Webinar looks at dairy trade in context of tariffs, economy

April 25, 2025

By Rena Archwamety

MADISON, Wis. — As higher tariffs and the threat of more tariffs have injected volatility into global trade and economies, U.S. dairy exporters still can find good opportunities to sell their products overseas, according to a panel of experts who presented during a webinar hosted yesterday by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA).

Andy Novakovic, emeritus professor of dairy economics at Cornell University, offered a historical perspective on tariffs. He explained that before the Great Depression that spurred a transformation of the federal government, tariffs were a major source of revenue, along with some excise taxes and the sale of federal land. High tariffs also were used from time to time to protect certain industries before the United States became a global economic power. While tariff rates fluctuated, they typically remained very high until after World War II, when a multinational initiative began to gradually eliminate trade barriers.

Today, sources of federal revenue are very different, Novakovic said, pointing out that customs duties make up a very small percentage of revenue, compared to various taxes, social insurance and retirement.

Novakovic said the debate continues over how much high tariffs in the past have helped or hurt, but there is a general feeling among the core economic community on the virtue of free trade, which allows businesses in all countries to focus on what they do best.

“When there are restrictions on trade — tariffs, sales tax, quotas — they are introducing a cost, and costs are a drag on commercial and economic activity,” he said.

When there is uncertainty in the environment, that is a cost as well, he added.

“We don’t want more costs in the system than we need. Distrust is a deterrent to business relationships. We are destroying that trust,” Novakovic said. “Trading partners, we understand, some are beyond concerned over actions that are being taken. This adds to our challenges.”

However, exporters should avoid a “woe is me” mentality and figure out how to be resilient and do their best.
“Come back and ask, are we providing an affordable, high-quality product at a reasonable cost?” he said. “The other thing is to work on the trust line. ‘One thing you can count on is me, and my integrity as a business partner.’ You may have to be more selective on trading partners in the short term. I think we want to focus on what we can do and not get too caught up on what’s harder to do.”

Chuck Nicholson, associate professor of agricultural and applied economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, addressed why tariffs are important for U.S. dairy trade.

“It’s fairly important to think about tariffs in dairy trade,” he said, pointing to the three main U.S. dairy trading partners — Mexico, Canada and China.

Nicholson also explained that most recent growth in dairy sales has been through the expansion of export markets — more than one-fifth of total U.S. milk production on a solids basis now goes toward exports.
In January, when looking at the potential impacts of the new administration’s trade policies, he noted it was fairly sobering to see the change in net operating incomes, and the value of U.S. dairy product exports was down considerably.

However, Nicholson said there also is an opportunity to grow dairy export markets, as well as benefits to dairy farmers who might see lower domestic feed costs as a result of China’s high tariffs. The primary restraints on dairy trade will be from retaliatory tariffs from major markets in China and Canada.

Based on an average of monthly simulation modeling results for March 2025 to January 2029, Nicholson outlined likely impacts of retaliatory tariffs from Canada and China. He noted the value of total U.S. dairy product exports could drop 26%, U.S. cheese exports 18% to 25%, and U.S. whey exports 12% to 30%.
So far, Mexico has held back on retaliation, and dairy has been dropped from retaliation from the European Union (EU), he added.

“Dairy also dodged a bullet with the EU — initially they would have included dairy but reached a consensus that dairy and alcoholic beverages from the U.S. were exempt from retaliatory tariffs,” Nicholson said.

The final webinar presenter was Jacqueline Cook, vice president of dairy sales USA for Ausfine Foods and owner and president, Cook Alpine Ltd. A grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection funds consulting hours with Cook for dairy processors in the state.

Cook addressed how dairy exporters can protect themselves as well as see opportunity in uncertain times.

“Two things you can still do in uncertain times are one, diversify product offerings, and two, cultivate strong relationships with foreign buyers,” she said. “You want to foster relationships and maintain them. As we have seen, this could change overnight. You want to be that trusted supplier for these buyers. This also can be a test to see how trustworthy and committed you are as a partner. Let them know they are still important to you and maintain that close relationship. You want them to call when there is an opportunity to come back — and when it does, it can be so quickly.”

Exporters also should adopt a problem-solving mentality, Cook said, and work closely with customers and traders who have boots on the ground.

It is crucial in this ever-changing environment as well to stay in touch and informed, understanding all regulations, she advised.

“As a negotiation evolves, you will find out what products there are exemptions for. What codes are affected, and what are the standards of identity?” she said

She suggested understanding various countries and building relationships by understanding the different licenses, as well as building a competitive advantage by knowing what products might be able to fall into different codes.

When safeguarding against tariffs, Cook said transparency is key. Exporters should prepare for different scenarios and come up with a plan for all of them. She also advised attendees to ask for partial prepayment or a letter of credit, or alternatively to carry credit insurance. Sellers should include a clause in sales orders that the consignee bears any additional tariff costs, and they should monitor trade policy changes frequently, staying ahead of announcements.

