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House Committee Votes to Bring Back Whole Milk

Feb 13, 2025
By Farms.com

2025 Bill Aims to Reintroduce Full-fat Milk in Schools

The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has successfully passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, a pivotal step toward reintroducing whole and reduced-fat milk in school cafeterias.

The bill, passed with a vote of 24-10, reflects a strong bipartisan agreement and is now awaiting further approval by the full House and Senate. 

Endorsed by Michael Dykes, IDFA’s president and CEO, the move is celebrated across various sectors. “Today’s strong, bipartisan passage... demonstrates the widespread support the bill enjoys,” Dykes commented. He urged swift action to reintroduce nutritious milk options to school children, highlighting over a decade’s absence from school menus.

The lack of whole and 2% milk in schools has led to a significant decline in dairy consumption, with many children not meeting the federal guidelines for necessary nutrients.

Nutritional science supports the reintroduction, linking full-fat dairy products like whole milk to numerous health benefits, including lower risks of obesity and heart disease among children.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act aims to revitalize school meal programs, offering children essential nutrients that support their growth, immune function, and overall health.

For further details on the role of whole and 2% milk in promoting child wellness, visit www.wholemilkforkids.com.


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CEOs of the Industry, A Conversation with Daniel Rivest, President & CEO, Olymel

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Swine Web’s CEOs of the Industry series welcomes Daniel Rivest, President & CEO of Olymel, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, the future of Canadian pork, and the opportunities ahead for one of North America’s largest pork and poultry processors.

Rivest discusses his journey to the CEO role, his leadership philosophy, and his early priorities at Olymel. The conversation explores the company’s strategic direction, its relationships with producers, and how Olymel is positioning itself for long-term growth and competitiveness.

The discussion also tackles some of the biggest issues facing Canadian pork production today, including labor availability, global competition, animal health, trade and export markets, automation, and the growing potential of artificial intelligence throughout the food production system.

Topics include:

• Daniel Rivest’s path to becoming President & CEO of Olymel

• Olymel’s current position and strategic direction

• The outlook for Canadian pork production

• Building stronger relationships with producers

• Global trade and key export markets

• Automation, innovation and artificial intelligence

• Leadership lessons and opportunities for the next generation

The conversation concludes with a Fast Five, giving viewers a more personal look at Rivest’s leadership approach and his vision for Olymel’s future.