Dairy, ag stakeholders urge Congress to address farm bill

September 13, 2024

WASHINGTON — In a letter sent to leaders of the U.S. House and Senate this week, more than 300 agricultural and dairy organizations, including Agri-Mark Inc., the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), CoBank, Dairy Farmers of America, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and others, expressed strong support for advancing a meaningful farm bill in 2024 that addresses worsening conditions in farm country.

“Given the enormous challenges facing production agriculture — including a farm economy that has taken a downward spiral — it is imperative Congress acts before year’s end to strengthen farm policy for America’s farmers,” the letter says. “It is critical that Congress pass a new farm bill that strengthens the safety net as many producers are facing multiple years of not being profitable, and this is causing their overall financial situation to deteriorate. Some will have challenges as they seek operating credit for the 2025 crop year.”

Stakeholders note they were encouraged to see farm bill proposals released by leadership of the House and Senate committees of jurisdiction in May and June.

“We were especially pleased to see swift movement in the House Committee on Agriculture and the resulting bipartisan vote of approval for the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024. The committee-passed bill addresses many of the significant challenges our members face,” the letter says.

Throughout the life of the current farm bill, producers across the country have experienced powerful headwinds, ranging from extreme weather to high input costs to uncertain global demand to supply chain disruptions. Farmers are struggling, and the decline in the farm economy is real. Estimated 2024 net farm income for U.S. agriculture is projected to be down $55.61 billion, a more than 27% drop from the 2022 level, according to USDA. Since the beginning of the year, the harvest price of major crops traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Intercontinental Exchange have fallen by an average of 21% while total production costs remain near record levels. Despite these factors, USDA projects that federal support for production agriculture in 2024 will be at its lowest since 1982.

“Since the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law, we have realized considerable gaps in the farm safety net due to sharply changing conditions, including the trade war with China, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, COVID-19 and related supply chain challenges, rising foreign subsidies, tariffs, non-tariff trade barriers and other harmful practices,” the letter says. “These conditions seriously tested the effectiveness of the 2018 Farm Bill, and it was only by the aggressive use of supplemental assistance that many farms survived.

“The outlook for farm country at this current point is even more daunting,” the letter continues, noting USDA-projected market prices for the 2024 crop are well below costs of production, and current projections paint another bleak picture for 2025. USDA forecasts the U.S. will again face an agricultural trade deficit amounting to a record $42.5 billion this year.

“All the while, the safety net provisions in current law have not kept pace with inflation and are at this point far below the threshold necessary to provide effective relief to our farmers. Meanwhile, USDA forecasts that farm sector debt will reach $540.8 billion in 2024, its highest inflation-adjusted level since at least 1970,” the letter says.

Stakeholders say farm bill reauthorization provides an opportunity for Congress to address serious challenges in agriculture.

“A durable farm safety net, along with risk management tools like a strong federal crop insurance program, voluntary and locally led incentive-based conservation programs, and enhanced international marketing and promotion programs, will be critical in shoring up America’s farm families and rural communities, which otherwise face an uncertain — and potentially calamitous — future,” the letter says.

“We appreciate the efforts of committee leaders to develop a farm bill and their recognition of farmers’ contributions to provide food, feed, fuel and fiber to consumers here at home and abroad,” the letter concludes. “Congress must act before year’s end to strengthen farm policy for America’s farmers, and we remain committed to assisting in this effort. Failing to reauthorize a farm bill without meaningful investments in commodity programs and crop insurance, or settling for a simple extension of current law, would leave thousands of family farms with no options to continue producing for this nation in 2025 and beyond.”

The 2018 Farm Bill expired Sept. 30, 2023, and Congress last year enacted a one-year extension, which expires at the end of this month.

“The drop in net farm income is not just an economic hiccup, it’s evidence of an agricultural downturn,” says AFBF President Zippy Duvall, commenting further on USDA’s recently released net farm income data. “High inflation, severe weather and plummeting crop prices should serve as a wake-up call for Congress to finally step up and do the right thing by modernizing the farm bill. Congress is failing America’s families, not just on the farm, but in every home that relies on the safe, affordable food grown by the men and women who work year-round to provide it.”

Congress also faces an impending government shutdown Sept. 30 when current federal funding expires.

News report say House Republicans unveiled a stopgap funding bill last week to fund the government through March 28, but the bill doesn’t include a farm bill extension.

CMN

First case of bird flu without animal exposure is reported

September 13, 2024

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently confirmed a human case of avian influenza A (H5 or bird flu) reported by the state of Missouri. This is the 14th human case of H5 reported in the United States during 2024 and the first case of H5 without a known occupational exposure to sick or infected animals.

H5 outbreaks in cattle have not been reported in Missouri, but outbreaks of H5 have been reported in commercial and backyard poultry flocks in 2024. In the past, H5N1 bird flu has been detected in wild birds in the state.

This case was identified through Missouri’s seasonal flu surveillance system and forwarded to CDC for confirmatory testing. An investigation into the potential exposure is ongoing by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

Missouri DHSS reports that the patient, who was hospitalized, had underlying medical conditions, was treated with influenza antiviral medications, subsequently discharged and has recovered. There is no immediate known animal exposure, and no ongoing transmission among close contacts or otherwise has been identified.

CDC continues to closely monitor available data from influenza surveillance systems, particularly in affected states, and says there has been no sign of unusual influenza activity in people, including in Missouri.

Based on available data, CDC’s current assessment is that the risk to the general public from H5N1 remains low, and CDC’s recommendations related to H5 virus have not changed at this time. However, CDC adds that circumstances may change quickly as more information is learned and that the main concern in these situations is that no onward transmission is occurring. Findings from the ongoing investigation will inform whether guidance changes are needed.

Meanwhile, as the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) recently has allowed for H5N1 vaccine studies to be conducted outside of containment facilities, a South Dakota company has responded and plans to test its rapid-response vaccine technology in dairy cattle.

Medgene, an animal health company headquartered in Brookings, South Dakota, says CVB’s recent notice has the potential to accelerate agency licensure of H5N1 vaccines in dairy cows.

“This is great news for us, the CVB and more importantly, the dairy industry,” says Medgene Chief Operating Officer Tom Halbur. “Our technology is founded on being able to respond to disease challenges faster. Our protocol satisfies the stated requirements, and we’re looking forward to doing our part in supporting both the necessary regulatory policies and the needs of the dairy industry.”

In 2018, USDA created a regulatory pathway for animal health companies to address critical disease challenges through vaccination. Medgene says its proprietary model of production was developed to take advantage of modern advances in vaccine science. The category of vaccines created under USDA’s regulatory pathway is called “prescription platform.”

Medgene says the expected result of its work will be either conditional or full licensure by the CVB to produce and distribute an H5N1 vaccine that has been proven safe and effective in dairy cattle. Medgene’s prescription platform technology requires that veterinarians are involved in every critical step, including prescribing and supervising the use of the H5N1 vaccine.