“Don’t shy away when tariffs are announced. There may be a niche advantage. Be ready to make a move if a window opens,” she said. “Tariffs can be an opportunity, especially if negotiations start to open some windows. They can be a catalyst for strategic action.”

CMN

Chobani LLC invests $1.2 billion in third dairy processing facility

April 25, 2025

NEW BERLIN, N.Y. — After announcing a $500 million expansion in Twin Falls, Idaho, last month, Chobani LLC this week broke ground on a new, $1.2 billion, state-of-the-art plant in Rome, New York. This new facility is about building for the future — creating jobs, supporting family farms, transforming communities and delivering better food to more people, Chobani officials say.

“New York is where Chobani’s journey began. It was the perfect spot to start Chobani 20 years ago, and it’s the perfect place to continue our story. Working with dedicated dairy farmers and the resilient community, we built something truly special — something bigger than the food we make. We ignited a movement toward better food made with heart, passion and only the highest-quality ingredients,” says Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani. “With our new plant in Rome and our original home in South Edmeston, we’re entering a new dimension, partnering with hard-working people across the heartland of New York to build an ecosystem of natural food production and nourish families throughout the country. When you invest in people, in local communities, you’re not just building a business — you’re building a future.”

Once home to the former Griffiss Air Force Base, the 150-acre open stretch of land will transform into a thriving center of food production, enabling Chobani to keep up with soaring product demand and create a runway for new innovations. The 1.4-million-square-foot facility is expected to add over 1,000 full-time jobs with competitive wages, an attractive benefits package and access to a suite of on-site health and wellness amenities.

“Through this partnership with Chobani, we’re revitalizing Upstate New York’s manufacturing sector one spoonful at a time,” says New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. “Chobani has been a major employer in the Mohawk Valley for decades, and this massive new $1.2 billion investment will bring more than 1,000 good-paying jobs to Oneida County — the largest natural food manufacturing investment in American history. When I took office, I pledged to make New York the most worker-friendly and business-friendly state in the nation, and projects like this one show our strategy is working.”

Rooted in the belief that business can be a force for good, the Rome plant is not a standalone operation — it’s designed to be a catalyst for an entire ecosystem of food innovation across the Mohawk Valley and beyond, Chobani says. The company will partner with local farmers, businesses, colleges, universities, government leaders, entrepreneurs and community organizations to drive new thinking, train the next generation of high-skilled labor and fuel economic opportunity in the region.

With capacity to produce over 1 billion pounds of high-quality dairy products per year, the new plant will house up to 28 production lines designed to process approximately 12 million pounds of milk per day. One of the largest buyers of raw milk in the state, Chobani purchases over 1 billion pounds of raw milk from New York State dairy farms each year. Once the new plant reaches full capacity, Chobani will purchase an estimated 6 billion pounds per year, creating additional economic opportunity and strengthening the state’s dairy industry.

CMN

March milk production hits 19 billion pounds in major states

April 25, 2025

WASHINGTON — Milk production in the 24 major milk-producing states in March totaled 19.05 billion pounds, up 1% from March 2024’s 18.86 billion pounds, according to data released this week by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). February revised production for the 24 major states was 17.01 billion pounds, an increase of 26 million pounds or 0.2% from last month’s preliminary production estimate. (All figures are rounded. Please see CMN’s Milk Production chart.)

For the entire United States, March milk production was estimated at 19.85 billion pounds, up 0.9% from March 2024’s 19.68 billion pounds.

March production per cow in the 24 major states averaged 2,125 pounds, up 4 pounds from March 2024 and up 225 pounds from February.

For the entire United States, production per cow in March is estimated at 2,111 pounds, up 6 pounds from March 2024 and up 225 pounds from February.

NASS reports the number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major states was 8.96 million head in March, up 72,000 head from March 2024 and up 9,000 head from February. In the entire United States, there were an estimated 9.40 million head in March, up 57,000 head from March 2024 and up 8,000 cows from February.

California led the nation’s milk production in March with 3.58 billion pounds of milk, down 2.1% from March 2024. Wisconsin followed with 2.78 billion pounds of milk produced in March, up 0.1% from March 2024.

CMN

Panel discussion spotlights DEIA efforts, new regulations

April 18, 2025

By Alyssa Mitchell

MADISON, Wis. — Recent political discourse and executive orders addressing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) efforts in businesses’ hiring practices have left many companies uncertain about which initiatives or practices are still permissible and how they should move forward when looking to expand their workforce. In a session Thursday at CheeseCon, held this week in Madison,

Wisconsin, a panel of legal and dairy industry experts shared how their companies are interpreting these regulations and how they are moving forward with efforts to foster an inclusive environment in the dairy industry.

Moderated by Rebekah Sweeney, senior director of programs and policy at the Wisconsin Cheese Makers
Association (WCMA) — which hosts CheeseCon along with the Center for Dairy Research — the panel featured insights from Farrah Rifelj, sub-practice leader, affirmative action, for Michael Best & Friedrich LLP; Jose Quijada, senior director of digital solutions at Ecolab; and Allison Bolet Cafaro, generational impact manager at Great Lakes Cheese.

