In March, Dairy Council of California convened its spring board meeting in Palm Springs, Calif., bringing together team members, board leaders and key partners to reflect on progress and sharpen the path forward. We shared updates on the success of our current plan, previewed a newly developed series with PBS, shared key outcomes achieved to date and introduced a new strategic framework to guide our 2026–2027 priorities. Our board engaged in a strategic planning process to guide priorities for the year ahead. With strong and growing support for dairy, the focus is clear: Align Dairy Council of CA’s efforts for the greatest impact and reach Californians in new and exciting ways.
Our momentum continues April 21, 2026, at Ag Day at the Capitol, an annual event jointly hosted by California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Women for Agriculture and California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. Dairy isn’t just a powerhouse on the plate; it’s a vital driver of our state’s economy and communities. Join us at the Mobile Dairy Classroom to experience our original farm-to-school program in action, teaching students how milk travels from the farm to the cafeteria and the essential nutrients it provides in healthy eating patterns. Stop by our booth to explore educational resources, the latest dairy nutrition science and opportunities to partner as we shape the future of California dairy together.
California recently introduced AB 2244 for a voluntary “California Certified” label that can be used only on foods not considered ultra-processed. The proposed bill includes the following actions:
Dairy Council of CA will continue to monitor regulatory actions related to ultra-processed foods and food additives and keep you informed of key developments.
Explore our Regulatory Affairs page for resources, including a one-page research review handout on ultra-processed foods, to strengthen your education and advocacy efforts.
The American Heart Association published its 2026 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health, largely reinforcing its 2021 guidance on heart-healthy dietary patterns. The association continues its recommendation to limit saturated fat intake, which aligns with the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. However, the American Heart Association diverges from the Dietary Guidelines in food sources of dietary fats by continuing to recommend prioritizing fat-free or low-fat dairy within healthy dietary patterns. It acknowledges the ongoing debate comparing full-fat and low-fat dairy on cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes. Read the association’s full 2026 dietary guidance here.
The California Dairy Sustainability Summit was held in Visalia on March 24, 2026, bringing together 504 attendees to celebrate the California dairy community’s collective advances in achieving sustainability goals and its leadership in the global dairy sector. Dairy Council of CA was proud to co-host the event with Dairy Cares, California Milk Advisory Board, California Dairy Research Foundation and California Dairy Quality Assurance Program. At this dairy farmer-focused summit, Dairy Council of CA:
Access the summit session recordings and video highlights here.
Last month, Dairy Council of CA hosted an informative and interactive session for school nutrition professionals and industry partners on the role of milk and dairy foods in children’s nutrition, how milk at all fat levels fits into healthy eating patterns and the evolving national guidance shaping school meals and beverage options.
View the recorded webinar here.
Dairy Council of CA supported dairy nutrition and agricultural education at a dairy farm tour in San Jacinto hosted by Hollandia Dairy, with over 200 school foodservice professionals from San Bernardino City Unified School District in attendance. Dairy Council of CA board member Patrick Schallberger provided a guided tour on a tractor, and attendees learned about dairy nutrition and agriculture at stations set up throughout the farm.
If you are interested in hosting a dairy farm tour, visit our Dairy Agricultural Literacy web page to access resources and support.
Each June, National Dairy Month celebrates dairy farm families and the dairy community for producing nutrient-dense foods that help children grow and thrive. This year, we’re building on that impact—highlighting dairy’s role in advancing student wellness, expanding community access and translating nutrition science into action across schools and communities. Stay tuned in May for a ready-to-use toolkit and resources to help you engage and share your story all month long.