California Ag Day 2026 was an energizing day and an opportunity to connect with many agricultural advocates, both familiar and new. It was a meaningful reminder of the shared commitment across agriculture to keep moving the industry forward and strengthening
connections for dairy and other California products from farm to fork.
Engaging with legislators and their staff was especially valuable for highlighting the essential role dairy plays in California’s economy, local communities
and sustainable nutrition. These conversations matter, and they help ensure that the realities of dairy farming and the value that milk and dairy foods provide to health and wellness are understood.
Ag Day was also another opportunity
to celebrate the incredible women shaping the future of agriculture during the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Women continue to foster progress across agriculture through leadership, resilience and innovation.
I left feeling
inspired by the momentum that continues to build around California dairy and agriculture.
Congratulations to Dairy Council of California board members Maureen Lemos and Chuck Ahlem, who recently received honors for their positive contributions in their communities. Dairy Council of CA is proud of their continued service and leadership.
In March, the California Dairy Sustainability Summit convened in Visalia to celebrate the California dairy community’s collective advances in achieving sustainability goals and its leadership in the global dairy sector. Explore the event summary, including Dairy Council of CA’s featured article. View the 2026 Summit Summary here.
As of April 13, 2026, California’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) updated its food packages to provide more variety, culture-specific options and flexibility. Key changes for dairy foods include expanded yogurt flavor options and more package size options for some dairy foods like lactose-free milk and cheese. Additionally, expanded options for plant-based milk alternatives are now allowed. For more details, visit the California WIC website.
Dairy in the Dietary Guidelines: New Web Page A new web page is now live on Dairy Council of CA’s website that dives into the 2025—2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans—specifically the implications for dairy. The page breaks down the dairy recommendations by topic area and provides scientific context and messaging. Key topics addressed include added sugar, dairy fat, highly processed foods and more. Check out the new web page and download a summary handout at: DairyCounilofCA.org/DietaryGuidelines.
Looking Ahead: June Is Dairy Month National Dairy Month is just around the corner—a time to highlight the role dairy plays in supporting healthy communities across California. This year’s campaign will focus on dairy’s contributions to nutrition, nutrition
access and community wellness, including support for summer meal programs.
Preview the campaign landing page and toolkit to see how you can participate.
Explore what’s coming: DairyCouncilofCA.org/JIDM.
Registration is now open for the CCOA annual meeting, June 29-30 at the Tahoe Blue Event Center in beautiful South Lake Tahoe. I will be presenting on dairy’s role in the food and nutrition and policy landscape, which is
part of this year’s conference theme, The Return to Real, Dairy at the Center of Modern Nutrition. This is a great opportunity to network and learn more about the latest California-specific challenges and opportunities for dairy.
Media: Look for Dairy Council of CA’s article in the upcoming edition of Hoard’s Dairyman Magazine, which highlights how dairy is helping redefine sustainability—connecting environmental progress with nutrition and community
health. This spotlight from the California Dairy Sustainability Summit reinforces dairy’s role in advancing a more resilient, nourishing food system.
Media: Dairy Council of CA was featured in the April California Academy
of Physician Associates’ magazine highlighting how perceived lactose intolerance can be a barrier to meeting recommended dairy intake and the opportunity for patient nutrition education. Read the article here.
Research: A recent review of current scientific evidence found that dairy intake is associated with improved cognitive function in older adults. Read the full study here. 
Amy DeLisio, CEO
Dairy Council of California
adelisio@dairycouncilofca.org