WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Despite the ongoing government shutdown, agricultural groups continue to push forward with key policy priorities — and that includes the dairy industry.
Alan Bjerga, Senior Vice President of Communications with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), joined RFD-TV to share updates on several major issues affecting producers.
Bjerga discussed the status of the “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act,” which passed the U.S. House earlier this year and now awaits action in the Senate. He shared insights on the bill’s outlook heading into the final months of the year and what its passage would mean for school milk options and dairy demand.
He also addressed how the government shutdown is impacting the dairy sector, with USDA programs, data releases, and payments on hold. Bjerga explained how the industry is adapting to the uncertainty and preparing for the potential of a prolonged shutdown.
Finally, he highlighted the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP), noting that its sign-up deadline has been extended to give producers more time to apply. The program provides coverage to producers who experienced losses from natural disasters, helping them recover and maintain operations.
Bjerga said the National Milk Producers Federation remains focused on supporting dairy farmers through policy, advocacy, and relief programs as challenges in Washington continue to unfold.
The USDA’s August Cold Storage report shows shifting stock levels across major dairy, meat, and poultry products.
September 29, 2025 06:21 PM
·
“Those could’ve easily been our beans going over there. It goes to show that if that opportunity is there, China would be willing to buy.”
September 29, 2025 03:59 PM
·
We caught up with Karen Braun, Chief Market Analyst at Zaner Ag Hedge, at the Women in Agribusiness to discuss the data behind commodity trading.
September 29, 2025 03:30 PM
·
Weston Brown joined us on Monday in the RFD-TV Studios in Nashville to share how he is preparing for the upcoming National FFA Convention & Expo.
September 29, 2025 02:58 PM
·
Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn joined us Monday to share highlights from Secretary Brooke Rollins’ visit and her perspective on USDA’s new initiatives.
September 29, 2025 02:14 PM
·
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Taxation expert, Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, joined us Monday to break down the changes and explain what producers should know.
September 29, 2025 01:57 PM
·
North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) President Mark Watne joined us Monday to share his perspective on the America First Trade Promotion Program and potential implications for producers.
September 29, 2025 01:38 PM
·
A booming butterfat market is good for some dairy products but threatens efficiency and margins for cheesemakers unless protein levels catch up
September 29, 2025 12:53 PM
·
Duane Simpson, CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), joined us in Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on the USDA’s plan and potential impact on producers.
September 29, 2025 12:17 PM
·
