In news affecting dairy producers' bottom lines the last full week of April 2025: May Class I drops to $18.37 per cwt, a final rule reauthorizes the Dairy Forward Pricing Program, IDFA to eliminate artificial colors in school dairy products, and Chobani invests $1.2 billion in New York processing plant.

In the news affecting dairy producers' bottom lines this first week of April 2025: Several dairy bills receive support in Congress, producer sentiment slips, global dairy trade is up, and planting intentions are released.

In dairy-related headlines this week: After declining for 14 years, fluid milk sales end 2024 higher; Rollins confirmed as secretary of agriculture; and HSUS changes its name.

In this week's news: The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 was introduced, Rabobank reports increasing milk production costs, and consumers are moving away from plant-based beverages.

Last week, the USDA released its final rule updating meal standards for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). The updated rule encompasses three key victories for dairy and child nutrition, and has drawn applause from industry stakeholders.

Late on Friday, March 8, and hours before the deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown, the Senate passed the bill for a $460 billion spending package that includes funding for six federal agencies by a vote of 75-22. The bill, which was passed by the House with a vote of 339-85 earlier in the week, was then signed by President Joe Biden on Saturday.

Here’s a summary of news impacting your dairy as we close out the month of February.

This week, parents weighed in on their support for bipartisan legislation to provide whole and 2% milk in public schools, the dairy checkoff announced a pilot project for hot chocolate milk in schools, and a California congressman called for supply chain changes to ensure the availability of school milk.