As of Thursday, CDC reports that 202 dairy herds have been affected by the H5N1 outbreak in 14 states. This week, five new cases were confirmed in California, and one new case was confirmed in Michigan, according to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

CMN

July U.S. cheese production up 1.9% from one year earlier

September 13, 2024

WASHINGTON — July U.S. cheese production, excluding cottage cheese, totaled 1.191 billion pounds, up 1.9% from the 1.169 billion pounds of cheese produced in July 2023, according to data released this week by USDA’s Natural Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). (All figures are rounded. Please see CMN’s Dairy Production chart.) July cheese production was up 2.7% from the 1.160 billion pounds produced in June, and down 0.6% on a daily average basis.

Italian-type cheese production in July totaled 495.2 million pounds, up 2.4% from July 2023. Production of Mozzarella, the largest component of Italian-type cheese production, totaled 398.0 million pounds in July, up 3.6% from a year earlier.

American-type cheese production in July totaled 474.2 million pounds, down 1.6% from July 2023. Production of Cheddar, the largest component of American-type cheese, totaled 314.3 million pounds, down 5.8% from July 2023.

Wisconsin was the leading cheese-producing state with 297.8 million pounds produced in July, up 2.4% from July 2023. California followed with 204.3 million pounds produced in July, up 1.3% from a year earlier.

U.S. production of butter totaled 161.7 million pounds in July, up 2.2% from July 2023. July butter production was down 3.8% from June’s 168.0 million pounds and down 6.9% on a daily average basis. California was the leading butter-producing state with 49.7 million pounds produced in July, down 2.7% from July 2023.

CMN

Schuman Cheese, Turner Dairy, Umpqua top WDE competition

September 6, 2024

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Dairy Products Association (WDPA) this week announced the Grand Champion winners of the 2024 World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest. Three Grand Champions were named in the categories of Cheese and Butter; Grade A; and Ice Cream, Sherbet, Frozen Yogurt and Gelato.

The 21st year of the competition attracted an impressive array of entries across 93 classes of dairy products, showcasing the finest products and the craftsmanship behind them, WDPA says.

Encompassing all dairy products, the contest brings together the best of the best, with each entry carefully judged by a panel of industry experts. The competition not only celebrates product quality but also highlights the innovation and dedication of dairy producers and processors worldwide.

“This event is a reflection of the passion and hard work that defines our industry,” says Amy Winters, executive director of WDPA, emphasizing the significance of the contest. “We are honored to host a platform that recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of dairy processors from around the globe.”

The Grand Champion winner in the Cheese and Butter category is Pure Maple Mascarpone made by Lake Country Dairy/Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin. The Maple Mascarpone has a rich, robust pure maple syrup taste with sweet caramel notes.

“Wow, what a great honor to win this award with our Maple Mascarpone,” says Gary Gosda, plant manager at Lake Country Dairy. “This award is very special because the Maple Mascarpone was truly a creation from the Lake Country Dairy employees, from the initial idea to the trials, to the finished product in the cup! Combining two of Wisconsin’s best products — cheese and maple syrup — how can you go wrong? We love our cheese and pushing the bar higher in quality and flavor. We have a passion and culture in our employees that is second to none, and contest wins really put that gold stamp of approval on all the cheeses the Lake Country Dairy team makes day after day. I am truly honored to help lead the Lake Country Dairy team.”

The Grand Champion in the Grade A category is Charlie’s Old Time Buttermilk from Turner Dairy Farms, Pittsburgh. The buttermilk is a pasteurized, cultured whole buttermilk with butter flakes added.

“Charlie’s Old Time Buttermilk showcases our core values in action: perfect products, perfect service, treat people right,” says George Fix, product manager at Turner Dairy. “Perfect products crafted with exceptional quality and care, perfect service by delivering a seamless and satisfying experience, and treating people right by fostering respectful and supportive relationships. Experience our buttermilk and see our core values in action.”

The Grand Champion winner of the Ice Cream, Sherbet, Frozen Yogurt and Gelato category is Classic Lemon Bar Ice Cream from Umpqua Dairy in Roseburg, Oregon. The ice cream is a zesty lemon ice cream swirled with creamy lemon revel and bites of lemon shortbread.

“The flavor is fantastic, and our customers absolutely love it,” says Marty Weaver, general manager at Umpqua Dairy. “We are honored by this award and very proud of the production team here at Umpqua Dairy for their commitment and dedication to providing our consumers with the highest-quality dairy products.”

As the dairy industry continues to grow and innovate, this contest provides an excellent opportunity for processors to showcase their products while also benefiting from valuable feedback from the judges, Winters says.

“We congratulate all the winners of this year’s competition and commend them for their excellence,” she adds. “Entrants brought incredible products to the table, and they have much to be proud of. With so many outstanding entries across all classes, these three grand champions truly set a high bar.”

The Grand Champions and the first-, second- and third-place winners for each class will receive their trophies, medals and ribbons at an award reception and auction Oct. 1 as part of the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. The first-place winners’ products are auctioned off that day with proceeds going to scholarship programs focused on dairy education.

For more information about the contest and auction, visit https://wdpa.net.

The top three winners in each category are as follows:

• Cheddar (30-179 days)

First: Foremost Farms USA, Marshfield, Wisconsin, Cheddar, 99.23

Second: Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Waitsfield, Vermont, Cheddar, 99.14

Third: Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI), Blair, Wisconsin, Cheddar, 98.79

• Sharp Cheddar (180-730 days)

First: Southeastern Grocers, Jacksonville, Florida, Sharp Cheddar, 98.45

Second: AMPI, Blair, Wisconsin, Sharp Cheddar, 98.42

Third: AMPI, Blair, Wisconsin, White Sharp Cheddar, 97.91

• Aged Cheddar (2 years or more)

First: Masters Gallery Foods Inc., Plymouth, Wisconsin, Aged Cheddar, 98.23

Second: Foremost Farms USA, Marshfield, Wisconsin, Aged Cheddar, 98.16

Third: Land O’Lakes, Kiel, Wisconsin, Aged Cheddar, 97.85

• Colby/Monterey Jack

First: Pennland Pure, Hancock, Maryland, Colby, Monterey Jack, 99.02

Second: Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Waitsfield, Vermont, Monterey Jack, 98.91

Third: AMPI, Jim Falls, Wisconsin, Monterey Jack, 98.81

• Swiss Styles (max score is 105)

First: Prairie Farms Dairy (White Hill Cheese Plant), Shullsburg, Wisconsin, Baby Swiss Wheel, 104.75

Second: Southeastern Grocers, Jacksonville, Florida, Swiss Cheese Loaf, 104.14

Third: Prairie Farms Dairy (Luana Cheese Plant), Luana, Iowa, Baby Swiss Wheel, 103.92

• Brick, Muenster, Havarti, Gouda

First: Pleasant Lane Farms Creamery LLC, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, 1976 Reserve Gouda, 99.82

Second: Hoards Dairyman Farm Creamery, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, Havarti, 99.52

Third: Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Waitsfield, Vermont, Muenster, 99.38

• Mozzarella

First: Foremost Farms USA, Appleton, Wisconsin, Low Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella, 98.34

Second: Foremost Farms USA, Richland Center, Wisconsin, Low Moisture Whole Milk Mozzarella, 97.76

Third: Foremost Farms USA, Appleton, Wisconsin, Low Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella, 97.46

