We hear about the “magic” of the season a lot this time of year, but what exactly is it about Christmas that makes us feel this way? Is it the family gatherings, the laughter, the warmth of a cozy fire, the festive lights or is it something else?

While Maine is well known for lobster, lighthouses and its scenic North Atlantic coastline, the state is also home to 140 licensed dairy farms, including Brigeen Farms in Turner and Castonguay Ayrshires in Livermore. As the leaves fall and the crisp autumn air turns to icy conditions, snowstorms and frigid temperatures across the Northeast, cow comfort, herd health and safety are top of mind for these two dairy farms as they prepare their facilities and animals for inclement weather.

As we close the books on 2024, Progressive Dairy’s editorial team identified four trending topics that made headlines throughout the year. Read on as we recap highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detected in dairy cattle, Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) modernization efforts, increasing dairy margins and declining dairy cattle inventories.

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) released their Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) final decision on Nov. 12, which will be voted on by dairy producers in a referendum before the end of the year. Ballots must be postmarked by Dec. 31.

In addition to other celebratory activities, the National Dairy Shrine is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024 by doubling down on fundraising efforts with Campaign75 to provide more scholarships, expand their leader recognition program and make investments in their museum. With a mission to inspire youth, recognize dairy leaders and preserve dairy’s history, the organization is open to anyone who is passionate about the dairy industry and currently includes more than 20,000 members.

While some university dairies have shut down in the last few decades, others are breaking ground on new research dairies to replace aging facilities or making renovations to update their current ones. Here is an overview of some of the facilities currently under construction.

More than 1,700 dairy scientists and industry professionals from across North America and around the globe representing 42 countries convened in West Palm Beach for the 2024 American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) annual meeting.

On July 1, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) released its recommended decision, which proposes to amend the pricing provisions in the 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). This follows the record-breaking 49-day hearing process that began in August 2023 and concluded in late January 2024.