Changes are on the way to dairy options in public schools.
The International Dairy Foods Association says it will stop using artificial dyes in products in the National School Lunch Program starting next school year. The group says a large number of products in schools today do not have artificial colors.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins weighed in on the announcement, saying America’s dairy farmers have always led the way in improving nutrition. She thanked the dairy industry and says she looks forward to future talks around making America healthy again.
The announcement came the same day as a similar one from Health Secretary Robert Kennedy. He announced a plan to phase out eight food dyes by the end of next year, and the products they are targeting are petroleum-based. Kennedy says he will work with food companies to establish a national standard and timeline for removing the dyes.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
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Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
January 19, 2026 01:00 PM
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The Pennsylvania Farm Show continues through Saturday, wrapping up another successful year of celebrating agriculture in the Commonwealth.
January 16, 2026 01:26 PM
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Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
January 15, 2026 12:51 PM
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Tight beef cow supplies and steady demand point to continued record-level cull cow prices in 2026.
January 15, 2026 11:23 AM
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Expanded school access to whole milk provides modest but reliable demand support for U.S. dairy producers.
January 15, 2026 10:14 AM
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