In dairy-related news the second week of August 2025:
- Dairy companies slash added sugars by nearly 60% ahead of new school year
- Opening markets to U.S. dairy improves access to nutrition
- Allison Thomas appointed chief operating officer of the USDEC
- Processing updates
- Peace & Plenty Farm recognized as the 2025 McKown Master Breeder
- 2026 Holstein Association USA delegate election underway
- ‘Adopt a Cow’ program enrollment open until Sept. 15
- World Ag Expo opens applications for 2026 top 10 products and seminar series
Dairy companies slash added sugars by nearly 60% ahead of new school year
The nation’s school milk processors have reduced added sugars by nearly 60% in flavored milk products sold at schools as a result of a voluntary, industry-led effort. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced the results of the Healthy School Milk Commitment launched in April 2023 by 37 school milk processors representing approximately 95% of the school milk volume in the U.S. The commitment calls on dairy companies to provide healthy, nutritious school milk options with fewer calories and no more than 10 grams of added sugar per 8-ounce serving by the 2025-26 school year. The latest survey by IDFA shows the current level of added sugar in flavored milk is 7.2 grams per serving on average, demonstrating that all companies have met or exceeded the pledge.
Added sugar levels in flavored milk products sold at schools have plummeted by 57% since 2006 thanks to the voluntary, proactive efforts of America’s school milk processors. Calories associated with flavored milk have also declined during that same period, from 166 to 123 calories per 8-ounce serving.
Since 2023, dairy companies have reformulated 24 individual products. Flavored milk provides students with one of the most complete nutrient packages while contributing less than 4% of added sugars in the diets of children 2 to 18 years. In fact, the total sugar in flavored milk sold in schools is below total sugar in 100% fruit juice sold in schools such as apple and orange juice, with more nutrients too.
Opening markets to U.S. dairy improves access to nutrition
A first-of-its-kind study published in the peer-reviewed journal Food Policy concludes that by complementing local production, U.S. dairy exports to lower and middle-income countries (LMICs) significantly increased availability of critical nutrients that help combat malnutrition, stunting, blindness, weakened bones and other poor health outcomes.
In LMICs, U.S. free trade agreements (FTAs) more than doubled the amount of high-quality protein available to meet recommended daily intake, along with increasing availability of vitamin A by 136%, zinc by 108%, and vitamin B12 and calcium by 88% (compared to pre-FTA figures). These nutritional gains provided by trade play a complementary role where domestic dairy production is insufficient to meet demand.
“This critical research underscores the enormous positive impact U.S. dairy has on nutrition around the world, providing valuable insights for producers and USDEC member companies,” said USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden.
USDEC Vice President for Sustainable Nutrition Janice Giddens, a co-author of the study, added, “Dairy delivers a powerful package of essential nutrients that are often difficult to obtain in some regions, but international agrifood trade can help bridge that gap and get those nutrients to the people who need them most.”
Allison Thomas appointed chief operating officer of the USDEC
The USDEC announced the appointment of Allison A. Thomas as its new chief operating officer (COO), effective Aug. 25. Thomas will report directly to USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden.
In her role as COO, Thomas will serve as Harden’s strategic thought partner, oversee USDEC’s senior leadership team and spearhead initiatives to accelerate growth, enhance operational performance and drive innovation across the organization.
“Allison brings an extraordinary breadth of experience in agricultural trade policy, international relations and executive leadership,” said Harden. “With her deep expertise negotiating with foreign governments, leading complex teams and driving results both domestically and abroad, she will be a tremendous asset to USDEC and the U.S. dairy industry.”
Thomas joins USDEC following a distinguished 25-year career at the USDA. A member of the Senior Executive Service, Thomas recently served as the deputy administrator for trade policy and geographic affairs at the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). In that role, she led a team of 120 staff members, including 10 senior leaders, in working to create a trade-enabling environment for U.S. agricultural exports to thrive.
In addition, Thomas worked at the U.S. embassies in Canada, Kenya and Afghanistan representing U.S. agricultural interests.
