Dairy cooperatives participating in the NEXT assistance program finalized 246 export contracts during February, representing 54.3 million pounds of dairy products scheduled for international delivery in 2026. The shipments will reach customers spanning ten global regions including Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, Middle East-North Africa, Eurasia, South America, Central America, the Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa, with deliveries scheduled from February through July.
The NEXT program serves as a vital resource for participating U.S. dairy cooperatives seeking to expand their international sales reach, an increasingly crucial component for dairy farmers and their cooperatives across the nation. International market expansion remains essential for generating dairy demand, regardless of whether a cooperative currently maintains active export operations. Those interested in learning more about the NEXT Program can reach out to the team at [email protected].
Officials note that the reported dairy product quantities represent active contracts awaiting delivery rather than finalized export volumes. The NEXT program will distribute export assistance payments to successful bidders only after export completion and product delivery are confirmed through proper documentation submission.
