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
Expanded school access to whole milk provides modest but reliable demand support for U.S. dairy producers.
Alissa White with American Farmland Trust joined us to provide insight into climate resilience efforts and strategies to help farmers manage weather-related risks.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share practical health and safety guidance for managing respiratory and skin health during the winter season.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal analysis on key cases shaping the agricultural landscape heading into the year ahead.
NASDA declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. President Amanda Beal joins us to share NASDA’s new hub, which highlights the impact of women in agriculture worldwide.
Matt Brockman, communications director for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, joined us to share a preview of the upcoming event.

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:

STRAUSS CEO Henning Strauss joined us with a preview of “Meet Strauss: The Tool You Wear,” premiering live tonight at 7:30 ET — only on RFD Network and RFD+
FarmHER Chris Nellis and her daughters navigate loss while carrying on a 300-year farm legacy, milking cows in upstate New York.
Justin Wheeler with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers joined us with insight into current farmland values and what to watch in the year ahead.
Tennessee 4-H members Jayden Hesson and Matthew Rochford joined us to discuss how 4-H is helping young leaders plan for the future of agriculture.
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.