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
Jerry Cosgrove with American Farmland Trust explains why farmers and ranchers should start their estate planning now.
Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.
Hunter Biram, an extension economist with the University of Arkansas, is tracking Mississippi River water levels as grain shippers shift their focus to transportation following the wrap-up of fall harvest.

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:

CLAAS Senior Vice President for the Americas Region Eric Raby joined us to preview the new docuseries “CLAAS: Made for More,” premiering tonight at 9 PM ET only on RFD-TV.
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.
The Farm Bureau is making an urgent call to Congress for more farm support. Colton Lacina with Farmers National Company joined us to discuss farmland values and how market dynamics for the year ahead reflect stabilization rather than collapse.
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
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.
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.