• Fresh Mozzarella

First: Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, LLC, Waterloo, Wisconsin, Fresh Mozzarella Medallions, 99.85

Second: Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, LLC, Waterloo, Wisconsin, Fresh Mozzarella Ciliegine, 99.79

Third: Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, LLC, Waterloo, Wisconsin, Fresh Mozzarella Hearts, 99.77

• String Cheese

First: Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, Luxemburg, Wisconsin, Ron’s LMPS Mozzarella Cheese Whips, 99.75

Second: Joseph Gallo Farms, Atwater, California, String Cheese, 98.95

Third: CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley, LaFarge, Wisconsin, Organic String Cheese, 98.31

• Provolone (including smoked)

First: Foremost Farms USA, Clayton, Wisconsin, Provolone Smoked LPS 4”, 99.75

Second: Lactalis American Group, Inc., Buffalo, New York, Provolone, 99.28

Third: Foremost Farms USA, Clayton, Wisconsin, Provolone Non-Smoked LPS 4”, 98.91

• Hard Italian Cheeses (Parmesan, Romano, Asiago)

First: Lake Country Dairy-Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, Cello Artisan Traditional Romano, 99.95

Second: Lake Country Dairy-Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, Cello Artisan Parmesan, 99.04

Third: Lake Country Dairy-Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, Cello Artisan Organic Copper Kettle Parmesan, 98.99

• Blue Veined Cheeses

First: Prairie Farms Dairy, Mindoro, Wisconsin, Heat Treated Gorgonzola Cheese, 99.98

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy-Faribault, Faribault, Minnesota, AmaGorg Gorgonzola, 99.67

Third: Prairie Farms Dairy-Faribault, Faribault, Minnesota, St. Pete’s Select Blue Cheese, 99.57

• Smoked Flavored Natural Cheeses

First: Global Foods International Inc., Schiller Park, Illinois, Double-Smoked Natural Havarti, 99.96

Second: Sartori Co., Plymouth, Wisconsin, Cherrywood Smoked Cheddar, 99.62

Third: Global Foods International Inc., Schiller Park, Illinois, Double-Smoked Natural Gouda - Premium Reserve, 99.27

• Pepper Flavored Natural Cheeses

First: Lake Country Dairy-Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, Cello Artisan Smoky Pepper Hand Rubbed Fontal, 99.91

Second: Joseph Gallo Farms, Atwater, California, Pepper Jack, 98.68

Third: Lactalis Heritage Dairy, Chicago, Buffalo Ranch Monterey Jack, 98.5

• Flavored Natural Cheeses (all flavored cheeses, except pepper)

First: Lake Country Dairy-Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, Cello Artisan Creamy Dill Hand Rubbed Fontal, 99.92

Second: Sartori Co., Plymouth, Wisconsin, Rosemary and Olive Oil Asiago, 99.08

Third: Lake Country Dairy-Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, Cello Artisan Tuscan Hand Rubbed Fontal, 98.65

• Cold Pack Cheese, Cheese Food, Cheese Spread (max score of 110)

First: Lake Country Dairy-Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, Delve Garlic Herb Asiago, 109.94

Second: Pine River Pre-Pack, Newton, Wisconsin, Maple Bacon Cold Pack Cheese Spread, 109.43

Third: Lake Country Dairy-Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, Delve Basil Pesto Parm, 108.7

• Reduced Fat

First: Lactalis American Group, Inc., Buffalo, New York, Low Fat Ricotta, 98.02

Second: Lactalis American Group, Inc., Buffalo, New York, Low Fat Ricotta, 96.93

Third: Lactalis American Group, Inc., Buffalo, New York, Low Fat Ricotta, 96.81

• Feta

First: Nasonville Dairy Inc. Marshfield, Wisconsin, Feta in Brine, 99.8

Second: Central Valley Cheese Inc., Turlock, California, Karoun Feta, 99.65

Third: Nasonville Dairy Inc. Marshfield, Wisconsin, Feta Crumbles, 99.54

• Ricotta

First: Lactalis American Group, Inc., Buffalo, New York, Double Cream Ricotta, 97.7

Second: Lactalis American Group, Inc., Buffalo, New York, Whole Milk Ricotta, 97.42

Third: Lactalis American Group, Inc., Buffalo, New York, Whole Milk Ricotta, 97.27

• Open Class Soft Cheese

First: Lake Country Dairy-Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, Pure Maple Mascarpone, 99.67

Second: Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, LLC, Waterloo, Wisconsin, Chocolate Mascarpone, 97.93

Third: Pleasant Lane Farms Creamery LLC, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Quark Cheese, 97.72

• Open Class Semi-Soft Cheese

First: Widmer’s Cheese Cellars Inc., Theresa, Wisconsin, Butterkase, 99.74

Second: Lake Country Dairy-Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, Cello Artisan Fontal, 99.32

Third: Landmark Creamery, Belleville, Wisconsin, Fontina, 99.31

• Open Class Hard Cheese

First: Emmi Roth, Stoughton, Wisconsin, Roth Grand Cru Original Wheel, 99.88

Second: Emmi Roth, Stoughton, Wisconsin, Roth Grand Cru Original Block, 98.75

Third: Sartori Co., Plymouth, Wisconsin, Espresso BellaVitano, 98.74

• Flavored Pasteurized Process Cheese

First: Global Foods International Inc., Schiller Park, Illinois, Naturally Oven-Smoked Processed Swiss, 99.95

Second: Global Foods International Inc., Schiller Park, Illinois, Naturally Oven-Smoked Processed Gouda - Premium Black, 99.37

Third: Global Foods International Inc., Schiller Park, Illinois, Naturally Oven-Smoked Processed Gruyere, 99.34

• Latin American Cheese (max score of 95)

First: Castro Cheese Co. Inc., Houston, La Vaquita Queso Fresco, 94.8

Second: V&V Supremo Foods, Chicago, Queso Fresco, 94.75

Third: Foremost Farms USA, Richland Center, Wisconsin, Asadero, 94.69

• Goat Milk Cheese

First: Stickney Hill Dairy, Rockville, Minnesota, Humble Goat Honey Chevre, 99.98

Second: Stickney Hill Dairy, Cold Spring, Minnesota, Humble Goat Garlic & Herb Chevre, 99.8

Third: Stickney Hill Dairy, Rockville, Minnesota, Humble Goat Cranberry Cinnamon Chevre, 99.74

• Mascarpone

First: Lake Country Dairy-Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, Traditional Mascarpone, 99.91

Second: Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, LLC, Waterloo, Wisconsin, Mascarpone, 99.48

Third: Lake Country Dairy-Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, Cello Mascarpone, 99.34

• Plain Cream Cheese

First: Prairie Farms Dairy-Luana, Luana, Iowa, Cream Cheese, 98.7

Second: Schreiber Foods, Green Bay, Wisconsin, Cream Cheese Spread, 98.41

Third: Schreiber Foods, Green Bay, Wisconsin, Cream Cheese Bar, 98.22

• Flavored Cream Cheese

First: Lactalis American Group, Merrill, Wisconsin, President Pub Jalapeno & Cheddar Spreadable Cheese, 99.98

