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
In part four of his blog series, “Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” Roger McEowen tackles issue number four, the Employment Retention Credit.
In part three of his blog series, “Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” Roger McEowen covers the Corps of Engineers’ mismanagement of Missouri River water levels.
We caught up with country music star Ian Munsick and Mo Brings Plenty during the 2023 NFR about his new documentary.
“Where The Food Comes From” visits M&B Products, a milk bottling plant in Temple Terrace, FL (a suburb of Tampa) with its farm in Lecanto, operated by the McClellan family. Get ready for a lesson in everything from milk bottling, to dairy nutrition, and bovine reproduction!

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.