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
Starting Monday, April 29, the USDA will require free avian flu (HPAI H5N1) testing on all dairy cattle before interstate travel. Positive cases must be directly reported to the USDA for tracing.
In this Firm to Farm blog post, RFD-TV agri-legal expert Roger McEowen tackles a handful of topics related to property rights.
Meet Annaliese Wegner, a Wisconsin dairy FarmHER, mom to twins, and a passionate agriculture advocate.
Clemson blue cheese has become a decades-long calling for Cheese Maker Anthony Pounders, who leads a team of student staff who get to work each morning way before the crack of dawn.
The Dorns’ revolutionary approach at Hickory Hill Milk has garnered attention.
What can these facilities do to protect themselves? I wrote about this issue last spring, and since that time, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has issued a significant opinion. That makes an update in order.

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:

Arizona producers are proving that desert farming and water conservation can coexist through technology, reuse, and efficiency — reinforcing both food security and environmental stewardship.
Caleb Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association (ASA), shares his reaction to news of soybean sales to China, which is considered both “welcome news” and a return to near-normal trade relations.
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses key outcomes from the U.S.-China trade agreement and the benefits of expanding trade across Southeast Asia.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the implications for farmers.
Chris Bliley with Growth Energy discusses ongoing concerns about U.S. ethanol exports and the expansion of market access promised under the Phase One deal between the U.S. and China.
“It does not extinguish right away here — in any sort of sense — the real profitability concerns and people’s ability to pay bills and get to the other side of this in the very short term. This is where the skepticism builds.”
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.