Second: Lactalis American Group, Merrill, Wisconsin, Rondele Sweet Heat Thai Chili Dip & Spread, 99.84

Third: Lactalis American Group, Merrill, Wisconsin, Rondele Garlicky Artichoke Dip & Spread, 99.65

• Plain Cheese Curds (max score of 95)

First: Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, LLC, Waterloo, Wisconsin, Yellow Cheese Curds, 94.53

Second: WW Homestead Dairy, Waukon, Iowa, Cheddar Cheese Curds, 94.27

Third: Nasonville Dairy Inc. North, Curtiss, Wisconsin, Cheese Curds, 94.22

• Flavored Cheese Curds

First: Nasonville Dairy Inc., Marshfield, Wisconsin, Pepper Cheese Curds, 99.91

Second: Nasonville Dairy Inc., Marshfield, Wisconsin, Bloody Mary Cheese Curds, 98.5

Third: Prairie Farms-Shullsburg, Shullsburg, Wisconsin, Garlic & Chive Cheddar Curds, 97.72

• Natural Cheese Snack (max score of 95)

First: Global Foods International Inc., Schiller Park, Illinois, Natural Habanero Jack Cubes, 94.98

Second: Global Foods International Inc., Schiller Park, Illinois, Naturally Oven-Smoked Gouda Cubes, 94.58

Third: Global Foods International Inc., Schiller Park, Illinois, Natural Havarti Cubes, 94.31

• Processed Cheese Snack (max score of 95)

First: Lactalis American Group, Merrill, Wisconsin, President Wee Brie Spreadable Cheese Wedges, 94.7

Second: Lactalis American Group, Merrill, Wisconsin, President Creamy Brie Gourmet Spreadable Cheese, 93.71

Third: Global Foods International Inc., Schiller Park, Illinois, Naturally Oven-Smoked Processed Cheddar Cubes, 93.02

• Open Class Cheese (max score of 95)

First: Masters Gallery Foods Inc., Plymouth, Wisconsin, Havarti Cheese Shred, 94.73

Second: Masters Gallery Foods Inc., Plymouth, Wisconsin, 3 State Sharp Blend, 94.7

Third: Masters Gallery Foods Inc., Plymouth, Wisconsin, Sharp Cheddar Shred, 94.69

• Salted Butter

First: Challenge Dairy Products, Inc., Dublin, California, Danish Creamery European Style Sea Salted, 99.72

Second: Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Waitsfield, Vermont, Cabot 83 Euro Style Salted Butter, 99.61

Third: Foremost Farms USA, Reedsburg, Wisconsin, Salted Butter - Second Shift, 99.58

• Unsalted Butter

First: Michigan Milk Producers Association, Ovid, Michigan, Unsalted Butter, 99.79

Second: Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Waitsfield, Vermont, Cabot 83 Euro Style Unsalted Butter, 99.68

Third: CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley, LaFarge, Wisconsin, Organic Unsalted Butter, 99.65

• Flavored Butter

First: AMPI, New Ulm, Minnesota, Bourbon Butter Brickle Butter, 99.8

Second: Von Slick’s Inc., Middlebro, Manitoba, Von Slick’s Finishing Touch Butter, 99.6

Third: Challenge Dairy Products, Inc., Dublin, California, Danish Creamery European Style w/ Garlic Salt, 99.37

• Open Class Butter

First: Dairy Farmers of America, Winnsboro, Texas, Whipped Salted Butter, 99.75

Second: Grassland Dairy Products, Inc., Greenwood, Wisconsin, Wuthrich 99.9% Clarified Butter, 99.5

Third: Dairy Farmers of America, Winnsboro, Texas, Whipped Unsalted Butter, 99.09

• White Milk (2% only)

First: Sassy Cow Creamery, Columbus, Wisconsin, 2% Traditional Milk, 99.5

Second: Weber’s Farm Store, Marshfield, Wisconsin, Reduced Fat 2% Milk, 99.46

Third: Hiland Dairy, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 2% Gallon, 99.42

• Whole Chocolate Milk

First: Hiland Dairy, Omaha, Nebraska, Premium Chocolate, 100

Second: Borden Dairy, Cleveland, Ohio, Borden Whole Dutch Chocolate Milk, 99.89

Third: Prairie Farms Dairy, Anderson, Indiana, Premium Chocolate Milk, 99.71

• Lowfat Chocolate Milk (1%)

First: Lamers Dairy Inc., Appleton, Wisconsin, Lamers Dairy 1% Chocolate Milk, 99.88

Second: Producers Dairy Foods, Inc., Fresno, California, Producers 1% Low Fat Chocolate Milk, Half Gallon, 99.64

Third: Prairie Farms Dairy, Dubuque, Iowa, Low Fat Chocolate Milk - 1%, 99.63

• Fat Free Chocolate Milk

First: Hiland Dairy Foods LLC, Conroe, Texas, Fat Free Chocolate Milk, 99.38

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Fat Free Chocolate Milk, 99.37

Third: Prairie Farms Dairy, Rockford, Illinois, Fat Free Chocolate Milk, 99.36

• Strawberry Milk

First: Stewart’s Shops Corp., Saratoga Springs, New York, Strawberry Milk, 99.75

Second: New Dairy Kentucky LLC, London, Kentucky, Borden Whole Strawberry Milk, 99.04

Third: Weber’s Farm Store, Marshfield, Wisconsin, Lowfat 1% Strawberry Milk, 98.73

• Cultured Milk

First: Turner Dairy Farms, Pittsburgh, Charlie’s Old Time Buttermilk Quart, 99.75

Second: Hiland Dairy Foods, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Lowfat Cultured Buttermilk, 99.49

Third: Hiland Dairy Foods, Norman, Oklahoma, 1% Buttermilk, 99.37

• UHT Milk & Aseptic Milk (white)

First: Prairie Farms Dairy, Battle Creek, Michigan, UHT Whole White Milk, 99.91

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy, Granite City, Illinois, Whole Milk-UHT, 99.78

Third: Southeastern Grocers, Jacksonville, Florida, Organic Whole Milk, 99.38

• UHT Milk & Aseptic Milk (flavored)

First: Prairie Farms Dairy, Battle Creek, Michigan, UHT Whole Sea Salt Caramel Milk, 99.75

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy, Battle Creek, Michigan, UHT Whole Chocolate Malt Milk, 99.68

Third: Prairie Farms Dairy, Battle Creek, Michigan, UHT Premium Chocolate Milk, 99.64

• Lactose Free Milk (White)

First: Prairie Farms Dairy, Hammond, Louisiana, 2% Lactose Free Milk Gallon, 99.89

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy, Anderson, Indiana, Lactose Free Milk, 99.78

Third: Prairie Farms Dairy, Hammond, Louisiana, Whole Lactose Free Milk Gallon, 99.76

• Open Class Pasteurized Milk (any type that doesn’t fit into another class)

First: Lamers Dairy Inc., Appleton, Wisconsin, Whole White Milk, 99.81

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy, Anderson, Indiana, Fat Free Milk, 99.69

Third: Marburger Farm Dairy Inc., Evans City, Pennsylvania, Whole White Milk, 99.68

