The Milk from Family Dairies Act, which aims to stabilize the dairy market, was introduced in the Senate on June 29, led by Peter Welch (D-Vermont) and co-sponsored by Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont). The bill would ensure market transparency and fair prices for dairy farmers, maintain consumer access to reliable and reasonably priced dairy products, and revitalize rural communities by establishing a Dairy Market Stabilization Program to ensure dairy farmers get a fair price for their milk based on their cost of production.

The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act was introduced in the House on June 30, led by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pennsylvania). The legislation would modernize agricultural workforce policy by updating the H-2A visa program and expanding access beyond seasonal workers.

The 2026 Farm Bill is another step closer to completion this week after the Senate Agriculture Committee released draft text for their version of the bill, referred to as the Agricultural Act of 2026, on June 23. After the committee discusses the bill during the markup, it will move to the Senate floor for consideration.

As National Dairy Month and all the festivities get underway, I encourage you to think about new ways you can connect with people outside of agriculture to showcase all that is great about the dairy industry. Cheers to a fun month celebrating cows, amazing people and delicious dairy products!

Agriculture groups applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 this morning with a vote of 224-200. Next, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry will develop their version of the bill for consideration on the Senate floor.

Taking the next step often involves an investment – in time, energy and sometimes money. While many dairy producers interviewed for this year’s State of Dairy coverage are concerned about financial margins and their bottom line, they also have an eye on the future and are investing in their operations in ways that make it an attractive option for the next generation.