Processing updates
- Saputo Cheese USA Inc. has officially opened its new 311,000-square-foot cold storage distribution facility in Caledonia, Wisconsin. The new facility is expected to create 160 jobs, optimize distribution capabilities and strengthen Saputo’s supply chain.
- Upstate Niagara Cooperative (UNC Dairy) announced it will close its manufacturing facility in Rochester, New York, by the end of the year. Production from the facility will be absorbed by other UNC Dairy plants and a total of 98 employees will be affected.
- Horizon Organic Dairy LLC announced it will now do business as Horizon Family Brands to expand its portfolio of products. In April 2024, Horizon Organic, the largest USDA-certified organic milk and dairy brand in the world; and Wallaby, a leading brand of organic creamy Australian-style Greek yogurts and cultured products, were acquired by Platinum Equity. Horizon Family Brands intends to build on the heritage of premium dairy and expand into other better-for-you offerings in attractive and adjacent categories.
Peace & Plenty Farm recognized as the 2025 McKown Master Breeder
Peace & Plenty Farm in Union Bridge, Maryland, owned by the Schwartzbeck family has been chosen as the 2025 recipient of the Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award by the Klussendorf Association. This honor celebrates generations of dedication to advancing the Holstein breed, a commitment evident in every aspect of their dairy operation.
The 1,100 acres of Peace & Plenty Farm, owned by Joe and Nona Schwartzbeck, is home to 600 registered Holsteins, each an example of meticulous breeding and dedicated animal care. The farm’s journey to Union Bridge began in 1968, when the brothers Gus and Shane grew up together helping their parents establish the foundation for generations to come. Shane now operates his own agricultural business focused on concrete work and grain bins.
Today, alongside Joe and Nona, Gus and Lisa – along with their sons – Davis and Austin, work full time on the farm. Davis and Austin play a critical role in mating decisions, herd health and overall success of the Peace & Plenty herd. Davis and Austin’s families are also deeply involved with the daily management of the farm. Austin’s wife, Lauren, and Davis and Austin’s sister Aubrey, play a pivotal role in their show heifer program and doing daily chores on the farm. Furthermore, they are fortunate to have additional help from Joe and Nona’s son Shane, as well as their longtime feeder David Miller.
The Schwartzbecks’ commitment to advancing the Holstein breed goes beyond the farm’s gate. As active members of the Carroll County and Maryland Holstein Associations, they participate in various efforts to advance the breed they cherish. All three generations have given, and continue to give, significant time and service to these associations. Their reputation for excellence is further cemented by numerous accolades, including the Maryland and Virginia Milk Quality Award, recognition as the 2010 Dairy of Distinction, and the esteemed title of Master Farmer.
But it’s about more than winning awards. The Schwartzbecks take immense pride in educating others about the milk industry and the realities of running a family farm – frequently opening their farm for tours and community groups.
The Schawartzbeck breeding philosophy is rooted in advancement, versatility and thoroughness. Peace & Plenty Farm has bred an impressive 181 Excellent Holstein cows. Some stunning classification statistics also include two cows at 95 points, 10 cows at 94 points, 14 cows at 93 points, 25 cows at 92 points, 36 at 91 points and 95 cows achieving 90 points. Beyond individual classification, their program has also produced six Merit dams and four Gold Medal dams, solidifying their status as top-tier breeders.
The achievements within the Holstein breed and their combined loyalty to education and outreach have rightfully earned Peace & Plenty Farm the 2025 McKown Master Breeder Award. Their steadfast devotion continues to leave an indelible mark on the dairy industry and the next generations, setting a shining example from their Maryland home.
2026 Holstein Association USA delegate election underway
Holstein Association USA’s annual delegate election process is now underway. Each year, members can nominate fellow members from their state to serve as voting delegates at the association’s annual meeting the following year. The 140th annual meeting will be held on June 24-25, 2026, in conjunction with the National Holstein Convention in Orlando, Florida.
All members have been mailed a nominating petition, which can be used to nominate eligible individuals from their state (or district), including themselves, to serve as delegates.