Sweeney noted that inclusive workplaces have demonstrated better outcomes and even profitability for many companies, with lower turnover, increased innovation and stronger teams. But how can the dairy industry work to foster an inclusive and supportive environment while simultaneously following federal, state and local guidelines?

Rifelj spoke on legal insights into DEIA compliance, providing an overview of recent executive orders. She noted many companies are updating some of the language surrounding inclusion initiatives but not necessarily doing away with them.

She also noted that despite the confusion surrounding much of the guidance, many DEIA policies are rooted in equal employment opportunity laws, which are still in place. She recommended that companies conduct a risk analysis of policy to determine if any policy is at risk of being legally challenged, as well as whether the policy is beneficial to the workplace or has yielded positive results.

“It’s similar to the way you would evaluate your benefits — how do you attract employees?” she said.
Quijada emphasized the importance of being open to hiring people from diverse backgrounds in order to keep pace with labor demands. He said if companies were to continue to hire people from only one like-minded group or ethnicity, there would not be enough workers.

“The U.S. population is not growing at the pace that we need to continue to grow and evolve,” he said. “Labor is going to be a challenge, and companies need to find a way to tap into all parts of the population to get the best talent.”

Bolet Cafaro shared that at Great Lakes Cheese, the response to broadening inclusion efforts has been very positive. The company prides itself on being authentic and showing integrity in its actions, through training and hiring practices from the plant to the corporate level. This is reflected in the company’s statement on its website, “Together, for generations to come.”

“It matters to people to be seen and represented,” she said.

Quijada said that he feels Ecolab hires and retains top talent because it is a very purpose-driven company, which resonates with people. The company has resource groups for new hires to get acclimated with other employees with similar perspectives and backgrounds in order to feel included and supported, and managers are trained to treat every employee with respect and ensure they feel seen and heard.

“We’ve always been very purpose-driven — we want to do what’s good for the company, the industry and the planet. We’ve always been very focused on growth. That’s part of our core value, and that’s not going to change. And the only way to do that is to have innovative solutions and the best people — and that requires diversity,” he said. “We know for a fact that having a diverse team makes us smarter, more innovative and increases the performance of our teams.”

At the end of the day, panelists agreed that being human and having compassion and empathy will always be important.

“I don’t think there’s any liability in being a human being and asking if someone is OK,” Quijada said.

“The industry has committed to this, and I think it is a huge point of risk if we walk away from this now,” Bolet Cafaro added on the importance of DEIA practices in the dairy industry. “I feel there’s good momentum and it would be a breach of trust to stop this work now.”

Quijada added like with most things, progress might not be a straight line.

“Nothing is — but consumers and the workforce are diverse, and I think those who do this will win, and we all want to win,” he said.

CMN

Lawmakers and farmers push back on tariffs, voice concern

April 18, 2025

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers from across the country are attempting to limit President Trump’s power to impose tariffs, noting that farmers, businesses and consumers in their states will be hurt by the escalation of a trade war.

On Wednesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the president’s use of emergency powers to enact broad-sweeping tariffs that they say hurt states, consumers and businesses. The lawsuit argues that President Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs through the International Emergency Powers Act, creating immediate and irreparable harm to California, the largest economy, manufacturing and agriculture state in the nation.

Newsom and Monta say the tariffs have disrupted supply chains, inflated costs for the state of California and inflicted billions in damages on California’s economy.

“The president’s chaotic and haphazard implementation of tariffs is not only deeply troubling, it’s illegal,” Monta says. “As the fifth-largest economy in the world, California understands global trade policy is not just a game. Californians are bracing for fallout from the impact of the president’s choices — from farmers in the Central Valley, to small businesses in Sacramento and worried families at the kitchen table — this game the president is playing has very real consequences for Californians across our state.”

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, requests the court declare the tariffs imposed by President Trump void and enjoin their implementation.

The lawsuit argues that President Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs against Mexico, China and Canada or create an across-the-board 10% tariff. It also claims the president’s use of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to enact tariffs is unlawful and unprecedented.

The IEEPA gives the president authority to take certain actions if he declares a national emergency in response to a foreign national security, foreign policy or economic threat. The law, which was enacted by Congress in 1977, specifies many different actions the president can take, but tariffs aren’t one of them, the lawsuit says, adding that this is the first time a president has attempted to rely on this law to impose tariffs.

The lawsuit invokes the U.S. Supreme Court’s major questions doctrine, which holds that in novel matters of vast economic and political significance, federal agencies and the executive branch must have clear and specific authorization from Congress. In recent years, the court has applied this standard to strike down major initiatives, including President Obama’s Clean Power Plan and President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program, ruling that novel executive actions with broad impacts on the national economy cannot rest on vague statutory authority.

• Trade Review Act

Also this week, the National Farmers Union (NFU) sent a letter to the U.S. House and Senate, urging lawmakers to support the recently introduced Trade Review Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation would reassert congressional authority to review and approve any new tariffs imposed by the administration.

“We need congressional oversight of tariffs and trade policy to ensure measures are thoughtful and positively impact the agriculture economy,” says NFU President Rob Larew. “Family farmers and ranchers are facing historic levels of uncertainty, and the recent flurry of tariff announcements, followed by abrupt reversals, has only deepened that volatility. These actions force our long-standing trade partners to retaliate with tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and look elsewhere for more affordable products. Once we lose those markets, they’re nearly impossible to win back.”

The Trade Review Act of 2025, introduced by Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Reps. Don Bacon, R-Neb., and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., would restore congressional oversight as outlined in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.

The bill would establish a process for congressional review of new or increased tariffs imposed by the president. It would require the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing or increasing a duty on imported goods, including an explanation and an assessment of its impact on U.S. businesses and consumers, among other actions.

• Farmer impact

Meanwhile, last Friday U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and 18 of her Democratic colleagues sent a letter asking U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer for information on how the administration’s tariffs will impact farmers across the nation.

“We write with great concern about the impact of the administration’s reckless tariff agenda on our nation’s farmers,” the senators wrote. “Farmers not only have billions of dollars in commodities from last year waiting to be sold, but also have started spring planting and rely on stable markets for the planning.

“As farm organizations and economists have been warning for months, key trading partners will continue to retaliate against U.S. agricultural products as a result of President Trump’s tariffs,” the senators added. “The direct economic impact and uncertainty on America’s farmers stand to change the future of agricultural trade relationships for generations.”

CMN

Industry raises more than $350K at U.S. champion cheese auction

April 18, 2025

MADISON, Wis. — An energetic crowd of dairy processors, marketers and suppliers raised $354,445 at the 2025 Novonesis Reception and Championship Cheese Auction held Wednesday evening at CheeseCon in Madison, Wisconsin. The funds support industry training programs offered by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), as well as dairy scholarships and university innovation.

“It’s a thrill to witness the generosity of the dairy processing industry at the auction each year,” says WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer. “We’re immensely grateful to all those who raised their paddles to contribute to the programs and educational opportunities that help grow and strengthen our industry.”
Lots and winning bids are as follows:

• Item #1 — Awesome Arena: Actus Nutrition purchased 6 pounds of Pepper Jack Deli made by Team Arena, Arena Cheese, Arena, Wisconsin, for $250 per pound for a total of $1,500.

• Item #2 — Luscious LaClare: A-Z Process Solutions purchased 10 pounds of Original Goat Cheese made by Robert Garves, LaClare Creamery, Malone, Wisconsin, for $525 per pound for a total of $5,250.

• Item #3 — Titan Tillamook: Harry Davis & Company purchased 10 pounds of Hickory Smoked Cheddar made by Tillamook, Tillamook, Oregon, for $375 per pound for a total of $3,750.

• Item #4 — Fantastic Kraft: Harry Davis & Company purchased 10 pounds of Philadelphia Whipped
Chipotle Cream Cheese made by Philadelphia, Kraft Heinz Co., Lowville, New York, for $200 for a total of $2,000.

• Item #5 — Luminous Litehouse: Hydrite purchased 6 pounds of Litehouse Simply Artisan Gorgonzola made by Litehouse Simply Artisan Team, Litehouse Inc., Sandpoint, Idaho, for $120 per pound for a total of $720.

• Item #6 — Cabot, Nab It!: Great Lakes Cheese purchased a combined 40 pounds of Cabot Mild Cheddar made by Team Middlebury, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Middlebury, Vermont; Cabot Medium Cheddar made by Team Chateaugay, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Chateaugay, New York; Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar and Cabot Creme Fraiche made by Team Cabot, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Cabot, Vermont; and Cabot Mac & Cheese Shreds and Cabot Pepper Jack Slices made by Great Lakes Cheese and Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Cabot, Vermont, for $350 per pound for a total of $14,000.

• Item #7 — Mighty Meister: Mohawk Technology LLC purchased 10 pounds of Bruschetta Jack Spread made by Meister Team 3, Meister Cheese, Muscoda, Wisconsin, for $900 per pound for a total of $9,000.

• Item #8 — Southwest’s Best: Nelson-Jameson purchased a combined 40 pounds of Colby, Monterey Jack and Monterey Jack with Habenero Peppers made by Southwest Cheese Team, Southwest Cheese, Clovis, New Mexico, for $325 per pound for a total of $13,000.

• Item #9 — Hook’s Hallmark: Food Safety Net Services purchased 6 pounds of Hook’s Little Boy Blue made by Team Hook, Hook’s Cheese Co. Inc., Mineral Point, Wisconsin, for $250 per pound for a total of $1,500.