• Open Class Flavored Milk (not chocolate or strawberry)

First: Kwik Trip, LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Double Shot Cappuccino, 99.56

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy, Granite City, Illinois, Caramel Iced Coffee, 99.42

Third: Kwik Trip, LaCrosse, Wisconsin, White Chocolate Cappuccino, 99.23

• Half and Half (unflavored)

First: Kemps, Cedarburg, Wisconsin, Half & Half quart, 99.8

Second: Sassy Cow Creamery, Columbus, Wisconsin, Half & Half, 99.73

Third: Prairie Farms Dairy, Granite City, Illinois, Premium Half & Half - UHT, 99.69

• Open Class Dairy Based Creamers (includes flavored half and half)

First: CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley, LaFarge, Wisconsin, Organic Lactose-Free French Vanilla Creamer, 99.41

Second: CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley, LaFarge, Wisconsin, Organic Lactose-Free Sweet Cream Creamer, 99.17

Third: Stewart’s Shops Corp., Saratoga Springs, New York, French Vanilla Half and Half, 99.02

• Whipping Cream & Heavy Whipping Cream (max score of 90)

First: Sassy Cow Creamery, Columbus, Wisconsin, Heavy Whipping Cream, 89.93

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy, Dubuque, Iowa, Heavy Whipping Cream, 89.89

Third: Hiland Dairy Foods, Conroe, Texas, 40% Heavy Whipping Cream, 89.87

• Plain Greek Yogurt (any fat level of sweetener source)

First: Central Valley Cheese Inc., Turlock, California, Labne Greek Yogurt, 96.8

Second: Old Home Foods, Bloomington, Minnesota, Whole Milk Greek Yogurt - unsweetened, 96.41

Third: Country View Dairy, Hawkeye, Iowa, Plain Greek Farmstead Whole Milk Greek Cream-Top Yogurt, 96.23

• Flavored Greek Yogurt (non-fat, any flavor)

First: Upstate Niagara Cooperative, West Seneca, New York, Upstate Farms Vanilla Greek Yogurt, 98.6

Second: Upstate Niagara Cooperative, West Seneca, New York, Upstate Farms Strawberry Greek Nonfat Yogurt, 96.23

• Flavored Greek Yogurt (1% or greater milkfat, any flavor, any sweetener source)

First: Central Valley Cheese Inc., Turlock, California, Parmalat Cremoso Heavenly Honey, 99.55

Second: Central Valley Cheese Inc., Turlock, California, Parmalat Cremoso Strawberry Honey, 99.39

Third: Central Valley Cheese Inc., Turlock, California, Karoun Honey Yogurt, 99.21

• Vanilla Yogurt (any sweetener source, any fat level allowed)

First: Prairie Farms Dairy, Quincy, Illinois, Vanilla 3% Yogurt, 98.07

Second: Belfonte Ice Cream, Kansas City, Missouri, Vanilla Yogurt, 97.75

Third: Old Home Foods, Bloomington, Minnesota, Whole Milk Vanilla Yogurt, 97.41

• Strawberry Yogurt (any form of sweetener source and fat level allowed)

First: Belfonte Ice Cream, Kansas City, Missouri, Strawberry Yogurt, 99.31

Second: Old Home Foods, Bloomington, Minnesota, Whole Milk Strawberry Yogurt, 98.04

Third: Prairie Farms Dairy, Quincy, Illinois, 1% Strawberry Yogurt, 97.32

• Blueberry Yogurt (any form of sweetener source and fat level allowed)

First: Belfonte Ice Cream, Kansas City, Missouri, Blueberry Yogurt, 98.7

Second: Southeastern Grocers, Jacksonville, Florida, Low Fat Blueberry Yogurt, 97.27

Third: Hiland Dairy Foods, Wichita, Kansas, Blueberry Yogurt, 96.63

• Open Class Yogurts (any other flavor, any form of sweetener source and fat level allowed)

First: Hiland Dairy Foods, Wichita, Kansas, Black Cherry Yogurt, 99.55

Second: Belfonte Ice Cream, Kansas City, Missouri, Hawaiian Delight, 98.07

Third: Old Home Foods, Bloomington, Minnesota, Plain Whole Milk Yogurt - Unsweetened, 96.4

• Tropical Flavored Drinkable Yogurts (Mango, Pinacolada, Guava, etc.)

First: Hiland Dairy Foods, Chandler, Oklahoma, Peach Smoothie, 98.62

Second: Hiland Dairy Foods, Chandler, Oklahoma, Guanabana Smoothie, 98.5

Third: Hiland Dairy Foods, Chandler, Oklahoma, Mango Smoothie, 98.49

• Open Class Drinkable Yogurts (any other flavor, including kefir)

First: Hiland Dairy Foods, Chandler, Oklahoma, Pecan Cereal Smoothie, 99.25

Second: Nasonville Dairy Inc., Marshfield, Wisconsin, Lowfat Raspberry Kefir, 98.14

Third: Nasonville Dairy Inc., Marshfield, Wisconsin, Lowfat Strawberry Kefir, 97.95

• Regular Cottage Cheese - 4% Fat Level

First: Belfonte Ice Cream, Kansas City, Missouri, Cottage Cheese, 96.45

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy, Carbondale, Illinois, Small Curd Cottage Cheese, 96.44

Third: Umpqua Dairy, Roseburg, Oregon, Small Curd Cottage Cheese, 96.14

• Lowfat and No-fat Cottage Cheese (0-2% fat level)

First: Prairie Farms Dairy, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 2% Small Curd Cottage Cheese, 97.22

Second: Hiland Dairy Foods Wichita, Kansas, 1% Cottage Cheese, 96.79

Third: Prairie Farms Dairy, Quincy, Illinois, 2% Cottage Cheese, 96.62

• Open Cottage Cheese Class (Includes Flavored Cottage Cheese)

First: Kemps-DFA, Rockford, Illinois, Cottage Cheese with Pineapple Small Curd, 97.61

Second: Kemps, Cedarburg, Wisconsin, Chive Cottage Cheese 22 oz, 96.22

Third: Lactalis Heritage Dairy, Chicago, Cottage Cheese with Pineapple 1.5%, 95.37

• Sour Cream (Minimum 18% Fat Level)

First: Umpqua Dairy, Roseburg, Oregon, Cultured Sour Cream, 98.74

Second: Central Valley Cheese Inc., Turlock, California, Canadian Style Sour Cream, 98.65

Third: Prairie Farms Dairy, Fort Wayne, Indiana, All Natural Sour Cream, 98.63

• Lowfat Sour Cream (9% or less fat)

First: Hiland Dairy, Omaha, Nebraska, Lite Sour Cream, 98.41

Second: Saputo Dairy Foods USA, Tulare, California, Lite Sour Cream, 97.99

Third: Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Waitsfield, Vermont, Light Sour Cream, 96.77

• Sour Cream Based Dips - Onion (French onion, Bermuda, etc.)

