Federal orders and new guidelines are coming out rapidly as the new administration takes office and focuses on confirming cabinet positions. These actions are causing disruption to current federal funds related to climate and equity-focused initiatives, as agencies must align to these new orders. We anticipate possible future changes to food and nutrition guidelines as new leadership gets into place. We are committed to understanding these changes and sharing anything that might have an impact on the dairy community. You will find several timely updates in the newsletter today.
It is with a heavy heart that I share the untimely passing of our Dairy Council of California colleague, Steve Miller. Steve worked as a Mobile Dairy Classroom instructor for 22 years and brought laughter and joy to countless students and adults over the years through his fun presentation style. He supported the team with his skills and knowledge of agricultural literacy, dairy cow health and truck and trailer mechanics. Steve’s strong love for California agriculture shone through, and he was a mentor to many youths through various agricultural programs locally. Steve will truly be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace.
In late 2024, the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, an objective review of the latest available science on specific nutrition topics, was submitted to the secretaries of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The report’s evidence-based findings will inform the HHS and USDA as they codevelop the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, slated to be released at the end of the year. Read more in the December edition of the Elevated News.
Dairy Council of CA submitted public comments for the HHS and USDA to consider, reinforcing the advisory committee’s findings of dairy foods as part of healthy, culturally relevant eating patterns across the life span. Additionally, as part of our priority for education and advocacy, we continue to encourage HHS and USDA to consider the nutrient contributions of a wide variety of dairy foods, including flavored milk and full-fat milk, yogurt and cheese, in efforts to improve health equity and support nutrition security within our communities.
Share your voice: We invite you to consider submitting your own public comments as well. The time is critical to voice your perspective and show your support for dairy’s role in the American diet. We are sharing our public comments to help guide your submission with evidence-based messaging, and we are available if you have questions. Public comment submissions are due to the HHS and USDA secretaries by February 10, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET, and can be submitted online here.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Healthy Eating Research program released a new consensus statement, Healthy Beverage Consumption in School-Age Children and Adolescents, with a focus on ages 5 to 18 years. The new consensus statement is meant to give health care providers, public health professionals, parents and caregivers consistent messages on how to improve beverage patterns for these life stages. Dairy milk is positioned as an optimal beverage supporting the health of children. Following is specific guidance for dairy:
In January, Dairy Council of CA brought together leaders from school nutrition and the dairy community for Well-Nourished, Brighter Futures: Dairy Dialogue to foster collaboration, discuss pressing challenges and identify opportunities for more dairy options in school meals. To learn more about the event click here.
The final rule on amendments to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs) was issued by the USDA on January 16, 2025. The rule includes changes to the pricing formulas, skim milk composition factors and manufacturing allowances.
This final rule announces that producers in each of the 11 FMMOs approved the following pricing formula amendments: Updating the skim milk composition factors to 3.3% true protein, 6.0% other solids and 9.3% non-fat solids, with a six-month delayed implementation.
The full publication can be viewed here.
The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which passed the House in December 2023 and was folded into the Farm Bill, which failed to pass, will be reintroduced in the House and the Senate. This legislation would expand the federal school meal program milk options to include reduced fat (2%) and whole milk, in addition to the skim and low-fat (1%) varieties currently allowed.
The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program is seeking applicants for its Animal Care, Environmental Stewardship and Workforce Development task forces for the July 2025 to June 2028 term. FARM will accept nominations
until March 31, 2025; new task force members will be announced by June 15, 2025. Nominations should be submitted using the online form.
Join us at the California Dairy Sustainability Summit in Visalia, Calif., on March 25, 2025. This event will provide producers unique opportunities for learning, networking and recognizing California dairy’s important contributions to sustainability through health and nutrition, culture and community, environment and the economy. For more event information and to register click here.
Join us at the Farm Credit Dairy Center (Booth #6210) on February 11-13, where we're teaming up with the California Milk Advisory Board to celebrate dairy’s impact!
Learn more about the 2025 World Ag Expo here. See you at the farm show!
Best regards,
Amy DeLisio, CEO
Dairy Council of California
adelisio@DairyCouncilofCA.org