Dairy Hopes to Capitalize on Momentum as ‘Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act’ Heads to the House

The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is now headed to the House of Representatives after clearing the Senate. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is ramping up efforts to secure a final vote, launching a new advocacy campaign urging lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.

Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to share the latest on the campaign and discuss what the legislation could mean for dairy producers and school nutrition programs. In his interview with RFD-TV News, Bjerga explained that the campaign is focused on mobilizing dairy supporters, school nutrition advocates, and parents to contact their representatives and voice support for bringing whole milk back to school cafeterias. He said the effort highlights both the nutritional benefits of whole milk and the strong bipartisan backing the bill has already received.

When asked about the timeline, Bjerga expressed cautious optimism that the House could move quickly once members return to Washington. Given the broad coalition behind the effort, he said there is real momentum to pass and sign the measure into law in the near future.

With Thanksgiving just days away, Bjerga also reflected on what the holiday season means for dairy producers. He noted that demand for dairy products — from holiday baking to festive meals — typically rises at the end of the year. Despite ongoing challenges in the dairy sector, Bjerga said the overall outlook remains steady, with producers hopeful that supportive policies and strong consumer demand will carry into the new year.

Related Stories
Focus on home radon testing—not changing your diet—because background sources vastly outweigh any exposure from naturally radioactive foods.
Catch the special, “Praise and Worship: More Than a Hollow Hallelujah,” on The Gaither Gospel Hour, Friday at 8 PM ET only on RFD-TV!
National FFA Organization Chief Program Officer Christine White previews the programs and activities planned for this year’s FFA Convention.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joins us to provide an updated analysis of projected ARC and PLC payments and potential delays due to the ongoing government shutdown.
AFBF Economist Bearnt Nelson joins us with insights into current turkey flock sizes, HPAI concerns, and production impacts on holiday demand.
Dr. Beetham outlined the background of the EU’s decision to modernize seed regulations and where the process stands today, and its impact on global agriculture and food security.

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:

Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty shares tips for fall and winter to guide landowners and farmers.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insights from a recent study, discusses EV market access in Canada, and highlights other market opportunities top of mind for Canadian producers.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom shares how recent trade talks are influencing U.S. red meat global sales and the importance of key trade agreements like the USMCA.
Iowa Ag Secretary Naig recaps discussions surrounding a potential federal aid package for farmers and shares insights on producer sentiment in the Heartland.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined RFD-TV to discuss coping strategies for those aching joints.
FarmHER Katey Jo Evans of The Frozen Farmer joins us for a sneak peek of the latest episode of Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast.