to hear from their team.

In his conversation with RFD-TV News, Bjerga explained that NMPF’s presence at the Expo is about engaging directly with dairy farmers, showcasing policy priorities, and highlighting efforts to support the industry amid shifting market conditions.

He also previewed a special panel he is hosting—“Dairy Farming in the Age of President Trump”—which will examine how current trade, labor, and regulatory policies are shaping the dairy sector and what questions producers have for policymakers.

Looking ahead to the week’s discussions, Bjerga noted that while dairy farmers have faced ongoing price pressures and evolving export dynamics, a sense of cautious optimism remains. He expects producers to arrive eager for updates on market outlooks, farm policy, and new opportunities for growth.

Related Stories
Pseudorabies case confirmed in Iowa herd prompts heightened biosecurity measures as U.S. swine producers work to prevent spread and protect herd health.
The goal is to start conversations and connect farmers with help when they need it.
Nebraska cattle rancher Joe Van Newkirk joins us to discuss wildfire recovery in Nebraska’s Sandhills athe challenges ranchers face restoring basic infrastructure after the fire.
New farm payment rules allow LLC members to have separate limits, but some local FSA offices are still applying outdated policies, creating confusion for producers.
March brought better prices for several commodities, but rising fuel and feed costs kept margins under pressure.
Farmers still earn only a small share of consumer food spending, even as post-farm costs continue to take most of the dollar.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

National Corn Growers First VP Matt Frostic joins us to discuss their 62nd annual yield contest, the new short-season corn pilot class, and what farmers can expect as the season gets underway.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen joins us to discuss the importance of a traditional Farm Bill and his concerns over shifting policy approaches.
USDA Chief Economist Justin Benavidez says the cattle industry may be nearing a turning point that could gradually reshape supply, prices, and profitability in the years ahead.
Accessing land is one of the biggest challenges facing the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
HTS Commodities broker Lewis Williamson joins us to break down the latest USDA Crop Progress Report and how weather and global supply chain issues could influence planting conditions moving forward.
Purdue University’s Dr. Michael Langemeier joins us to break down the latest read on farmer sentiment in the April Ag Economy Barometer, and growing concerns about the impact of global conflict on farm inputs and income.
Agriculture Shows
Crop yield champions David Hula from Virginia and Randy Dowdy from Georgia are back for another season with the aim of schooling more growers across the country in their winning ways.
“Texas Agriculture Matters” is a fun, informative look at the role of agriculture in our daily lives. The show utilizes the trademark wit and wisdom of its host Commissioner Sid Miller — an 8th-generation farmer-rancher and 12-time World Champion rodeo cowboy — to explore a new Texas ag-related topic each week.
From barnyards and back roads to metros and highways, Simply Southern TV on RFD Network explores all of Alabama to bring you the best stories on farming, gardening, forestry, rural living, and youth in agriculture.
In the first week of each month, “Down Home Virginia,” produced by the Virginia Farm Bureau, airs its half-hour program. Other states’ Farm Bureaus featured on different weeks include Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Idaho, and New York, and news from the American Farm Bureau from Washington, D.C.