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.

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
Jessi Grote from the AgriSafe Network provides winter safety guidance for rural communities still recovering from the recent winter storm.
The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.
Record milk output looks strong today, but shrinking replacement numbers mean future supply adjustments could be faster and more volatile.
AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares a closer look at the dairy market and the forces impacting producers today.
Eliza Petry joins the RFD News team with a strong connection to agriculture and a commitment to covering the people and issues that matter most to rural America.
Todd Janzen with Janzen Schroeder Ag Law explains the updated ag data use agreement model and what it means for farmers and companies alike.
Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.
Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.

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:

In honor of Rural Road Safety Week, we’re highlighting some commonly overlooked hazards on rural roads, where 40 percent of all fatal crashes in the United States occur.
The network includes labs across the country that track diseases like New World Screwworm, which could see a rise in cases with hurricane season approaching.
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) hosted the talks. The senator and doctor joined us on Wednesday on RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to recap the critical discussions surrounding human health in America.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins made the announcement yesterday at the grand opening of a new food safety lab in Missouri, where researchers will do Listeria testing.
$15 billion in U.S. energy, $4.5 billion ag products, 50 Boeing jets—plus a 19% tariff on Indonesian exports in exchange for U.S. market access.
Following an on-target CPI, the combination could suggest that inflation is cooling.