At the 2026 Pennsylvania Dairy Summit, Sara Dorland, managing partner at Ceres Dairy Risk Management, shared her insights on the global dairy landscape, dairy markets, the recent Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) price reform and what all of this could mean for dairy producers.

In January, the national conversation around nutrition reached a turning point. On Jan. 7, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the USDA released the 2025-30 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Additionally, a reimagined food pyramid was released to reflect a renewed focus on nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods.

To start the new year, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC)’s Policy team examined trends from the Canadian dairy marketplace in 2025 to offer insights for the coming months.

USDA data show Americans’ per capita consumption of dairy is up 0.6% over the past five years, 8% over the past 15 years and 12% over the past 30 years.

From fairs and festivals to international markets, dairy is proving its staying power. Consumers continue to embrace it for both taste and nutrition, while new investments position the industry for even greater success. Dairy isn’t just having a moment – it’s building momentum.

Health and wellness is no longer just a trend – it is a $450 billion priority shaping how Americans eat, live and shop. From parents checking labels to fitness enthusiasts looking for performance support, more people are turning to food-first approaches to meet their wellness goals.