First: Prairie Farms Dairy, Carbondale, Illinois, French Onion Dip, 92.22

Second: Hiland Dairy Foods Chandler, Oklahoma, French Onion Dip, 92.02

Third: Old Home Foods, Bloomington, Minnesota, Chive & Onion Dip, 92.01

• Sour Cream Based Dips - Southwest (jalapeño, Chipotle, Bison, etc.)

First: Mexican Cheese Producers, Darlington, Wisconsin, Chipotle Crema Mexicana, 92.6

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jalapeno Fiesta Dip, 92.09

Third: Hiland Dairy, Omaha, Nebraska, Sassy Salsa, 91.59

• Hispanic Plain Sour Cream (Crema, etc.)

First: Saputo Dairy Foods USA, Tulare, California, Mexican Sour Cream, 96.86

Second: Mexican Cheese Producers, Darlington, Wisconsin, Cultured Crema Mexicana, 96.01

Third: Hiland Dairy, Norman, Oklahoma, Crema Mexicana, 95.81

• Open Sour Cream Based Dips (any other flavor, including ranch)

First: Kemps, Cedarburg, Wisconsin, Ranch Dip, 92.41

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bacon Cheddar Dip, 91.89

Third: Hiland Dairy, Omaha, Nebraska, Sour Cream & Chive, 89.8

• Regular Vanilla Ice Cream (max score of 85)

First: Lochmead Dairy, Junction City, Oregon, Vanilla, 84.8

Second: King Cone LLC, Plover, Wisconsin, Simply Vanilla, 84.79

Third: Sassy Cow Creamery, Columbus, Wisconsin, Vanilla, 84.76

• French Vanilla Ice Cream (max score of 85)

First: Umpqua Dairy, Roseburg, Oregon, French Vanilla Ice Cream, 84.79

Second: Hiland Dairy Foods, Springfield, Illinois, Prairie Farms French Vanilla - Springfield, 83.63

Third: Hudsonville Ice Cream, Holland, Michigan, French Vanilla, 83.55

• Philly Vanilla Ice Cream (max score of 85)

First: Umpqua Dairy, Roseburg, Oregon, Umpqua Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, 84.68

Second: Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Co., Madison, Wisconsin, Vanilla Bean, 84.37

Third: Lochmead Dairy, Junction City, Oregon, Vanilla Bean, 83.46

• Regular Chocolate Ice Cream (max score of 85)

First: Schnuck Markets Inc., St. Louis, Culinaria Premium Chocolate, 84.51

Second: King Cone LLC, Plover, Wisconsin, Chocolate Trance, 84.24

Third: Southeastern Grocers, Jacksonville, Florida, Chocolate, 84.19

• Dark Chocolate Ice Cream (max score of 85)

First: Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Co., Madison, Wisconsin, Zanzibar Chocolate, 84.22

Second: Stewart’s Shops Corp., Saratoga Springs, New York, Bark in the Dark, 83.97

Third: Cedar Crest Ice Cream, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Midnight Dark Chocolate, 83.96

• Cookies and Cookie Dough Ice Cream (max score of 85)

First: Hudsonville Ice Cream, Holland, Michigan, Brownie Batter Cookie Dough, 84.84

Second: Stewart’s Shops Corp., Saratoga Springs, New York, Campfire S’mores, 84.83

Third: Kwik Trip, LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Brookie Dough Ice Cream, 84.59

• Mint Ice Cream (max score of 85)

First: Stewart’s Shops Corp., Saratoga Springs, New York, Mint Cookie Crumble, 84.91

Second: Lochmead Dairy, Junction City, Oregon, Oregon Mint Fudge, 84.32

Third: Hudsonville Ice Cream, Holland, Michigan, Hudsonville Mint Chocolate Chip, 84.26

• Strawberry Ice Cream (max score of 85)

First: Southeastern Grocers, Jacksonville, Florida, Strawberry, 84.49

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy, Rockford, Illinois, Johnsons Strawberry, 84.27

Third: Kwik Trip, LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Strawberry, 84.02

• Open Class with Fruit Ice Cream (max score of 85)

First: Umpqua Dairy, Roseburg, Oregon, Umpqua Classic Lemon Bar, 84.76

Second: Schnuck Markets, Inc., St. Louis, Schnucks Blackberry Cheesecake, 84.25

Third: Sassy Cow Creamery, Columbus, Wisconsin, Sassy Cow Creamery Huckleberry, 84.22

• Open Class with Nuts (max score of 85)

First: Hudsonville Ice Cream, Holland, Michigan, Toasted Coconut, 83.88

Second: Southeastern Grocers, Jacksonville, Florida, French Quarter Praline, 83.73

Third: King Cone LLC, Plover, Wisconsin, Rocky (& Bullwinkle) Road, 83.72

• Open Class with Peanut Butter (max score of 85)

First: Schnuck Markets, Inc., St. Louis, PB Ice Cream, 84.86

Second: Stewart’s Shops Corp., Saratoga Springs, New York, PB Pandemonium, 84.81

Third: Sassy Cow Creamery, Columbus, Wisconsin, PB S’mores, 84.76

• Open Class with Caramel (max score of 85)

First: Cedar Crest Ice Cream, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Caramel Collision, 84.88

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy, Rockford, Illinois, Johnsons Salted Caramel Pretzel, 84.36

Third: Cedar Crest Ice Cream, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Salted Caramel Mackinac Island, 84.35

• Open Class Ice Cream (max score of 85)

First: Cedar Crest Ice Cream, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Campfire Smores, 84.79

Second: Schnuck Markets, Inc., St. Louis, Schnucks Bourbon Caramel Pecan, 84.69

Third: Penn State Berkey Creamery, University Park, Pennsylvania, Keeney Beany, 84.68

• Ice Cream Novelties (sandwiches and bars) (max score of 85)

First: Whitey’s Ice Cream, Moline, Illinois, Harvest Chipper, 84.85

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy, Brentwood, Missouri, Chocolate Fudge Cookie Sandwich, 84.6

Third: Southeastern Grocers, Jacksonville, Florida, Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich, 84.28

• Open Class Sherbet (sandwiches and bars) (max score of 85)

First: Stewart’s Shops Corp., Saratoga Springs, New York, Mango Dragonfruit, 85

Second: Prairie Farms Dairy, Brentwood, Missouri, Lime Sherbet, 84.79

Third: Belfonte Ice Cream, Kansas City, Missouri, Raspberry Sherbet, 84.7

• Frozen Yogurt (max score of 85)

First: Southeastern Grocers, Jacksonville, Florida, Cookies & Cream, 83.22

Second: Schnuck Markets, Inc., St. Louis, Key Lime Pie, 82.9

Third: Penn State Berkey Creamery, University Park, Pennsylvania, Black Raspberry, 82.61

• Gelato (max score of 85)

