Industry News

Flavor and finances are key factors driving school milk consumption. Innovatively addressing those issues are critical to both the nutritional health of students and the financial strength of school feeding program budgets, according to participants in a recent Your Dairy Checkoff podcast.

Although U.S. dairy cow numbers remain at a 27-year high, the USDA’s June 2021 Milk Production report is the first signal the size of the nation’s herd may have peaked. June 2021 U.S cow numbers were down 1,000 head from May, according to the preliminary estimate, released July 22. Even with June 2021’s small decline, U.S. cow numbers remain the highest since the fourth quarter of 1994.

Digest Highlights

• Senate dairy hearing planned after congressional recess
• Proposal opens H-2A visa program to dairy workers
• Global Dairy Trade index lower
• May 2021 fluid sales were down
• World Dairy Expo virtual farm tours return
• ‘Adopt a Cow’ program enrollment opens Aug. 1
• USDA seeks cheese and yogurt
• Things you might have missed: Catching up in the Southeast

Yogurt has been nourishing people for centuries. But research, such as work led by the farmer-founded National Dairy Council, has discovered benefits beyond its nutrient powerhouse.

The Farmers’ Almanac says the “dog days” refer to what is often the hottest and most sultry time of summer, when lethargy and indolence tend to reign due to the heat. Time to find some shade and review dairy risk management programs and the July-August calendar.

Progressive Dairy provides updates on dairy-related organizations and companies, compiled from staff news sources and industry press releases. Email industry and organization news to Progressive Dairy Editor Jenna Hurty.