Dairy co-ops settle price-fixing allegations

In a preliminary settlement, Dairy Farmers of America will pay $24.5 million and Select Milk Producers will pay $9.9 million to settle allegations of conspiring to fix milk prices. Dairy farmers in portions of the southwestern United States filed the class action lawsuit. The cooperatives did not admit to wrongdoing but settled the case due to rising costs and the ongoing disruption.

Cost of living call a major factor in USDA reorganization

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s reorganization plan moves 2,600 of the 4,600 USDA jobs in the Washington, D.C. area to five regional hubs in Raleigh, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Fort Collins and Salt Lake City. Congress received notice about this plan at the same time as USDA employees. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden said he understood the congressional concerns over that timing; however, “the employees are the ones who are most directly affected by the Secretary’s decision; out of common courtesy and respect, they should hear that decision from the secretary first and not from a leak that originates from somewhere else.” Vaden said the average cost of a home in Washington, D.C. is close to a million dollars, making it unaffordable for the typical USDA employee.

Trump finalizes new global tariffs

President Trump has finalized a series of trade agreements with key U.S. partners, setting new tariff rates. The European Union and Japan will face tariffs under 15%, while India will see a 25% rate and the United Kingdom will see 10%. Countries without deals now face steeper duties. Switzerland will be subject to a 39% tariff, higher than previously threatened. Canada, still in negotiations, will be hit with 35% duties, and Taiwan will face a 20% tariff.

“A significant win for US dairy”

The U.S. trade agreement with Indonesia will eliminate tariffs on the majority of U.S. exports and includes pledges to remove nontariff trade barriers affecting U.S. dairy products. “This looks like a significant win for U.S. dairy,” said Gregg Doud, president/CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. The U.S. exported $246 million in dairy products to Indonesia last year, making it the seventh-largest U.S. dairy export destination.

ITC hearing considers global nonfat milk solids market

The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office requested an investigation by the U.S. International Trade Commission into the global nonfat milk solids market and the export competitiveness of the U.S. and other major suppliers, including Canada, New Zealand and select EU member states. During a hearing in late July, the U.S. Dairy Export Council and NMPF cited Canada’s trade-distorting policies. The dairy groups claim U.S. competitors need to be held accountable for policies that harm U.S. dairy producers and exporters. The report is expected to submit its report to the USTR in March 2026.

Farm banks in strong position

In its Farm Bank Performance Report, the American Bankers Association said farm banks extended more than $115 billion in agricultural loans in 2024. That’s up more than 6% from 2024. Loan delinquency rates remain low. Looking ahead, ABA Senior Vice President of Agricultural and Rural Banking Policy Ed Elfmann said farmers will face headwinds from high input costs and interest rate volatility.

CoBank warns of looming US labor shortage

A new report from CoBank warns that the U.S. could face a significant labor shortage later this year. The decline in labor force participation, lower birth rates and a sharp drop in net migration are combining to shrink the available workforce and threaten economic growth. The report highlights that nearly 2.5 million working-age Americans have exited the labor force in the past eight months; this trend, coupled with ongoing retirements among baby boomers and fewer young people entering the workforce, poses serious challenges, especially in rural areas. CoBank is urging rural businesses to adopt more technology to offset the growing labor shortfall.

New protocol to monetize sustainability

The NMPF, California Dairies and Athian have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a carbon intensity protocol that is supported by the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Environmental Stewardship Program. The goal is to define, quantify and verify how production efficiencies and new practice adoption contribute to positive environmental outcomes.

Ice cream makers to phase out artificial food dyes

The International Dairy Foods Association has announced the dairy industry’s commitment to eliminate artificial food dyes from ice cream by 2028. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. praised the voluntary pledge and support for the Make America Healthy Again initiative.

Farm Aid benefit concert adds Kenny Chesney

For its 40th anniversary show, Farm Aid has added three more big acts. Kenny Chesney, Wynonna Judd and Steve Earle will take the stage at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sept. 20. The lineup also includes Willie Nelson and Family, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews. Since its inception in 1985, Farm Aid has raised over $85 million to support family farmers and promote sustainable agriculture. This is the first time the event has been in Minnesota.

Habeck selected for DATCP board

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has appointed Patti Habeck to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection board of directors. Habeck is president and CEO of the Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin food bank.

Trivia challenge

The word alfalfa originates from Arabic and Persian words meaning ‘best horse fodder’ and ‘horse power.’ That answers our last trivia question. For this week’s trivia, what scientist is credited with developing the process of pasteurization? We’ll have the answer in our next edition of the Dairy Star.

Don Wick is owner/broadcaster for the Red River Farm Network of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Wick has been recognized as the National Farm Broadcaster of the Year and served as president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Don and his wife, Kolleen, have two sons, Tony and Sam, and five grandchildren, Aiden, Piper, Adrienne, Aurora and Sterling.