Bird flu or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was a wild card for the dairy industry in 2024, as the first diagnosis in dairy cattle happened in Texas in late March. Progressive Dairy interviewed state veterinarians and animal health officials in the five states with the most cases of bird flu on dairy farms – Texas, Idaho, Michigan, Colorado and California – to learn more about their approach to managing and minimizing the disease.

In the news at the end of February 2025: commercialization efforts underway for HPAI vaccine for dairy, data quantifies beef-on-dairy value, and the world’s first lab-made cow milk is released.

In dairy-related news this third week of February 2025: Arizona finds new HPAI genotype through milk testing, AFBF reported farmers lost $20.3 billion to weather disasters in 2024, and DFA and Promised Land Dairy launch new milk products.

In dairy-related headlines this week: After declining for 14 years, fluid milk sales end 2024 higher; Rollins confirmed as secretary of agriculture; and HSUS changes its name.

In news affecting a dairy farmer's bottom line as we begin February 2025: The USDA confirms second strain of HPAI found in dairy cattle, the GDT index takes a good leap, farmer sentiment remains optimistic despite trade uncertainty and more.

In dairy news this week: The USDA added six more states for national HPAI milk testing, the U.S. partners with Indonesia to enhance its dairy sector, and Dairy's Foundation awards education and outreach grants.

In this week's news, the FDA plans to test raw cow’s milk cheese nationwide for HPAI, January FSA interest rates continue to rise, the USDA provides more than $8 million in second round of payments to help organic dairy producers, and Saputo's COO steps down after three months.