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
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses SDRP payment limits and offers advice for those seeking higher limits.
Mike Schulte with the Oklahoma Wheat Commission joins us to discuss drought stress in the Great Plains and the current outlook for Oklahoma’s winter wheat crop.
Dr. David Anderson says lean beef demand and lighter cow culling are still giving cull cow prices room to push higher.
Genevieve Collins from Americans for Prosperity discusses rising Texas property taxes, potential relief, and impacts on farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
Autumn Lankford Higgins with the Farm Bureau joins us to discuss data center expansion on farmland, rural policy considerations, and the role of agriculture in emerging digital infrastructure.

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:

Katelyn joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss her upcoming episode of Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast and share her ag journey.
California rancher and former NCBA President Kevin Kester joined House Republicans on Tuesday to tout provisions in the Big, Beautiful Bill that support family ranches.
The EPA proposal laid out two options: fully reallocate all exempted volumes to the 2026–2027 standards, or reallocate half.
The Fertilizer Research Act, reintroduced by Sens. Grassley, Ernst, and Baldwin, would direct the USDA to study and publish public reports on competition and pricing trends in the fertilizer market.
Allowing year-round sales of E15 nationally could deliver billions in economic gains, according to a new study from the Renewable Fuels Association and National Corn Growers Association.
U.S. aquaculture may gain competitive ground as harmful subsidies are phased out abroad, but producers should monitor shifts in import supply chains and trade enforcement closely.