Here’s an update on news impacting your dairy as October 2024 comes to an end.

Lee karen
Karen Lee
Managing Editor / Progressive Dairy

USDA to begin bulk milk testing for H5N1

In partnership with state veterinarians, the USDA announced it will implement a tiered strategy to collect and test milk samples for H5N1 avian influenza.

In the coming weeks, the USDA will work with regions and states that are ready to assist in expanding bulk milk testing.

The USDA plans to work closely with state and private veterinary groups and practitioners to first sample milk in bulk at the regional level, with additional testing at the farm level if necessary, until herds in an area are determined to be free of the virus.

This follows measures taken since the disease was first detected in dairy cows in March 2024, which includes a federal order to require the testing of cattle before interstate movement.

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Even though the number of states with known avian influenza detections in dairy herds has dropped from 14 to two in the past 30 days, the USDA says this approach is necessary to better assess where H5N1 avian influenza is present in dairy cows to better inform biosecurity and containment measures, as well as to inform state-led efforts to reduce risk to farm workers who may be in contact with animals infected with H5N1.

There is a precedent of successful bulk milk testing approaches, including the use of bulk milk testing to eradicate brucellosis from dairy herds. In addition, Colorado implemented statewide bulk milk testing after H5N1 was detected in dairy herds in two counties, and the most recent statewide testing has not detected any evidence of H5N1 in any herds in the state.

The USDA continues to emphasize to farmers nationwide that biosecurity is the best weapon against the spread of H5N1, and farms should practice good biosecurity even if the virus has not been detected in their state or vicinity. Data collected over the past seven months has shown that H5N1 can be transmitted on equipment, people or other items that move from farm to farm, including between dairies and poultry facilities.

It also strongly encourages herd owners to participate in available producer support programs, which help to cover the cost such as biosecurity programming, personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees and veterinary care.

In addition, the USDA continues to support the rapid development and timely approval of an H5N1 vaccine for dairy cows. Two vaccine candidates are currently undergoing field trials.

To learn more about USDA’s response to HPAI in dairy cattle, visit the USDA APHIS webpage.

FDA prohibits use of aspirin in dairy cattle

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently published a letter to veterinarians prohibiting the use of aspirin products in dairy cattle.

Prior to this action, aspirin containing products for cattle were of low regulatory concern and not required to complete formal FDA animal drug review and approval.

However, the increased use of aspirin in the treatment of herds infected by H5N1 raised several concerns and prompted the FDA to take this action.

In doing so, it acknowledged the growing availability of other anti-inflammatory drugs that have FDA label approvals for cattle, although none are labeled for treatment of H5N1.

Dairy producers should consult with their herd veterinarian regarding treatment options.

California: One plant expands, another one closes

Lactalis USA announced a $55 million investment in its Tulare, California, facility. This new, 38,000-square-foot manufacturing line will bring additional capacity for feta production in the U.S.

The project creates 20 full-time positions in Tulare along with 100 temporary or contract positions during construction. The construction timeline spans from 2023-27, with the line becoming partially operational in May of this year. When completed in 2027, Lactalis USA will have increased its U.S. feta production capacity to address current and future customer and consumer demand.

California Dairies Inc. (CDI) announced the closure of its Los Banos, California, manufacturing facility, affecting approximately 38 employees.

“Closing the Los Banos plant was a difficult decision, one that was not made lightly,” said Brad Anderson, president and chief executive officer. “This decision was driven by the evolving dynamics of the marketplace and shifting milk supplies. We value the contributions of our dedicated employees in Los Banos and recognize the impact this has on them and the community. We are committed to supporting them through this transition. The Los Banos plant and its employees will hold a special place in our company’s history.”

The Los Banos manufacturing facility, which had been in operation since 1925, ceased operations on Monday, Oct. 28, and has entered a period of shutdown.

FARM Program releases Environmental Stewardship Version 3

The FARM Program released Environmental Stewardship (ES) Version 3 supporting the dairy community’s efforts to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050. FARM ES Version 3 gives dairy farmers a scientifically robust tool with more advanced features to assess the impact of potential practice or technology changes.

Version 3 incorporates the Ruminant Farm System (RuFaS) model, a whole-farm model that simulates dairy farm production and environmental impact.

This version also offers farmers an advanced, more refined output compared to previous versions of the program, including estimates of carbon sequestration and the ability to analyze the environmental and milk productivity impacts of various practices and technologies. Version 3 also contains optional data inputs, such as details on reproductive programs, culling information and cropping practices, for more tailored results.

Feedback forms are available online for farmers and evaluators to provide feedback and suggestions to further refine ES Version 3.

Dairy promotion directors elect board officers, award leaders

Leaders of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) and the United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA) announced election results at the 2024 Joint Annual Meeting of the NDB, UDIA and National Milk Producers Federation in Phoenix, Oct. 21-23.