• Item #10 — A-M-P-I Love It!: Advanced Process Technologies Inc. purchased a combined 50 pounds of AMPI Sharp Cheddar made Blair Team, Associated Milk Producers Inc., Blair, Wisconsin; AMPI Carolina
Reaper Jack made by Jim Falls Team, Associated Milk Producers Inc., Jim Falls, Wisconsin; and Dinner Bell Pasteurized Processed American Cheese White (Slice-on-Slice) made by AMPI’s Dinner Bell Creamery,
Associated Milk Producers Inc., Portage, Wisconsin, for $575 per pound for a total of $28,750.

• Item #11 — Wondrous Widmer’s:

Actus Nutrition purchased 10 pounds of Aged Brick Spread made by Widmer’s Cheese Cellars Team,
Widmer’s Cheese Cellars Inc., Theresa, Wisconsin, for $500 per pound for a total of $5,000.

• Item #12 — Agropur Perfection: Dahmes Stainless Inc. purchased a combined 60 pounds of Whole Milk Mozzarella and Low Moisture Part Skim Mozzarella made by Team Lake Norden, Agropur Inc., Lake Norden, South Dakota; and Reduced Sodium LMPS Mozzarella made by Agropur Jerome-Kaden Hamblin, Agropur Inc., Jerome, Idaho, for $425 per pound for a total of $25,500.

• Item #13 — Stunning Sartori: Masters Gallery Foods purchased 10 pounds of Garlic and Herb BellaVitano Dip & Spread made by Team Sartori, Sartori Co., Plymouth, Wisconsin, for $450 per pound for a total of $4,500.

• Item #14 — Peak Pearl Valley: General Films Inc. purchased 50 pounds of Pearl Valley Cheese Swiss Cheese made by Pearl Valley Cheese Inc., Fresno, Ohio, for $175 per pound for a total of 8,750.

• Item #15 — Gilman Greatness: Kelley Supply Inc. purchased 24 pounds of Shelf Stable Onion Pasteurized
Process Cheese made by Gilman Cheese Corp., Gilman, Wisconsin, for $250 per pound for a total of $6,000.

• Item #16 — Klondike Gold: Alpma USA purchased a combined 30 pounds of Odyssey Feta in Brine, Odyssey Reduced Fat Mediterranean Feta in Brine and Odyssey Low Fat Feta in Brine made by Steve Webster; Buholzer Brothers Brick Cheese made by Ty Saglam; Buholzer Brothers Havarti Cheese made by Steve Bechtolt; Buholzer Brothers Dill Havarti Cheese made by Dave Buholzer; Odyssey Vanilla Greek Yogurt made by Danielle Sofran; and Odyssey French Onion Greek Yogurt Dip made by Matt Martin, all of Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe, Wisconsin, for $800 per pound for a total of $24,000.

• Item #17 — Foremost’s Foremost: Mohawk Technology LLC purchased 10 pounds of Salted Butter made by 3rd Shift, Foremost Farms USA, Reedsburg, Wisconsin, for $1,600 per pound for a total of $16,000.

• Item #18 — Spectacular Sigma: Darlington Dairy Supply purchased a 16-pound Fresco Wheel made by Brian Mundt and Victor Martinez, Sigma Darlington Plant-Mexican Cheese Producers, Darlington, Wisconsin, for $750 per pound for a total of $12,000.

• Item #19 — Marieke’s Mastery: Loos Machine & Automation purchased a combined 35 pounds of Marieke Gouda Truffle and Marieke Gouda Smoked made by Marieke Gouda Team, Marieke Gouda, Thorp, Wisconsin, for $100 per pound for a total of $3,500.

• Item #20 — Lavish Land O’Lakes: dsm-firmenich purchased 10 pounds of Yellow Sharp Cheddar American Cheese Product made by Team Loaf, Land O’Lakes Inc., Spencer, Wisconsin, for $800 per pound for a total of $8,000.

• Item #21 — Gifted Guggisberg: Actus Nutrition purchased a 15-pound Ziller Wheel made by Guggisberg Cheese Inc., Millersburg, Ohio, for $725 per pound for a total of $10,875.

• Item #22 — Ultimate Umpqua: T.C. Jacoby & Co. purchased 10 pounds of Umpqua 4% Cottage Cheese made by Team Umpqua, Umpqua Dairy, Roseburg, Oregon, for $225 per pound for a total of $2,250.

• Item #23 — Winning Henning: ProActive Solutions USA purchased a combined 50 pounds of Henning’s Cheese Bandage Midget, Henning’s Cheese Dragons Breath and Henning’s Cheese Onion and Chive made by Henning Cheese, Kiel, Wisconsin, for $300 per pound for a total of $15,000.

• Item #24 — Grand Glanbia: Complete Filtration Resources purchased a combined 40 pounds of Cheddar Aged 2+ made by Erik Rojas; Waxed Cheddar Medium made by Adan Gonzalez; Colby Jack made by Idris Adam; Chipotle Color Cheddar made by Joshua Paxton; Sweet Heat Habanero Colby Jack made by Billy Ray Sansabaugh; and Mediterranean Monterey Jack made by Joey Pittman, all of Glanbia Nutritionals, Twin Falls, Idaho, for $350 per pound for a total of $14,000.

