In dairy-related news during the first week of April 2026:
- Holstein Association USA board approves additional changes
- U.S. farmers expect to plant less corn, more soybean acres
- April FSA interest rates slightly lower
- USDA expands SNAP dairy nutrition incentives with new grant to Auburn University
- World Dairy Expo announces Recognition Award winners
- World Dairy Expo welcomes new board members
Holstein Association USA board approves additional changes
Holstein Association USA’s board of directors has approved several important changes to respond to the current needs of registered Holstein breeders and ensure the classification program and genetic tools keep pace with current and future industry trends. These changes come from recommendations presented by the Conformation Advisory Committee and Genetic Advancement Committee during the association’s recent board meeting March 26-27 in Kansas City, Missouri.
“These recommendations reflect direct input from our members and a careful look at where the industry is headed. The result is a set of updates that strengthen the tools breeders use every day and position the Holstein breed for continued success,” said Holstein Association USA CEO Lindsey Worden.
In addition to the TPI formula update announced in advance of the April proofs, a new selection tool and classification updates were released.
Holstein Conformation Composite
The Holstein Conformation Composite (HCC) is a new selection tool designed to help breeders identify animals with the combination of conformation traits most closely associated with balance, functionality, and long-term durability. HCC will be published as a new trait alongside PTA Type (PTAT) and the existing Udder Composite (UDC), Foot and Leg Composite (FLC), and Body Weight Composite (BWC) values. HCC values for active A.I. bulls will be released before July 1.
HCC was developed through collaboration between experienced registered Holstein breeders and the empirical analysis of Holstein Association USA’s comprehensive database of linear conformation and production records. The HCC provides breeders an alternative to Predicted Transmitting Ability for Type (PTAT) by weighting individual conformation traits based on breed priorities, considering the relationships between traits, rather than being based on Final Score alone.
Sliding scale penalty for Stature
A sliding scale penalty for Stature will be implemented starting in the May 2026 classification program, with 60 inches considered the ideal height. This change defines a breed standard for ideal stature for the first time and is designed to discourage extreme stature in the Holstein breed, while continuing to reward cows that combine balance, strength and functional correctness.
The penalty will be deducted from the Front End and Capacity major breakdown, which represents 15% of the final classification score.
Eligibility for Breed Age Average (BAA)
To be eligible for inclusion in a herd’s Breed Age Average (BAA), cows must have calved within the previous 24 months. This change is intended to ensure that BAA calculations reflect currently active, productive cows in a herd. This will be implemented for classifications starting in May 2026 and after.
For more details about any of these changes, or to learn how to become involved in a Holstein Association USA committee, visit Holstein Association USA's website.
U.S. farmers expect to plant less corn, more soybean acres
Producers surveyed across the U.S. intend to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2026, down 3% from last year, according to the Prospective Plantings report released March 31 by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
Planted acreage intentions for corn are down in 37 of the 48 estimating states. Acreage decreases of 300,000 acres or more from last year are expected in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. If realized, the area of corn planted in Nevada and Washington will be the largest on record, while Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island will be the smallest on record.
Soybean growers intend to plant 84.7 million acres in 2026, up 4% from last year. Acreage increases from last year of 300,000 or more are expected in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Record-high acreage is expected in Wisconsin.
The Prospective Plantings report provides the first official, survey-based estimates of U.S. farmers’ 2026 planting intentions. NASS acreage estimates are based on surveys conducted during the first two weeks of March from a sample of nearly 74,000 farm operators across the nation.
Other key findings in the report are:
- All wheat-planted area for 2026 is estimated at 43.8 million acres, down 3% from 2025.
- Winter wheat-planted area, at 32.4 million acres, is down 2% from both the previous estimate and from last year.
- Area planted to other spring wheat for 2026 is expected to total 9.42 million acres, down 6% from 2025.
- Durum wheat planted is expected to total 1.95 million acres for 2026, down 11% from last year.
- All cotton-planted area for 2026 is expected to total 9.64 million acres, up 4% compared to last year.
NASS also released the quarterly Grain Stocks report to provide estimates of on-farm and off-farm stocks as of March 1. Key findings in that report include:
- Corn stocks totaled 9.02 billion bushels, up 11% from the same time last year. On-farm corn stocks were up 21% from a year ago, while off-farm stocks were down 2%.
