In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line the first week of May 2026: The USDA puts Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into effect, GDT index back up 1.5%, and farmer sentiment declines amid input cost and availability concerns.

The beginning of a new year is often a time to refresh goals and evaluate the vision for one’s life. Similarly, multiple people interviewed for this year’s State of Dairy coverage said late 2025 and early 2026 will be remembered as a reset. 

The U.S. departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture released the 2025-30 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, signaling a shift in federal nutrition policy toward whole, nutrient-dense foods and away from highly processed foods.

In the news related to dairy farming mid-December 2025: House passes Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, a milk test finds Wisconsin’s first case of HPAI in dairy, Land O’Lakes doubles down on hunger relief before the holidays, an annual event highlights the Friends of Expo, Alltech announces dairy farm Most Valuable Employee Award winner, and the USDA announces $38.1 million in grant agreement to cover agricultural losses due to Hurricane Helene in Tennessee.

In dairy-related news the last full week of September 2025: An animal affected by New World screwworm was found just 70 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border, dairy product contest awards announced, checkoff groups enhance dairy presence in schools and World Dairy Expo forage seminars are announced.

In the news affecting dairy producers' bottom lines in the middle of September 2025: the October Class I base milk price falls to $18.04, the Federal Reserve makes its first rate cut since December, the GDT index is down slightly, and fluid milk sales were down in July.

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy on Sept. 9. The plan, with more than 120 initiatives to reverse America’s childhood chronic disease epidemic, includes restoring whole milk in schools.

In dairy-related news the second week of August 2025: Dairy companies slash added sugars by nearly 60% ahead of new school year, dairy processing updates, Peace & Plenty Farm recognized as the 2025 McKown Master Breeder, 2026 Holstein Association USA delegate election underway and more.

In news affecting dairy farmers' bottom lines at the start of June 2025: The Senate Ag Committee advances the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, Darigold opens largest dairy processing facility in the Northwest, and farmer sentiment reaches a four-year high.