Leaders from the National Milk Producers Federation have kicked off the year with an ambitious schedule of outreach activities, bringing their expertise to dairy communities both within the United States and internationally.
Economic Policy and Market Analysis Vice President Stephen Cain delivered insights on protein market trends during his February 10 address at Nashville’s Farm Journal Top Producers gathering. Meanwhile, Global Economic Affairs Senior Vice President Will Loux made presentations to industry leaders, first addressing the Lone Star Milk Producers Board of Directors in Dallas on February 18, then speaking to the Dairy Management Inc. Board in Phoenix on February 24.
Animal welfare took center stage during a groundbreaking collaboration between the FARM Program, Saputo, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Dairyland Initiative. Their first-ever USA Dairy Welfare Roundtable brought together dairy producers and animal welfare researchers in Madison, Wisconsin, on January 21-22.
Participants examined critical animal welfare challenges including lameness issues, group housing practices, and young calf management. The gathering employed a SWOT analysis framework to identify industry obstacles and develop strategies for addressing these concerns moving forward.
International engagement was highlighted by a trade policy mission to Lima, Peru, during the week of February 24. Executive Vice Presidents Shawna Morris and Jaime Castaneda, Senior Director Tony Rice, and Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs Miquela Hanselman attended the Latin America Nutrition Congress organized by the U.S. Dairy Export Council.
Back home, Executive Vice President Alan Bjerga connected with Colorado dairy producers at the Greeley Farm Show on January 28, discussing recent legislative victories and ongoing support initiatives for farmers facing challenging milk price conditions.
Groups seeking to arrange NMPF staff participation in their events can reach out to Casey Kinler at [email protected].