- Soybeans stored totaled 2.1 billion bushels, up 10% from March 1, 2025. On-farm soybean stocks were up 3% from a year ago, while off-farm stocks were up 16%.
- All wheat stored totaled 1.3 billion bushels, up 5% from a year ago. On-farm all wheat stocks were down 3% from last year, while off-farm stocks were up 8%.
- Durum wheat stored totaled 46.5 million bushels, up 21% from March 1, 2025. On-farm Durum stocks were up 40% from a year ago, while off-farm stocks of Durum wheat were down 4%.
April FSA interest rates slightly lower
The announced interest rates on loans through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) are slightly lower. As we begin April 2026, interest rates for operating and ownership loans (compared to March) are as follows:
- Farm operating loans (direct): 4.75%, unchanged
- Farm ownership loans (direct): 5.75%, down from 5.875%
- Farm ownership loans (direct, joint financing): 3.75%, down from 3.875%
- Farm ownership loans (down payment): 1.75%, down from 1.875%
- Emergency loan (amount of actual loss): 3.75%, unchanged
The FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. For more information, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.
USDA expands SNAP dairy nutrition incentives with new grant to Auburn University
The USDA has awarded Auburn University’s Hunger Solutions Institute (HSI) a $2.99 million grant, using fiscal year 2025 funding appropriated by Congress, to expand Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives (HFMI) projects across 169 SNAP-authorized retail stores in nine states. The award includes 75 new HFMI locations in Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota and Oklahoma, along with the renewal of 94 existing sites in Alabama, California and South Dakota.
By scaling this targeted SNAP incentive, the USDA is equipping more retailers to help SNAP households purchase fluid milk while reinforcing the critical role dairy plays in improving diet quality and advancing public health. Since 2020, HFMI has expanded to more than 1,270 retail stores in 33 states.
World Dairy Expo announces Recognition Award winners
World Dairy Expo announced the recipients of the 2026 Recognition Awards. Nominated and selected by their peers, these individuals have made remarkable contributions to the dairy industry and their communities. Honorees will be celebrated during the Recognition Awards Banquet at World Dairy Expo on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
2026 Dairy Producers of the Year
Jonathan and Alicia Lamb, Matthew and Kendra Lamb, and Jim Veazey and Janette Veazey-Post, Oakfield Corners Dairy, Oakfield, New York
Built on more than 60 years of vision and family tradition, Oakfield Corners Dairy has grown from 65 cows in 1965 to a dynamic, multistate operation spanning more than 10,000 cows and 15,000 acres across New York and Ohio. Led today by 12th-generation farmers Jonathan and Alicia Lamb, and Matthew and Kendra Lamb along with Jim Veazey and Janette Veazey-Post, the dairy reflects a powerful blend of innovation, purpose and commitment to excellence.
Oakfield Corners Dairy is defined not only by its scale, but by its focus on doing the right things well, from exceptional cow care and milk quality to environmental stewardship and team development. Their detail-driven approach has resulted in industry-leading production, including an energy-corrected milk average exceeding 110 pounds per cow and an 18-year streak of milk quality awards. At the same time, they cultivate genetic excellence and are no strangers to the winner’s circle, notably capturing Grand Champion at the 2025 International Holstein Show.
A global leader in genetics and sustainability, the team at Oakfield Corners Dairy is equally dedicated to shaping the future of dairy through innovation, community engagement and developing the next generation.
2026 Industry Person of the Year
Corey Geiger, CoBank, Omro, Wisconsin
When an industry presents one of its highest honors, it reflects not on a single accomplishment, but rather on a lifetime of impact. Corey Geiger’s career embodies that standard through decades of leadership, communication and service to the dairy industry.
Raised on his family’s sixth-generation dairy farm in Wisconsin and educated in dairy science and agricultural economics at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Geiger built a career grounded in both practical experience and analytical insight. For nearly 30 years at Hoard’s Dairyman, including 14 as managing editor, he became one of the industry’s most trusted voices – translating complex market and policy issues into meaningful, actionable information for dairy producers.
Today, as lead dairy economist at CoBank, Geiger continues to influence the industry on a global scale, providing research and insight that guide producers, processors and policymakers alike. His leadership extends across numerous organizations, including World Dairy Expo, where his commitment is defined not by titles, but by action, service and an unwavering dedication to dairy’s future.