• Item #25 — Golden Global Foods: Masters Gallery Foods purchased 10 pounds of Naturally Oven-Smoked Provolone made by Global Foods International Inc., Schiller Park, Illinois, for $300 per pound for a total of $3,000.

• Item #26 — Bravo BelGioioso: Custom Fabricating & Repair purchased a combined 30 pounds of
BelGioioso Aged Provolone Mandarino made by Kevin Benzel, BelGioioso Cheese Inc., Byron, Wisconsin; Polly-O Fresh Mozzarella String Cheese made by Terry Crooker, BelGioioso Cheese Inc., Campbell, New York; and BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella Fresh Basil & Garlic Marinated made by Trevor Tilot, BelGioioso Cheese Inc., Denmark, Wisconsin, for $300 per pound for a total of $9,000.

• Item #27 — Cedar Grove Goodness: Dairy Connection purchased a combined 40 pounds of Donatello and Faarko made by Cedar Grove Cheese Team, and Cheddar Cheese Curds and Flavored Cheddar Cheese Curds made by Robert Wills, all from Cedar Grove Cheese Inc., Plain, Wisconsin, for $150 per pound for a total of $6,000.

• Item #28 — Masters Gallery Glory: Loos Machine & Automation purchased 10 pounds of Colby Jack Cheese Shreds made by Masters Gallery Foods Inc., Plymouth, Wisconsin, for $600 per pound for a total of $6,000.

• Item #29 — Classic Carr Valley: Ivarson Inc. purchased a combined 16 pounds of Blue Spruce Blue made by Carr Valley Cheese Co. Inc., Linden, Wisconsin, and Mobay made by Carr Valley Cheese Co. Inc., Mauston, Wisconsin, for $125 per pound for a total of $2,000.

• Item #30 — Super Schuman: D.R. Tech Inc. purchased a combined 60 pounds of Cello Asiago, Organic Ricotta, Lake Country Dairy Gouda, Cello Organic Copper Kettle Parmesan and Cello Grated Parmesan made by Lake Country Dairy/Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, for $325 per pound for a total of $19,500.

• Item #31 — V&V’s Victory: Sugar River Cold Storage purchased a combined 20 pounds of Queso Oaxaca
made by Nick Siedschlag, V&V Supremo Foods, Browntown, Wisconsin, and Sierra Brand Cotija made by Team V&V Supremo-Chicago, V&V Supremo Foods, Chicago, for $250 per pound for a total of $5,000.

• Item #32 — Acclaimed Artisans: Dairy Connection purchased a combined 60 pounds of St. Malachi Reserve and Springdell made by Team Doe Run, The Farm at Doe Run, Coatesville, Pennsylvania; Fresh Mozzarella Bocconcini made by Team Caputo, Caputo Cheese, Melrose Park, Illinois; Reading made by Spring Brook Farm Cheese Team, Spring Brook Farm, Reading, Vermont; Blueberry, Lemon & Thyme Goat Cheese made by Vermont Creamery, Websterville, Vermont; Jasper Hill Farm Cabot Clothbound
made by Cabot Cooperative Creamery and Jasper Hill Farm, Greensboro, Vermont; Sark made by Ricardo Gutierrez, Hoards Dairyman Farm Creamery, Monticello, Wisconsin; Nordic Creamery Unsalted
Butter made by Al Bekkum, Nordic Creamery, Westby, Wisconsin; Cinnamon Maple Butter made by Anna Landmark, Landmark Creamery, Belleville, Wisconsin; Driftless Habanero Honey made by Team Hidden Springs, Hidden Springs Creamery, Westby, Wisconsin; and Brun-uusto-Brunkow’s Baked Cheese with Garlic made by Team Brunkow, Brunkow Cheese of Wisconsin, Darlington, Wisconsin, for $40 per pound for a total of $2,400.

• Item #33 — Legendary Lactalis: Novonesis purchased a combined 20 pounds of Karoun Bulgarian Style Yogurt, Karoun Honey Vanilla Yogurt and Karoun Labne Cheese made by Team 1, Central Valley Cheese Inc., Turlock, California; and President Wee Brie made by Courtney Schreiner and President Rondele Mango Habanero made by Brian Storm, both of Lactalis American Group, Merrill, Wisconsin, for $225 per pound for a total of $4,500.

• Item #34 — Emmi’s Excellence: Kelley Supply Inc. purchased a combined 20 pounds of Roth Grand Cru Surchoix Wheel made by Emmi Roth, Monroe, Wisconsin, and Hop Along made by Cowgirl Creamery Cader Lane, Cowgirl Creamery, Petaluma, California, for $450 per pound for a total of $9,000.

