Dairy Industry Starts New Year Celebrating Big Wins in Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for the dairy sector, with new regulations and policies aimed at supporting producers and encouraging milk consumption.

Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to provide an update.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Bjerga discussed the “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids” Act, which was officially signed into law by President Trump last week, explaining the path forward and the expected timeline for implementation. He also addressed the recently released dietary guidelines and the benefits they offer for dairy farmers and milk consumption.

Bjerga concluded with his outlook for the dairy economy in 2026, highlighting positive developments and opportunities for producers.

Related Stories

Livestock

Dairy leaders are focusing on moving the industry forward in 2025

July 15, 2025 12:17 PM

Livestock

USDA: Ice cream makers to phase out artificial colors by 2028

July 14, 2025 02:56 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

On The Record

On the Record | George Birge is embracing the simple things in life with his new single, “It Won’t Be Long”

July 14, 2025 10:08 AM

Currey McCullough

On The Record

On the Record | George Birge discusses getting recognized and collaborating with Lana Del Rey

July 14, 2025 10:02 AM

Currey McCullough

On The Record

On the Record | George Birge had to ask for his track back from Jason Aldean

July 14, 2025 09:50 AM

Currey McCullough

On The Record

On the Record Ep. 49 | Wyatt Flores Talks Early Success, Mental Health, and Welcome to the Plains

July 11, 2025 07:30 PM

Currey McCullough

Dairy

Marion Kirkpatrick

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:

National FFA Organization

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Professor Matt Kreifels Honored With FFA Outstanding Achievement Award

University of Nebraska–Lincoln ag educator Matt Kreifels discusses his recent FFA Alumni award and the future of ag education.

December 16, 2025 01:16 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

World News

Mexico to Release Rio Grande Water, Offering Temporary Relief to South Texas Farmers

Mexico plans to release 202,000 acre-feet of water into the Rio Grande, offering temporary relief to South Texas farmers as Congress advances the PERMIT Act.

December 16, 2025 12:59 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Markets

Retail Beef Demand Holds Steady Despite Rising Consumer Cost Pressures

Analysts say that while low-income households are facing financial pressures, other middle- and higher-income consumers are helping fill the gap for retail beef demand.

December 16, 2025 12:44 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Markets

China’s Pullback Reshapes U.S. Export Markets Heading into 2026, Strong Corn Exports Offer Bright Spot

Despite China’s sharp drop in grain purchases this year, new USDA export data this week shows that even some buying activity from the trade giant still moves the markets.

December 16, 2025 12:20 PM

Marion Kirkpatrick

Business

Music City Celebration Cattle Sale Celebrates Another Year of Success

Tim and Sharyn Abbott of the Music City Celebration Sale recap the weekend’s premier auction, which drew top dairy breeders and buyers to Nashville again this year from across North America.

December 16, 2025 11:54 AM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Washington Policy

Dairy Groups, Lawmakers Celebrate as ‘Whole Milk for Healthy Kids’ Act Clears Congress

The bill to once again allow schools to offer whole milk and 2% milk will now go to President Trump for approval.

December 16, 2025 11:41 AM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Dairy Industry Starts New Year Celebrating Big Wins in Washington

Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.