2026 International Person of the Year
Robert Chicoine, Semex/CIAQ, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
Some individuals advance an industry while others help build the very foundation upon which it stands. Robert Chicoine’s life’s work has done exactly that, shaping modern dairy genetics in Canada and influencing breeding decisions in more than 80 countries worldwide.
After earning his master’s degree in animal breeding, Chicoine began his career in 1966 with the Centre d’Insémination Artificielle du Québec (CIAQ). He was a pioneer in applying data-driven decision-making to sire selection. At a time when tradition dominated, he championed the use of genetic indexes, an approach that would revolutionize breeding programs and become standard practice globally. Through initiatives like the Young Sire Testing Program, he helped develop some of the most influential Holstein sires in history.
Chicoine’s vision extended beyond genetics. As a driving force behind the creation of the Semex Alliance, he established a collaborative model that continues to deliver Canadian genetics around the world. As a builder, innovator and mentor, his legacy lives on through the systems, organizations and people he helped shape.
World Dairy Expo welcomes new board members
World Dairy Expo welcomed new industry leaders to its board of directors at the organization’s annual March meetings. The three incoming board members include Jon Schmidt, Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI); Paul Hunt, URUS Group LP; and Tim Abbott, at-large representative.
Schmidt is a fifth-generation dairy farmer from Owatonna, Minnesota. He operates Schmity Holsteins with his wife, Kim, and daughter Madi where they milk 250 registered Holsteins along with a small group of registered Jerseys. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Schmidt has developed a nationally recognized herd, earning the Progressive Genetics Award from the Holstein Association for 20 consecutive years. He currently serves on the AMPI board of directors, where he chairs both the Government Relations Committee and Political Action Committee, and remains actively involved in youth development through 4-H and local dairy organizations.
Hunt brings more than three decades of global dairy industry leadership experience. Raised on a Master Breeder Holstein operation in Ontario, Canada, Hunt developed a lifelong passion for genetics and breeding. He earned an honors degree in agricultural business from the University of Guelph and began his career with Alta Genetics. Over the past 30 plus years, Hunt has held key leadership roles across the Alta, Koepon and URUS organizations, culminating in his current role as CEO of URUS. His career has focused on driving strategy, growth and innovation within the global dairy and beef industries. Hunt has also served on the boards of the Canadian Dairy Network, National Association of Animal Breeders and the Council for Dairy Cattle Breeding. He and his wife, Julie, reside in Wisconsin and have three children.
Abbott joins the board as an at-large representative, offering extensive experience across dairy genetics, marketing and sales. A graduate of the University of Vermont, Abbott’s career spans roles including field representative for the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), general manager of Jersey Marketing Service, director of field services for AJCA, sire analyst for ABS Global, and leadership roles with ABS Canada and St. Jacobs ABC. Today, Abbott is co-owner of Showbox Sires LLC, The Dairy Sales Alliance and Borderview Genetics, in addition to owning Deep Canyon Guest Ranch in Montana. His broad perspective across multiple sectors of the dairy industry brings valuable insight to the board. Abbott and his wife, Sharyn, have two daughters.
Joe Coburn, representing The Coburn Company Inc., continues his role as chair of the Commercial Exhibitors Committee and Josh Hushon, Cargill Animal Nutrition, continues as vice chair of this committee. Joining the Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Committee as at-large breed representatives (elected by the cattle exhibitors of their respective breeds) are Kurt Wolf, Iowa, at-large Ayrshire representative; Joe Sparrow, Kentucky, at-large Brown Swiss representative; Kim Grewe, Wisconsin, at-large Guernsey representative; Kelly Reynolds, New York, at-large Holstein representative; and Tracy Brandel, Wisconsin, at-large Milking Shorthorn representative; and Trent Styczynski, Wisconsin, at-large Red & White representative. Also joining the committee as breed association representatives (elected by their respective breed associations) are Laurie Winkelman, National Brown Swiss Association; Megan Schrupp, DVM, National Guernsey Association; Tim Ziemba, National Holstein Association; and Tony Kohls, National Red & White Association. Tom Morris, Tom Morris Ltd., was reelected chairman of the Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Committee and Roger Turner, Jetstream Genetics, was elected vice chair. Both gentlemen serve as industry representatives to the committee and are elected to their positions by the World Dairy Expo board of directors.
Click here for a complete list of the World Dairy Expo board of directors, Commercial Exhibitor Committee and Dairy Cattle Exhibitor Committee.
