Dairy Industry Invests Billions in Infrastructure, but Labor Issues Loom

FD-TV’s own Tammi Arender caught up with Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (RFD-TV) — Labor shortages continue to weigh heavily on America’s dairy producers. It is a major topic of discussion at this week’s dairy industry convention in Arlington, Texas. RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender caught up with Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation.

According to Doud, dairy’s labor crisis is not just a staffing issue — but rather one that threatens the entire supply chain. He said $11 billion will be invested in the U.S. dairy industry nationwide through new plants and expansions of existing plants.

When it comes to connecting with consumers, the dairy industry is blending the physical with the digital. Dairy Management Inc. President and CEO Barb O’Brien said this new approach is helping farmers and brands bridge the gap between online engagement and the purchase point.

O’Brien was one of the featured speakers at this week’s National Milk Producers Convention in Arlington, Texas.

Related Stories
The concern is not whether clean water, clean air, healthy soil, and responsible stewardship are desirable. Of course they are. The concern is whether calling an environmental condition a “human right” provides a coherent legal rule.
AFBF’s Brian Glenn discusses the Senate Farm Bill and the Farm Bureau’s push to finalize legislation before the end of the year.
Workforce losses are limiting assistance for farmers seeking federal conservation funding.
Dustin and Justyne Noble join SharkFarmer on tonight’s new episode to share how their family dairy has grown and why educating the public remains central to their operation.

Tammi was raised on a cotton and soybean farm in Tallulah, Louisiana. In 1981, she became a TV news anchor and reporter at KNOE-TV in Monroe, Louisiana. She is also an anchor/reporter for RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 on Sirius XM at their Nashville news studio, where Tammi currently resides.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Miller Cattle Company is finding a new use for beef suet through farm-made skin care products.
Cole Rogers founded Seeds of Hope MS to grow and donate food to families facing food insecurity.
Despite a challenging growing season, the annual event celebrated Louisiana’s corn industry and recognized one producer’s dedication to agriculture.
From labor reform to youth development, the convention highlighted key issues facing Louisiana agriculture.
The West Ouachita High School student will take his small engine repair SAE to the National FFA Convention this fall.
The new marker recognizes Jerry Cupit’s contributions to country music, from his rural Louisiana upbringing to mentoring future stars like Lainey Wilson.