I admit that before I attended Natural Products Expo West, I did not fully grasp what it was. I had heard about it at a Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) meeting, but walking into the Anaheim Convention Center was something else entirely.

When I arrived at the 2026 South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF), I quickly realized I had underestimated what I thought I would see.

Strong relationships are what set producers apart. It isn’t fancy marketing or the shiniest catalog that keeps customers loyal. It’s showing up, telling the truth and being there when it matters.

Springtime brings greener pastures, warmer weather and, for many seedstock producers, annual spring production sales. Production sales are the culmination of months and years of breeding, calving, growing and fitting in one or two sales per year.

As the agricultural industry continues to provide higher yields using fewer resources, innovation and improvements made on family operations drive the changes necessary to feeding an ever-growing population. For one of these operations, located in Elkader, Iowa, innovation began with a camcorder in a hog barn.

The Washington Dairy Conference, held Dec. 4-6 in Chehalis, Washington, featured hot topics facing the state’s dairy industry, a chance to meet with state agricultural leaders, and ample networking time for attendees and trade show exhibitors. 

Farmer leaders and staff representing National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA) and National Dairy Board (NDB) shared policy and promotion updates at the NMPF/UDIA/NDB joint annual meeting, held Nov. 13-15 in Orlando, Florida.

Adding females to a sale can be a big decision for a producer. The type of sale, where to focus marketing efforts and how to stay relevant in an ever-evolving business all play into the decision.

Among other options, some producers may choose to put on a production sale. While this option can work for some, the overhead and labor involved with this type of marketing can be a turnoff for others.