USDA bets on bulk tank testing to curb bird flu spread
The goal is to better inform biosecurity and containment measures and inform state-led efforts to reduce risk to farmworkers.
Fresh milk
New UK dairy contract laws under scrutiny as farming unions ‘alarmed’
Changes to rules around pricing and exclusivity ‘would act against the best interests of dairy farmers’, union leaders have warned.
Arla, First Milk, Muller raise farmgate milk prices amidst ‘positive momentum’ in commodity markets
Dairy processors have increased the prices paid to milk suppliers thanks to a rebound in the global dairy market.
Labor shortages squeeze farmers, Arla Foods UK data shows
Data released by the UK’s largest dairy co-op revealed producers continue to grapple with recruitment challenges, impacting milk production and farmer outlook.
USDA raises dairy wholesale price forecasts, revises down production
The US Department of Agriculture has lowered some of its inventory and production forecasts but raised its wholesale price forecasts.
Bovaer’s expansion in Asia gathers pace
The dsm-firmenich-produced feed additive is being trialed in several Asian markets: here’s how things stand.
Lactose-free dairy: A look at labeling standards and recommendations
The lactose-free milk market is in growth, but how are lactose-related packaging claims regulated in major global markets?
EU dairy industry prepares for cooperation as China launches anti-subsidy probe
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has initiated a high-stakes anti-subsidy investigation targeting specific dairy imports from the EU, escalating trade tensions between the world’s second-largest economy and Europe.
Study sheds light on how heat stress affects cow’s milk
A first of its kind research shows how bacterial populations in cow’s milk are impacted during heat stress, including potential links to milk spoilage and mastitis.
New Zealand abandons plans to price farm emissions – for now
A government policy that could have put some dairy farmers out of business has been postponed – but what are politicians proposing now?
Fonterra enjoys strong Q3, sets FY25 forecast farmgate milk price
The New Zealand co-operative reported increased milk sales and after-tax profits, but expectations for next season remain in the balance.
FDA approves Bovaer for use in US dairy cattle
The methane-reducing feed supplement is expected to launch commercially later this year, Elanco Animal Health Inc. has announced.
Winter washout may lead to mineral deficiencies in cattle
The UK’s wet winter may result in lower levels of minerals that cattle, including grass-fed dairy cows, obtain from forage.
More milk, less carbon: Fat supplement proves a high yielder in commercial dairy trials
A palm-free fat supplement has thrilled farmers and researchers by improving dairy cows' milk production and feed efficiency by a greater margin than was thought possible.
Fonterra to focus on B2B services in sweeping strategic change
The New Zealand co-operative is set to offload some of its best-known consumer brands to create ‘a simpler, higher-performing’ business.
US dairy farmers to receive financial relief over bird flu outbreak
Around two months since the first detection of H5N1 in dairy cattle, the federal government is set to provide financial aid to affected producers.
Smart reproduction management could boost milk sustainability, farm income
A study has found that dairy producers may reduce milk production’s carbon footprint while boosting revenues if they improve their reproduction management practices.
Slurry bugs help Leprino Foods UK cut emissions, boost forage milk yield
The major mozzarella producer is unleashing a blend of slurry-eating bacteria and fungi that help produce bioactive fertilizer whilst also enhancing soil health.
US recycling laws ‘a growing pain point’ for food producers, says FoodChain ID
With regulators pushing for improved recyclability and reduced packaging waste, how should manufacturers navigate the latest regulations and packaging trends?
‘Unbelievably cynical’: Will there be no exit scheme for Irish dairy?
Ireland has seemingly scrapped proposals to compensate dairy farmers who leave their trade, the ag minister stating there were ‘other options’ to reduce the country's agricultural emissions.
Antibiotic use in dairy: Could traces in milk put consumers at risk?
When antibiotics are used for livestock, it can put consumers at risk of developing antimicrobial resistance, for example in dairy when traces can get into milk. Regulations, therefore, are vital.
Bovine influenza: Import rules tightened as virus detected in 8 US states
The number of cases of affected dairy cows has grown to 24 as 18 states announced import restrictions.
Bird flu in cows ‘remarkably unremarkable’ as experts call for calmness
Experts have moved swiftly to dissipate producer and consumer anxiety as new cases of bird flu-positive dairy cattle emerge.
First human case of bird flu due to exposure to ill dairy cows recorded in the US
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed the first cow-to-human transmission of the novel avian influenza virus in Texas. Suspected cases of cow-to-cow transmission also emerge.
Bird flu in US dairy: What we know so far plus tips for producers (updated)
We round-up the facts around the HPAI outbreak affecting some US dairy herds, what farmers should do now to bolster biosecurity, and what all this means for milk supply and public health.
Arla, Kraft Heinz, Unilever grilled by UK parliamentary committee over ‘greedflation, profiteering’
The bosses of major food companies were pressed about increasing their profits as consumers struggled with food affordability. Dairy and agriculture industry reps were also questioned about the impact of inflation on farmers.