• Item #35 — Noble Kingston: T.C. Jacoby & Co. purchased 5 pounds of Blue Cheese Salad Blend made by Team Kingston Cheese, Kingston Cheese Cooperative, Cambria, Wisconsin, for $500 per pound for a total of $2,500.

• Item #36 — Supreme Saputo: Nelson-Jameson purchased 40 pounds of Montchevre Goat Milk Cheddar made by Black Creek Team, Saputo Cheese USA Inc., Black Creek, Wisconsin, for $275 per pound for a total of $11,000.

• Item #37 — Brilliant Burnett: dsm-firmenich purchased 10 pounds of Wood River Creamery Original Gouda Gruyere made by Rob Stellrecht and Burnett Dairy Team, Burnett Dairy Cooperative, Grantsburg, Wisconsin, for $925 per pound for a total of $9,250.

• Item #38 — Savvy Savencia: Hydrite purchased 10 pounds of Alouette Professional Crème de Blanc made by Team New Holland SCUSA, Savencia Cheese USA, New Holland, Pennsylvania, for $175 per pound for a total of $1,750.

• Item #39 — Greatest Great Lakes: Alpma USA purchased a combined 10 pounds of Mild Provolone Cheese made by GLC Team, Great Lakes Cheese, Franklinville, New York, and Pepper Jack Cracker Cuts made by Turophiles, Great Lakes Cheese, Plymouth, Wisconsin, for $1,300 per pound for a total of $13,000.

• Item #40 — King Kemps: Novonesis purchased 10 pounds of Kemps Black Cherry Cottage Cheese made by Kemps LLC, Farmington, Minnesota, for $100 per pound for a total of $1,000.

• Item #41 — Pine River Gold Pack: Masters Gallery Foods purchased 10 pounds of Garlic & Herb Gourmet Cheese Snack Spread made by Team Pine River, Pine River Pre-Pack Inc., Newton, Wisconsin, for $425 per pound for a total of $4,250.

• Item #42 — The U.S. Champion!: Masters Gallery Foods purchased 19 pounds of Arethusa Europa made by Arethusa Cheese Team, Arethusa Farm Dairy, Bantam, Connecticut, for $550 per pound for a total of $10,450.

CMN

Trump pulls back on tariffs while raising rate on China

April 11, 2025

WASHINGTON — After last week announcing global 10% tariffs on all imported goods plus higher reciprocal tariffs on certain countries, President Trump on Wednesday announced a pause on the reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, except for tariffs on China, which have been increased to 145% as of press time.

On Wednesday, the president signed an executive order, “Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Trading Partner Retaliation and Alignment,” which raised tariffs on imports from China to 125% in response to ongoing retaliation between U.S. and Chinese tariffs. Yesterday, the White House clarified that tariffs on Chinese imports were on top of a previous 20%, so the total tariffs against China now are at 145%.

However, Wednesday’s executive order also suspended other reciprocal tariffs through July 9, effective as of yesterday.

The president notes in his order that unlike China, since he signed the initial order on reciprocal tariffs more than 75 other foreign trading partners have approached the United States to address its concerns. The tariffs on all countries, with the exception of China, will now be 10% instead of the higher rates previously announced.

“This is a significant step by these countries toward remedying non-reciprocal trade arrangements and aligning sufficiently with the United States on economic and national security matters,” Trump says.

Today China’s Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced that China also will raise its additional tariffs on products imported from the United States to 125%, effective Saturday. China’s Ministry of Commerce also announced today that the country has filed a lawsuit against the United States with the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement mechanism, according to China’s state-run news service Xinhua.

In a statement on X yesterday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Trump’s announcement to pause reciprocal tariffs, saying it’s an important step toward stabilizing the global economy.

“The European Union remains committed to constructive negotiations with the United States, with the goal of achieving frictionless and mutually beneficial trade,” she says.

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall also commented on this week’s tariff announcement.

“Farm Bureau appreciates President Trump’s decision to pause the reciprocal tariffs on dozens of America’s trading partners for 90 days,” he says. “We have been engaging directly with the White House, U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Department of Agriculture to emphasize the toll tariffs will take on America’s farmers and ranchers, who are already strapped because of high supply costs and shrinking paychecks. Creating more market challenges puts at risk more than 20% of U.S. farm income. We’re encouraged that those concerns are being heard.”

While the pause brings some temporary certainty, Duvall adds that questions remain about the long-term competitiveness for farmers in the global marketplace.

“We encourage the administration to swiftly resolve trade disputes and to pursue strategies that will ensure America’s farmers can continue to stock the pantries of families here at home, and abroad,” he says.

CoBank also released a quarterly report this week on the effect of tariffs on U.S. consumers and businesses amid economic fears.

Despite a 90-day partial reprieve, the new tariff regime remains likely to increase inflation and cut economic growth, CoBank notes.

“While the severity of the near-term effects is up for debate, the longer-term impact of capricious U.S. trade policy is the likely loss of trust abroad in U.S. policymaking, something that will be very hard to regain,” says Rob Fox, director of CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange.