First: Gelatissimo USA, Friendswood, Texas, Chocolate Gelato, 84.79

Second: Gelatissimo USA, Friendswood, Texas, Boysenberry Swirl, 84.66

Third: Gelatissimo USA, Friendswood, Texas, Hazelnut, 84.65

• Whey

First: AMPI, Jim Falls, Wisconsin, Dry Whey Powder, 99.82

Second: AMPI, Jim Falls, Wisconsin, Dry Whey Powder, 99.64

Third: Prairie Farms, Luana, Iowa, Sweet Whey Powder, 99.54

• Whey Permeate

First: Great Lakes Cheese, Adams, New York, Whey Permeate - A, 99.7

Second: Great Lakes Cheese, Adams, New York, Whey Permeate - B, 99.51

Third: Proliant Dairy Ingredients, Melrose, Minnesota, Whey Permeate, 99.5

• Whey Protein Concentrate - 34%

First: Foremost Farms USA, Sparta, Wisconsin, WPC 34%, 99.71

Second: First District Association, Litchfield, Minnesota, WPC 34% - 24144, 99.59

Third: Foremost Farms USA, Sparta, Wisconsin, WPC 34%, 99.53

• Whey Protein Concentrate - 80%

First: Great Lakes Cheese, Adams, New York, WPC 80 - A, 99.81

Second: Agri-Mark, Inc., Waitsfield, Vermont, WPC80 Instant with Soy Lecithin, 99.75

Third: Great Lakes Cheese, Adams, New York, WPC 80 - B, 99.71

• Whey Protein Isolates

First: Lactalis American Group, Nampa, Idaho, WPI, 99.96

Second: Gallo Global Nutrition, Atwater, California, Whey Protein Isolate 90 Organic, 99.52

Third: Milk Specialties Global, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, IWPI (instantized), 99.6

• Whey Based Sports/Energy Drinks

First: Leprino Foods, Denver, High Protein Strawberry Lemonade, 99.6

Second: Milk Specialties Global, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Tangerine Yuzu Morning Time RTM, 97.57

• Nonfat Dried Milk

First: High Desert Milk, Burley, Idaho, NFDM Powder, 99.84

Second: High Desert Milk, Burley, Idaho, NFDM Powder, 99.81

Third: Foremost Farms USA, Sparta, Wisconsin, NFDM, 99.61

• Open Class for Creative & Innovative Products

First: Von Slick’s Inc., Middlebro, Manitoba, Von Slick’s Finishing Touch, 85.5

Second: Dairyland Old Fashioned Hamburgers, Milwaukee, Chipotle Lime Ranch Dressing, 69.5

Third: Dairyland Old Fashioned Hamburgers, Milwaukee, Aged Cheddar Ranch Dressing, 65.4.

CMN

East Coast dairy co-ops launch Integrated Dairy Ingredients

September 6, 2024

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Three East Coast dairy cooperatives have joined forces to announce the launch of Integrated Dairy Ingredients (IDI), a venture set to streamline the dairy ingredients market. Starting January 2025, IDI will market and sell high-quality dairy ingredients, bridging the gap between customers and the farm families that produce these essential products, officials say.

Founded by Agri-Mark, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association and Upstate Niagara Cooperative, IDI represents a unique collaboration in the dairy industry. The company’s mission is to provide comprehensive dairy ingredient solutions while fostering lasting partnerships with customers.

“Integrated Dairy Ingredients is a direct link to the hardworking farm families who produce the milk for our ingredients,” says Amie Gabriel, CEO, IDI. “This close connection ensures unparalleled quality and transparency in our supply chain.”

Initially, IDI’s product lineup will include nonfat dry milk, skim milk powder and buttermilk powder. All products will be rbST-free, Orthodox Union Kosher and halal certified, catering to a wide range of customer needs. Through collaboration with its cooperative members, bulk raw milk, condensed milk, cream and butter also can be sourced by customers.

What sets IDI apart is its strategic location and footprint. With farms, manufacturing facilities and distribution warehouses established along the Eastern seaboard, the company is uniquely positioned to serve both local markets and global export demands efficiently, officials note.

“Our East Coast network allows us to minimize transportation costs and reduce the carbon footprint of the powder delivered to customers,” Gabriel says. “This means fresher ingredients for our customers and a more sustainable supply chain overall.”

Industry experts anticipate that this new venture significantly will impact the dairy ingredients market, offering a fresh approach to sourcing and supply chain management. IDI is engaging with potential customers and partners as it prepares for startup in January.
For more information, visit www.integrateddairyingredients.com.

CMN

California latest state to track avian influenza at three dairies

September 6, 2024

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California is the latest state to be impacted by the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as cows at three dairies located in the Central Valley have tested positive.

When herds began showing clinical signs consistent with HPAI on Aug. 25, the dairy owners worked with their veterinarians and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to submit samples to the California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) laboratory network for preliminary determination. The samples then were submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), where the test results were confirmed Aug. 30.

No human cases of HPAI have been confirmed in California related to this incident.

“We have been preparing for this possibility since earlier this year when HPAI detections were confirmed at dairy farms in other states,” says CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Our extensive experience with HPAI in poultry has given us ample preparation and expertise to address this incident, with workers’ health and public health as our top priorities. This is a tough time for our dairy farmers given the economic challenges they’re facing in a dynamic market, so I want to assure them that we are approaching this incident with the utmost urgency.”

The affected dairies have been placed under quarantine, and enhanced biosecurity measures are in place, CDFA says. Sick cows are isolated and being treated at the dairies, and healthy cows have been cleared to continue shipping milk for pasteurization.
These latest cases bring the confirmed number of cases in livestock herds up to 197 and states affected to 14 during the total outbreak.

Meanwhile, the Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) recently issued a new notice regarding the acceptance of licensure applications for products used to vaccinate livestock for HPAI H5N1, and the authorization of a field trial under specific conditions.

As one part of several USDA vaccine licensure requirements, provided the application meets the requirements, USDA has authorized the start of an initial field study of nonviable, non-replicating vaccine against HPAI H5N1 to be administered to dairy cattle to evaluate safety. This would be the first field safety study for a bovine-specific H5N1 vaccine and the first time a HPAI vaccine field study would be conducted outside a laboratory setting or on any type of commercial farm in the United States.

USDA notes that studies that are limited to nonviable, non-replicating vaccines do not cause virus shedding. Vaccinated cattle will not transmit virus to other animals, milk, meat, people or into the environment. Therefore, USDA explains, these cattle and their products do not present a risk to human health and will stay in normal production.

USDA anticipates requests from other interested vaccine manufacturers and will use these criteria for approval.
For more information about this study, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/notice24-11.pdf.

CMN

Lactalis is No. 1, DFA falls to No. 3 in Global Dairy Top 20

August 30, 2024

UTRECHT, Netherlands — France-based Lactalis again is ranked No. 1 in the 2024 Global Dairy Top 20 released by Rabobank’s RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness division this week. U.S.-based Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) dropped one spot to No. 3 on this year’s ranking, falling behind No. 2 Nestlé, based in Switzerland.

DFA is the only U.S.-based company ranking in the Top 10 this year, which also encompasses, in order beginning with No. 4, Danone (France), Yili (China), Fonterra (New Zealand), Arla Foods (Denmark/Sweden), FrieslandCampina (Netherlands), Mengniu (China) and Saputo (Canada).

The only other U.S.-based company ranked in this year’s Top 20 is Schreiber Foods, which climbed from No. 16 to No. 12.