New this year, members may also submit nominations online. An email with a link to the online petition form has been sent to all members with a valid email address associated with their account. Members are encouraged to complete whichever version of the petition form is most convenient.
Members who have served as a delegate at three consecutive annual meetings are not eligible for nomination. A list of ineligible nominees for 2026 can be found online.
All members who are nominated will be notified and have an opportunity to accept or decline their nomination. Once nominations are finalized, election ballots will be mailed to all members, who will vote to elect delegates for their state (or district).
Delegates who serve will receive a reimbursement of $1,000 for their expenses after they have attended and participated in the 140th annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.
Important dates for delegate election:
- Aug. 1 – Nominating petitions sent to members
- Sept. 30 – Nominating petitions must be received by Holstein Association USA
- Oct. 10 – Deadline for nominees to withdraw names from the ballot
- Oct. 30 – Ballots sent to members
- Dec. 31 – Ballots must be received by Holstein Association USA
- Feb. 2 – 2026 delegate election finalized
‘Adopt a Cow’ program enrollment open until Sept. 15
Discover Dairy’s “Adopt a Cow” program is open for enrollment for the 2025-26 school year until Sept. 15. The free program, which impacted more than 1.7 million students worldwide last year, is a yearlong interactive learning opportunity that gives students an inside look at a dairy farm in the U.S. Students participate in exciting activities featuring the calves on the farm and the dairy farmers who manage the operation.
Each classroom that enrolls in the "Adopt a Cow" program is paired with a calf from a dairy farm. Teachers and students receive photos, video updates and activity sheets throughout the school year that allow them to watch their calf grow. Through immersive, hands-on learning activities and free curriculum provided by Discover Dairy, students gain a deeper understanding of the dairy industry and where their food comes from. Several of the lessons in the curriculum follow Common Core standards in math, reading and science.
The "Adopt a Cow" program also offers live virtual chats and farm tours. These chats allow students to talk directly with a dairy farmer, meet their calves, tour the farm and ask questions about milk production.
Last year, more than 43,000 classrooms, home school families, library groups and other organizations participated in the program. Classrooms from all 50 states participated in the program along with a total of 38 countries. Schools from both rural and urban areas can enroll, bringing dairy farming to life for students of all ages and demographics.
Teachers who enroll in the "Adopt a Cow" program will receive an introductory update in the fall with details about their calf. Classrooms will receive bimonthly updates, including suggestions on components of the Discover Dairy curriculum that teachers can incorporate into their virtual or in-person lesson plans.
To share the program with a family or classroom you know, visit online or contact the Dairy Excellence Foundation at (717) 346-0849 for more information.
World Ag Expo opens applications for 2026 top 10 products and seminar series
World Ag Expo offers a look into the latest in innovation and education through the return of the Top 10 New Products Competition and seminar sessions. Exhibitors and industry experts can now apply to put their mark on the 2026 show.
The Top 10 New Products Competition at World Ag Expo provides a glimpse into cutting-edge technology and innovation. Open to exhibitors, the innovation contest showcases the latest in a competitive field of new products ranging from groundbreaking technology to simple solutions. Previous award winners have pointed to the Top 10 New Products Contest as a catalyst for success.
The Top 10 New Products Competition information and application can be found online. Applicants must be exhibitors at the 2026 World Ag Expo, and products released anywhere in the world between Feb. 9, 2025, and Feb. 10, 2026, are eligible. The application deadline is Oct. 31 and winners will be announced in December.
World Ag Expo also provides a platform for learning through educational seminars. Attendees can enjoy seminars, which are included with general show admission, featuring some of the most knowledgeable professionals in their respective sectors. Each year, tracks include dairy and livestock, technology, irrigation and water, demonstrations and more.
Educational seminars are held in the Seminar Center on the southeast side of the grounds throughout all three days of the show. Experts, including exhibitors, universities, government agencies and more, provide valuable insights, aiming to expand producer knowledge and practices.
More seminar information and the application is available online. The final seminar schedule and speaker information will be available online and in the official show app. The application deadline is Oct. 31 and speakers will be notified in December.
