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Top Stories
October 11, 2024 |
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ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week confirmed a third human case of H5 bird flu in California. Like the two cases the state confirmed last week, the person reported occupational exposure to infected dairy cows. To date, all three California cases occurred in dairy workers from three different affected farms with no known contact with each other, suggesting animal-to-human spread. Also consistent with the two previous California cases, the person experienced mild symptoms, including eye redness or discharge (conjunctivitis). None of the three cases has been hospitalized. CDC says the identification of H5 in people with exposure to infected animals is not expected to change its risk assessment for the general public, which continues to be low. Including the most recent case, 18 human cases of H5 bird flu now have been reported in the United States since 2022, including 17 cases during this year’s outbreak. CDC is awaiting two additional presumptive positive specimens from California for confirmatory testing. There have been a total of 99 livestock herds in California, and 299 cases in livestock across the United States, affected by the outbreak to date. CDC continues to stress the importance of recommended precautions for people with exposure to infected or potentially infected animals, who are at greater risk of infection. Also this week, the University of Georgia (UGA) announced it is partnering with FDA to test U.S. dairy supplies for avian influenza as one of the five institutions nationwide helping to ensure the safety of dairy products during this outbreak to reduce the threat to human and animal health. The UGA Center for Influenza Disease and Emergence Research, a Center of Excellence in Influenza Research and Response, will lead the university’s efforts. Funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the center is one of only six such institutions focusing on the history, transmission and progression of influenza nationwide. “This virus and its spread are concerning,” says S. Mark Tompkins, director and principal investigator of the UGA center. “I worry about the changing ecology of this virus, the sustained spread of H5N1 across dairy farms and our ability to take steps to address it.” While the virus has been detected in raw milk from infected cows, pasteurization appears to kill H5N1, which makes it unlikely to infect people through consumption. Raw dairy products, however, are another story, UGA officials say. “The concern is that there is a substantial population that prefers unpasteurized dairy products,” says Tompkins, who also serves as a professor of virology and immunology in UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “The risk of falling ill from Salmonella or Listeria contamination of raw dairy products has been recognized for many years. “Now, with the possibility of contamination of the milk supply with H5N1 influenza virus, we have the potential of people becoming infected through consumption of unpasteurized milk, cheese or other dairy products,” he adds. “Those infections provide an opportunity for the virus to gain a foothold and spread in humans.” Last week, FDA reported that states were invited to participate in a new, voluntary study to generate data to aid the understanding of prevalence of H5N1 in bulk raw cow’s milk received by dairy processing facilities across the nation. Dubbed “the silo study,” the information from this research will help inform the national strategy to control the spread of the virus to other dairy cattle and avian flocks, and to identify any viral transformations. Beginning Oct. 28, Grade “A” raw cow’s milk from participating states intended to be pasteurized will be sampled from raw milk storage silos at dairy processing facilities over a six-week period. The double-blind study is designed for data-gathering purposes only, with no intent or means of traceback or trace forward. Neither participating nor non-participating states or facilities will be identified as part of this project. Samples will be collected, double blinded and sent to USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory for analysis. FDA notes a robust milk sampling program exists within the regulatory framework of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and the federal-state cooperative Grade “A” milk program. The silo study seeks to leverage the Grade “A” Milk Safety Cooperative Program and its members to further understand the prevalence of HPAI in cow’s milk that is sent for commercial processing and stored at dairy processing facilities prior to pasteurization. FDA, National Conference of Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS) and USDA will review the results of the silo study and plan to provide study results in the near future. In addition to the silo study, FDA is funding research activities designed to ensure the continued effectiveness of the federal-state milk safety system. FDA adds it will continue to inform the agency’s public health decisions related to milk safety during this first-of-its-kind outbreak of H5N1 in dairy cattle, and that it remains committed to providing further updates on research efforts. CMN |
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October 11, 2024 |
