Secretary Rollins Highlights USDA Strategy for Dairy Growth
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins praised the Administration’s Milk Action Plan for its commitment to American dairy farmers during her keynote address at the National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) annual meeting.
“I want to be very clear. We will never stop fighting for those of you in the dairy industry and across rural America we have reached that golden age for our producers,” said Rollins. “Dairy farmers have delivered for America for 250 years, and now it’s time for us to deliver for you.”
Rollins spoke to an audience of more than 750 farmers, cooperative leaders, and dairy industry professionals. The Joint Annual Meeting, hosted by NMPF, the United Dairy Board, and the United Dairy Industry Association, addressed key topics such as the economic outlook and labor challenges in the dairy sector. Discussions also highlighted pressing policy issues like the passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and the need for long-term labor solutions.
During her remarks, Rollins outlined the USDA’s four-point strategy to strengthen the dairy industry: promoting milk consumption through updates to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, expected later this year; reducing input costs; investing in domestic milk processing; and expanding market opportunities for producers.
Rollins also acknowledged ongoing concerns about agricultural labor shortages, noting that the USDA is coordinating with the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security to streamline regulations. “We are acutely aware of the unique labor needs of the dairy industry,” Rollins said.
Rollins’s speech opened a full day of events that included remarks from immediate past NMPF Chairman Randy Mooney, new Chairman Brian Rexing, and NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud.
The meeting also featured a luncheon recognizing excellence through the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program and NMPF communications awards.
Photo Credit: usda