CoBank also notes that the potential for prolonged trade disputes with Mexico, Canada and China, which combined account for half of all U.S. dairy exports, threatens the outlook for U.S. dairy demand.

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New DBIA report reveals key insights into specialty cheese

April 11, 2025

MADISON, Wis. — Specialty cheesemakers can grow their market share through consumer education, sampling and trial-size products, and creative promotional campaigns, according to a new report released this week by the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA).

“This report gives specialty cheesemakers a clear, actionable roadmap to better connect with curious consumers and turn interest into sales,” says Rebekah Sweeney, senior director of programs and policy for the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), which administers the DBIA in partnership with the Center for Dairy Research (CDR). “By embracing strategies like sampling, smart promotions and storytelling, cheesemakers can grow their market share and strengthen their brands.”

WCMA and CDR partnered with market intelligence firm Ipsos to conduct a survey in fall 2024 and produce the report. The final document reveals a wealth of valuable insights, including:

• Sampling opportunities and trial sizes are key to encouraging consumer exploration within the specialty cheese category.

• One-third of Americans say sales and promotions are the top avenue of increasing their specialty cheese consumption, making discounts and promotions especially important.

• Over 40% of specialty cheese consumers indicated that education displayed on packaging, social media and other online avenues would encourage them to consume specialty cheese more often and branch out beyond familiar varieties.

The report also found that specialty cheese is a versatile food item enjoyed across various occasions. While at dinner is the most common, occasions revolving around entertaining and social connection are popular (casual get-togethers, holidays at home and game/family nights). Consumers look toward specialty cheese for these events to evoke feelings of comfort, happiness and connection — suggesting that specialty cheese in these moments is not just about the taste, but also the experiences and feelings it can evoke.

Outside of dinner, everyday occasions such as snacking and lunch are currently underdeveloped, indicating potential for growth through targeted innovations and communications that highlight why specialty cheese is the ideal choice for snacking and lunch moments.

Specialty cheese also presents a significant white space opportunity to expand into the dessert moment, as the occasion shares several common needs with what specialty cheese can offer the consumer: an indulgent treat that provides comfort and joy, and satisfies cravings.

“This report offers artisanal cheesemakers invaluable insights into key factors that fuel the purchasing decisions made by consumers of specialty cheeses. We believe these insights will empower them to refine their product development and marketing strategies for even greater success,” says Tom Guerin, assistant director for CDR.

The new report advances DBIA’s mission to support small and mid-size dairy processors across its 11-state service area of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

To view the analysis, visit https://dbia.wisc.edu/technical-assistance/market-intelligence/domestic-specialty-cheese/.

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Lawmakers send letter urging USDA to broaden bird flu plan

April 11, 2025

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, along with Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., are pressing U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to broaden USDA’s strategy for managing avian flu to include measures for dairy herds and turkeys.

A letter sent April 9 from the lawmakers to Rollins references USDA’s Feb. 26 avian flu strategic plan, noting that while it did include shared priorities for combating the disease — including the expansion of relief to farmers dealing with outbreaks among their livestock and investment in research — the senators encourage the plan to also include dairy cows and turkeys.

“Since the beginning of the outbreak, the virus has impacted more than 160 million birds, including more than 18.6 million turkeys and nearly 1,000 dairy herds across the country,” the letter notes.

“Since avian flu has impacted a wide array of animals, we believe any biosecurity and vaccine measures, including discussions with foreign trading partners, offered by the department should be available to all livestock producers dealing with avian flu, including turkey and dairy producers,” the letter continues.

The senators are requesting an update on USDA’s plan for ensuring dairy and turkey producers and other impacted livestock and wildlife species are covered under the plan. They also are requesting the department develop a strategy and timeline for working with foreign trading partners to ensure potential vaccination of avian flu in poultry and cattle does not disrupt trade, and that the department provide information to Congress about the expected timeline for conditional approval of an avian flu vaccine for dairy cattle.

Meanwhile, multiple news outlets have reported that certain efforts to test for bird flu have been suspended due to staff cuts at FDA and other federal health agencies. (See “HHS announces restructuring; Makary is FDA commissioner” in the March 28, 2025, issue of Cheese Market News.)

Reuters first reported last week that a planned FDA exercise that would have coordinated labs around the country to detect the virus in milk had been suspended due to the closure of an FDA lab in Illinois.

Additionally, CBS reported last week that another disrupted effort was at FDA’s San Francisco-area food safety testing lab, which was to begin testing pet food for bird flu before it was closed as part of the cuts.
Over this past week, confirmed cases of bird flu in livestock herds surpassed 1,000, with the latest positive cases in dairy cows reported in California and Idaho.

CMN

Today's Cheese Spot Trading
April 30, 2025

Barrels: $1.7000 (-1/4)
Blocks: $1.7300 (+1)

Click here for more market activity

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