RaboResearch’s annual Global Dairy Top 20 highlights the financial results of key global industry leaders in one of the world’s most valuable food sectors. This year, the combined 2023 turnover of the Global Dairy Top 20 companies saw just a slight 0.3% gain in U.S. dollar terms, following the prior year’s 8.1% increase, Rabobank says, noting lower milk prices in 2023 versus the strong 2022 values were a key driver of the significant slowdown, as was limited mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity. Fewer than half (eight) of the companies listed maintained the same position as last year.

Driven partly by lower average dairy commodity prices, companies’ revenues grew more slowly, and in some cases declined, in 2023 following record-breaking growth in 2022, Rabobank notes. Seven companies reported lower 2023 revenues in their respective local currencies compared to 2022. Interestingly, many companies reported stronger profits and/or margins than in 2022. This is despite the sudden and substantial decline in dairy commodity prices compared to farmgate milk prices that negatively impacted earnings, especially among European cooperatives.

Deal activity remained lighter, with limited significant M&A in the year, in line with 2022, the report says. Significant deals, like Lactalis’ acquisition of Kraft Heinz’s cheese business in 2021, were less prevalent in 2022 and 2023. Danone’s divestment of its Russian business is an exception, driven by events outside the company’s direct control. In addition to that divestment, Danone’s shedding of its Horizon Organic and Wallaby businesses also played a significant role in the company’s revenue difference in this year’s Top 20 report, Rabobank says.

Mexico’s Grupo Lala made its debut on the list this year, coming in at No. 20 and unseating Ireland’s Glanbia, which made its debut only one year prior.

Rounding out the Top 20 companies, in order beginning with No. 11, are Unilever (Netherlands/United Kingdom), Schreiber Foods, Savencia (France), Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (India), Müller (Germany), Sodiaal (France), Agropur (Canada), DMK (Germany), Froneri (United Kingdom) and Grupo Lala.

Rabobank notes the decade’s first half has seen formidable challenges for dairy and other food companies, including sharp shifts in food consumption patterns, increasing economic uncertainty and geopolitical disruptions. Looking ahead, RaboResearch expects some calmer waters, but the elimination of hazards in a volatile world is not guaranteed.

Key issues the world’s largest dairy companies will be watching in the upcoming year, in addition to elevated M&A activity, include:

• Economic growth (or lack thereof) in various countries and regions impacting consumer demand for dairy products and global dairy trade trends;

• Crucial central bank decisions on interest rates, including possible future cuts, that could impact the pace of the aforementioned possible upcoming M&A deals; and

• Geopolitical strife, especially in the Middle East, potentially impacting dairy trade into the key Middle East and North Africa importing region, as global logistics are again noting complications not seen since the pandemic.

CMN

Idaho Milk Products expands business with new products

August 30, 2024

JEROME, Idaho — Idaho Milk Products this week announced a significant broadening of its business. The plans unveiled include the construction of a $200 million dual ice cream and powder blending facility at its Jerome, Idaho, campus. The company’s entry into the ice cream business comes with a focus on premium indulgent and functional recipes in both bulk and novelty formats, while blending capabilities will support the ice cream business and create capabilities to provide custom formulations to both existing and new customers, officials say.

John Murphy, vice president of operations at Idaho Milk Products, says construction of the custom-designed 183,000-square-foot plant will commence within the next two months and be substantially complete by early 2026, with full commercial production by May 2026.

Kevin Quinn, vice president of sales and marketing, notes that the inclusion of a blending facility in the new plant creates new ways to service customers and add to the benefits of Idaho Milk Products’ vertically integrated model.

“We have the freshest, best-quality cream in the market, and the project was initially born out of the conviction to add incremental value to a portion of that product stream,” Quinn says.

“We work hard every day to maintain our position as a global leader in milk protein concentrates and isolates,” adds Daragh Maccabee, CEO of Idaho Milk Products, emphasizing that the company’s commitment to its core business remains.

“At the same time, we constantly seek out new ways to add value to our milk, always doing so in a way that is sustainable for the longer term,” Maccabee says. “Our vision for this plant is to build on the strength of our existing business, leverage our Milk Innovation Center, the strength of our R&D team and the unique synergies that this business will create.”

The team at Idaho Milk Products believes that this project builds on the company’s purpose, is a natural extension of its existing model and has the potential to create one of the world’s most sustainable ice cream businesses.

The production facility, located in the dairy heartland of Idaho’s Magic Valley, has received support from the immensely collaborative leadership of the City of Jerome administration and the State of Idaho.

CMN

USDA raises forecasts for 2025 dairy exports, imports in report

August 30, 2024

WASHINGTON — In the latest Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade, published this week by USDA’s Economic Research Service and Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA projects dairy exports will reach $8.1 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2025, revised up $100 million from the 2024 forecast, reflecting higher global prices for cheese and improving exports of nonfat dry milk and lactose. The forecast for U.S. dairy product exports for FY 2024 is $8.0 billion, unchanged from May’s outlook.

Total U.S. agricultural exports in FY 2025 are forecast at $169.5 billion, down $4.0 billion from the revised forecast for FY 2024. USDA notes this decline is primarily driven by lower unit values of soybeans, corn and cotton, as well as lower volumes of beef. FY 2024 exports are forecast at $173.5 billion, up $3.0 billion from the May projection, largely due to higher horticultural and grain exports.

Dairy product imports in FY 2025 are projected at $5.6 billion, up $100 million from the latest 2024 forecast. The FY 2024 dairy product import forecast was revised down $100 million to $5.5 billion in the August outlook due to a slowdown in purchases of cheese, infant formula and a number of dairy-containing products.

Cheese imports in FY 2025 are forecast at $1.8 billion, down $100 million from the August forecast for FY 2024. The latest FY 2024 forecast of $1.9 billion also is revised down $100 million from the FY 2024 forecast from May.

Total U.S. agricultural imports in FY 2025 are forecast at $212.0 billion, up $8.0 billion from the revised 2024 estimate, largely due to rising imports of horticultural, sugar and tropical products, USDA reports. The forecast trade balance for FY 2025 has widened to -$42.5 billion. For FY 2024, agricultural imports are forecast at $204.0 billion, up $1.5 billion from the May projection, buoyed by the continued strength of the U.S. economy into late FY 2024. The trade balance projected for FY 2024 has been narrowed from -$32.0 billion in May to -$30.5 billion in August.

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., issued a statement following the release of this latest outlook, noting the record negative agriculture trade deficit forecast for FY 2025 and urging lawmakers to help U.S. farmers, ranchers and foresters to maintain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

“The president and his team simply must do more to actively engage and aggressively advocate for our agriculture producers on the world stage. There is just no way around it,” Boozman says.

“Congress must also step up to the plate and pass a new farm bill that makes a robust investment in USDA’s trade promotion programs,” he adds. “The framework Senate Republicans released doubles funding for the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program, the farm bill’s premier trade promotion programs. This is an excellent place to start. Anything less is yet another step in the wrong direction.”

CMN

Today's Cheese Spot Trading
Sept. 17, 2024

Barrels: $2.5650 (+7 1/2)
Blocks: $2.2775 (-2 1/4)

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Elevating productivity through phage management in cheese

Julien Biolley, Novonesis Inc.

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