Dairy leaders are focusing on moving the industry forward in 2025

It is full speed ahead for dairy this year.

The Dairy Checkoff has been working to boost sales for the last ten years, and leaders say it has netted a lot of meaningful conversations.

According to Anne Splitstone with Dairy Management, Inc., “Back in 2015, there was a lot of discussion about what should we be doing to really revitalize fluid milk and really focus on slowing the declines that we were seeing. The main goal of pulling together a group of farmers and experts on revitalizing the category was really kind of two fold— How to drive milk as milk and then how to drive milk as an ingredient in a value-added sort of way. One of the ways was starting a number of partnerships and understanding the power of brands to really drive the category, and that’s where a lot of our partnerships in the fluid milk arena started.”

Protecting the industry has been another factor this year with the introduction of high path avian flu.
NCBA says that producers face threats that consumers have no clue about.

“We continue to face threats every single day from foreign animal diseases and pests that could devastate us as cattle producers, and not only devastate us and our livelihoods but also devastate our ability to put a high-quality protein on the table for American families,” CEO Colin Woodall states.

He says that the best course of action is to have a plan in place, noting it is crucial for the future of U.S. beef production.

Related Stories
Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.
Jack Hubbard, with the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares context and perspective on the controversial letter about Prop 12 circulating in Washington and how a review shows it misled the public.
While row crops are expected to see softer impacts, analysts say severe weather of this magnitude will not be as kind to cattle producers.
FWSSR Communications Director Matt Brockman discusses the event’s competitions, safety preparations, and family-friendly activities during the opening weekend.
From Junior Heifer Shows to Mustang Magic competitions, the 23-day event brings together 4-H and FFA participants, livestock enthusiasts, and families to celebrate North Texas’ rich Western heritage.
Dairy farmer and Discover Ag co-host Tara Vander Dussen joined us to discuss the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, her experience at the signing, and what’s next for her family and farm.
Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.

Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.