Rabobank predicts ‘better year’ for dairy farmers
Margins are widely tipped to strengthen on the back of higher production and increased dairy commodity prices, though concerns about China imports remain and Argentina’s output remains low.
Walmart announces plans for third milk processing plant
The retailer will open in Texas a third owned and operated facility in 2026, expanding the corporation’s milk processing footprint beyond Indiana and Georgia.
UK: Arla, Müller, Wyke and more increase farmgate milk prices
The start of 2024 has been marked by steady milk price increases in the UK after a year of reductions.
Regenerative ag label to launch in the US
The Soil & Climate Health Initiative (SCI) is launching a new label that represents ‘a holistic, science-based commitment to farming systems’. We speak to MD Adam Kotin to find out more.
US dairy farmers urged to apply for 2024 DMC program
Dairy producers have been told to get ready to apply for the safety net program offered through the US Department of Agriculture as this year’s sign-up date is announced.
USA: Latest Ag Census highlights the extent of consolidation in US dairy
The largest dairies continue to provide most of the nation’s milk, but smaller operations are the most numerous, and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future.
Dairy Management Inc. to leverage AI in search for new commercial opportunities in milk
The US dairy industry body has partnered with artificial intelligence services provider PIPA as it aims to discover novel health benefits and applications for milk.
Fonterra lifts farmgate milk price forecast again as demand recovers
Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrel said commodity prices including for WMP have gone up, prompting the co-operative to lift its forecast range by NZ$0.30.
Standard bacterial testing for organic raw milk is 'not sufficient', study finds
Is LPC testing enough to determine the type of thermoduric bacteria present in milk? This is the question that Cornell University scientists tried to address.
FMMO hearing concludes: What's next?
After more than six months, the Federal Milk Marketing Order hearing has concluded – here’s what happens next.
Methane suppressing feed additive Bovaer approved for use in Canada
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has authorized the use of Bovaer, a feed supplement that can suppress methane emissions from cattle.
‘As many tools as possible’: Danone North America hopes oil-based seaweed product could be a greener option for methane inhibition
The dairy major is supporting a new study into the efficacy of a red seaweed oil extract that could be less carbon-intensive to produce whilst also capable of reducing enteric methane by up to 80%.
Who should support dairy farmers in transitioning to ethical farming systems?
With farmers facing pressures to adopt more sustainable farming practices - or move to a different farming system altogether - who should support producers during their transition? In the UK, the responsibility falls broadly on the shoulders of all...
Going 'raw': A business opportunity or a risk not worth taking?
Once banned by the Food and Drug Administration, raw milk sales are now being legalized across an increasing number of US states. But is selling - and consuming - raw dairy products worth the risk?
US: Whole and lactose-free milk sales grow as plant-based alternatives dip
While the annual fluid milk consumption continues to decline, some categories have bucked the trend with growing retail sales in 2023, according to newly-released data.
Methane-reducing feed additive Bovaer secures UK regulatory approval
The feed additive, which can reduce enteric methane emissions from dairy cows by 30% on average, has received market authorization and will be available in England, Wales and Scotland from early 2024.
Danone to sell US organic dairy brands Horizon Organic, Wallaby to Platinum Equity
The agreement forms part of Danone’s growth strategy and comes a year after the company first indicated it was willing to sell its US premium organic dairy business.
Nestlé to offer cash payments to Fonterra dairy farmers under net-zero carbon partnership
A new agreement will see Nestlé fund an additional payment to farmers who achieve one of the three levels of Fonterra’s The Co-operative Difference framework during the 2023/24 season.
Congress passes Whole Milk Act but sparks inequality fears
The House of Representatives passed a bill that could reinstate whole and reduced fat milk on school menus – but lobby groups say the change would spark racial inequalities.
No supplementary payments for FrieslandCampina farmers in 2023 as dairy co-op looks to cut 1,800 jobs
Dairy farmers supplying Dutch dairy co-operative FrieslandCampina won’t receive supplementary cash payments for 2023 due to ‘disappointing’ financial results, the business reported.
Will whole milk return to US schools? Congress set to vote on bill that enjoys 'strong bipartisan support'
Congress is expected to debate and vote on a bill that could bring whole milk back on school menus, in contravention with Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The bill has bipartisan support of 134 co-sponsors in the House, according to the International...
Strong season start prompts Fonterra to lift FY24 forecast farmgate milk price, earnings outlook
Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd today increased its forecast farmgate milk price and earnings guidance for FY24 after demand from key markets rebounded.
Global dairy giants including Nestlé and Danone vow to disclose and tackle methane emissions from their dairy supply chains
At COP28, six global food majors have committed to publicly disclosing their dairy-related methane emissions and drawing up detailed plans of action, but the firms won’t be tied to a specific methane reduction target.
US: ‘Dairy cliff’ avoided after last-minute Farm Bill extensions agreed
US dairies breathed a sigh of relief after an extension to the 2018 Farm Bill was approved last week, but industry insiders are hoping Congress won’t need a full year to pass the new legislation.