DMI, which manages the national checkoff program, announced the following elected officers:

  • Chair ‑ Marilyn Hershey, Cochranville, Pennsylvania
  • Vice chair – Mary Kraft, Fort Morgan, Colorado
  • Secretary – Jim Reid, Grant Township, Michigan
  • Treasurer – Becky Nyman, Hilmar, California

The NDB, which carries out coordinated promotion and research programs, elected the following officers:

  • Chair – Joanna Shipp, Boones Mill, Virginia
  • Vice chair – Lolly Lesher, Bernville, Pennsylvania
  • Secretary – Arlene VanderEyk, Tulare, California
  • Treasurer – Justin Leyendekker, Dinuba, California

Officers elected for UDIA, a federation of state and regional dairy farmer-funded promotion organizations, are:

  • Chair – Alex Peterson, Trenton, Missouri
  • First vice chair – Charles Krause, Buffalo, Minnesota
  • Second vice chair/chair, National Dairy Council – Audrey Donahoe, Clayville, New York
  • Secretary – Harold Howrigan, Sheldon, Vermont
  • Treasurer – Kris Wardin, St. Johns, Michigan

National Dairy Council officers elected are:

  • Chair – Audrey Donahoe, Clayville, New York
  • Vice chair – Brian Esplin, Shelley, Idaho  
  • Secretary – Jenni Tilton-Flood, Clinton, Maine
  • Treasurer – Mike Ferguson, Senatobia, Mississippi

In addition to the election results, the NDB honored Glen Easter and Larry Hancock as the 2024 co-recipients of the Richard E. Lyng Award for their contributions and distinguished service to dairy promotion.

Easter and his wife, Marilyn, operated their dairy in Laurens, South Carolina, and sold their cows before Hurricane Helene struck the Southeast last month. Easter has a long history of checkoff and industry leadership. He was the longtime chair of the Dairy Alliance board and vice chair of the American Dairy Association board. He also served on the UDIA and DMI boards as well as the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) corporate board.

Hancock and his family have a dairy in Muleshoe, Texas, and over the years, he has served in many leadership positions. He has been on the Dairy MAX, NDB and UDIA boards, served as treasurer of the DMI board, sat on the DFA board and was the chair of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. Hancock stepped away from much of his dairy responsibilities at the farm to devote more time to the ministry.

Foremost Farms appoints two new board members

Foremost Farms announced the appointment of two new members to the board of directors. The new independent board directors, Staci Kring and Andrei Mikhalesvky, have deep experience in the dairy industry and management of dairy cooperatives.  

Kring worked as chief revenue officer of Organic Valley for three years and held roles of increasing responsibility at Schreiber Foods for more than 20 years, including executive vice president of retail sales.

Mikhalesvky was president and CEO of CDI for eight years and held executive leadership roles at Symrise Inc., Georgia Pacific Corp. and Campbell Soup Co.

New program launched to promote organic dairy products

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced the launch of the Organic Dairy Product Promotion (ODPP) program, allocating $15 million to expand access to organic dairy products in educational institutions and youth programs.

Funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), the program will increase consumption of organic dairy products among children and young adults while creating new opportunities for small and midsized organic dairy producers.

Through the program, AMS will enter into cooperative agreements with four lead organizations: the University of California – Fresno; University of Tennessee; Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets; and University of Wisconsin. Each of these organizations currently leads one of the four Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives and, therefore, is uniquely positioned to implement the ODDP program.

Key program objectives include:

  • Increasing domestic consumption of organic dairy products among children and young adults
  • Diversifying dairy products offered in learning institutions and at other youth and young adult-focused program sites
  • Building partnerships with, and networks of, businesses involved in organic dairy product production and the distribution of organic dairy products within the lead organization’s region, which aligns with their DBI service area

The lead organizations will develop region-specific projects to distribute organic dairy products to K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and other youth and young adult focused programs and institutions. Lead organizations may also subaward funds for procurement to dairy businesses, educational institutions including K-12 schools and colleges/universities, or other organizations with industry expertise to implement the program.

USDA to issue more than $235 million to farmers hit by natural disasters, including Hurricane Milton

The USDA is issuing payments to agricultural producers impacted by natural disasters, including $143 million in crop insurance indemnities for Florida producers impacted by Hurricane Milton and about $92 million for livestock producers, nationwide, who faced increased supplemental feed costs as a result of forage losses due to 2022 qualifying drought and wildfire.

The payments for Milton-impacted Florida producers are for those who have federal crop insurance coverage through the Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index (HIP-WI) endorsement and the Tropical Storm (TS) option. These crop insurance payments are part of USDA’s broader support to help producers after Hurricane Milton. The payments for livestock producers are through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) 2022 and are a second round of payments to producers using remaining funds in the program.