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WASHINGTON — In August, the United States exported 226,013 metric tons of dairy products, according to the latest data released by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS product group), up 2% from August 2023. U.S. dairy exports in August were valued at just more than $700 million, up 10% from the value exported last August. U.S. dairy product imports (FAS product group) totaled 74,994 metric tons in August, up 9% from dairy imports in August 2023, according to USDA data. These imports were valued at $472.0 million, up 1% from a year ago. U.S. cheese exports in August totaled 42,459 metric tons, up 15% from a year earlier, USDA reports. The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) reports in its U.S. Dairy Exporter Blog that August cheese shipments were bolstered by strong performances across most varieties except for Cheddar. Exports of fresh cheese were up 21% and shredded cheese up 20%, while exports in the “other cheese not elsewhere specified” category rose 31% over last August. Year-over-year Cheddar exports fell by 26% in August as sales to Japan dropped by 60%, USDEC says, adding that domestic Cheddar production has been light in recent months as manufacturers have been favoring other varieties, especially Italian cheeses like Mozzarella. Exports to Mexico, the leading market for U.S. cheese, rose by 17%, while significant gains also were seen in cheese exports to the Middle East/North Africa region, Southeast Asia, and South America and Central America/Caribbean. “The strength of August cheese exports was particularly impressive considering that prices have begun to tick upward,” USDEC notes. “After starting the year on a weak note, cheese prices at the CME began to appreciate in April and have sat above $1.80/lb. since early May.” Meanwhile, U.S. exports of nonfat dry milk and skim milk powder (NDM/SMP) totaled 67,990 metric tons in August, down 1% year-over-year. USDEC reports that U.S. NDM/SMP shipments to Mexico were up 9% to 36,807 metric tons, representing the largest volume ever for the month of August and suggesting that milk powder demand from Mexico has firmed considerably. According to USDA data, U.S. whey exports in August totaled 46,225 metric tons, up 5% from August 2023. Exports in the “other dairy products” category totaled 53,851 metric tons, down 4% from a year earlier. CMN |
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October 11, 2024 |
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WASHINGTON — August U.S. cheese production, excluding cottage cheese, totaled 1.198 billion pounds, up 1.7% from the 1.178 billion pounds of cheese produced in August 2023, according to data released last week by USDA’s Natural Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). (All figures are rounded. Please see CMN’s Dairy Production chart.) August cheese production was up 0.5% from the 1.192 billion pounds produced in July. Italian-type cheese production in August totaled 499.1 million pounds, up 3.1% from August 2023. Production of Mozzarella, the largest component of Italian-type cheese production, totaled 399.7 million pounds in August, up 4.7% from a year earlier. American-type cheese production in August totaled 477.8 million pounds, down 0.3% from August 2023. Production of Cheddar, the largest component of American-type cheese, totaled 322.0 million pounds, down 1.0% from August 2023. Wisconsin was the leading cheese-producing state with 294.4 million pounds produced in August, down 0.9% from August 2023. California followed with 211.1 million pounds produced in August, up 1.8% from a year earlier. U.S. production of butter totaled 159.0 million pounds in August, up 14.5% from August 2023. August butter production was down 3.0% from July’s 164.0 million pounds. California was the leading butter-producing state with 50.0 million pounds produced in August, up 1.7% from August 2023. CMN |
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October 4, 2024 |
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WASHINGTON — U.S. dairy and agricultural stakeholders today welcomed news that the labor strike affecting East and Gulf Coast ports has come to an end, allowing port operations to resume. “On Oct. 3, 2024, USMX (U.S. Maritime Alliance Ltd.) and the ILA (International Longshoremen’s Association) reached a tentative agreement on wages and will extend the master contract until Jan. 15, 2025, to return to the bargaining table to negotiate all other outstanding issues,” says an update on USMX’s and ILA’s websites. In a statement, the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) emphasized the importance of quickly finalizing contract negotiations to provide long-term certainty for U.S. dairy exporters. “We are grateful to the Biden administration for its important role in getting the parties to return to work and resume port operations,” says Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “This is a crucial step in ensuring that U.S. dairy products can continue to reach our international customers. We encourage both sides to continue their negotiations and reach a final agreement that protects the supply chain and strengthens the reliability of American exports.” The dairy industry has been severely affected by the disruptions, as $1.7 billion in dairy exports flow through the East and Gulf coast ports each year. The three-day work stoppage has had ripple effects throughout the export supply chain, with dairy exporters reporting canceled sales and added time and costs to reroute products. “We still need the contract negotiations to conclude swiftly,” notes Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “International customers of U.S. dairy products need certainty that their orders will arrive on time, and dairy producers can’t afford further disruptions.” Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), also expressed relief that the parties have reached a tentative agreement and terminals and ports soon will resume full operations. “While the strike lasted just three days, IDFA members had to reroute and front-load shipments since early September due to concerns that a strike might occur, and truck rates increased as companies were stocking inventory for the holiday season. In addition, it will take weeks to clear the backlog caused by the strike,” Dykes says. “IDFA thanks the administration for listening to the concerns of the dairy industry and for weighing in on the negotiations. We urge the administration to remain actively engaged to avoid facing similar disruptions as we enter the New Year.” Nearly 50,000 members of the ILA went on strike earlier this week after a previous labor contract expired. Work stoppages impacted ocean freight at gateways across the U.S. East and Gulf coasts. The strikes also could have had major implications for U.S. agricultural imports and exports. About 46% of containerized agricultural exports (16.6 million tons) depart through East Coast ports. Looking at a product-by-product breakdown, about 30% of all waterborne dairy exports route through ports that were impacted by the strike, according to the latest issue of “The Dairy Bar,” a biweekly report from Ever.Ag in partnership with IDFA. To circumnavigate port closures, many importers ordered goods early and/or rerouted containers to West Coast ports. However, with the Panama Canal still recovering from drought, conflict in the Red Sea and congestion due to increased shipping activity, West Coast shipping rates are climbing. As a result, some shippers halted eastbound exports altogether rather than reroute. “While there is a risk of shortages of some items, the United States is fortunate that it can meet its nutritional needs without importing food. America’s farmers grow a diverse range of food items that ensure the nation’s food independence. Rest assured, America’s food supply is strong, and store shelves will continue to be stocked with domestically raised products,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall upon release of AFBF’s projections. Duvall also noted the farm bill extension expired at the same time the dockworkers strike began. Farmers and ranchers are focused on growing the food, fiber and fuel that families depend on, but they’re working under a cloud of uncertainty as several safety net programs designed to help them survive tough times begin to sunset, he said. CMN |
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2024 WDE championship dairy contest auction raises $51,900 |
October 4, 2024 |
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MADISON, Wis. — More than 160 dairy industry stakeholders from across North America raised more than $50,000 Tuesday night at the World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest Auction, hosted by the Wisconsin Dairy Products Association (WDPA). First-place winners among more than 1,300 entries from 30 states were auctioned off, with proceeds going to support WDPA scholarship programs and fighting food insecurity. “This evening is not only a celebration of excellence in dairy craftsmanship but also a reminder of the critical role the dairy industry plays in our communities,” says Amy Winters, WDPA executive director. “We are proud to support the next generation of dairy professionals and to extend the reach of nutritious dairy products to those facing food insecurity. “This event is truly a reflection of the passion and pride that drives our industry,” Winters adds. “Seeing so many people come together, not just to celebrate excellence, but to give back to our communities, makes this night so special. As part of our contest, in addition to our scholarships and work with the Milk Fund, we also donate entry products to food pantries and Senior Centers ensuring that nothing is wasted, and we are able to provide the entrants’ incredible products with as many people as possible.” This year, auction lots were bid on at a flat rate rather than a per-pound basis. Auction lots and winning bids are as follows: • Lot 1: Mozzarella Medley — Vivolac Cultures Corp. purchased Low Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella made by Foremost Farms, Appleton, Wisconsin; Fresh Mozzarella Medallions made by Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, Waterloo, Wisconsin; and LMPS Mozzarella Cheese Whips made by Ron’s Wisconsin Cheese, Luxemburg, Wisconsin, for $1,250. • Lot 2: Artisanal Cheese Board Staples — Dairy Connection purchased Colby, Monterey Jack made by Pennland Pure, Hancock, Maryland; Baby Swiss Wheel made by Prairie Farms Dairy, Shullsburg, Wisconsin; and Reserve Gouda made by Pleasant Lane Farms Creamery LLC, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, for $2,000. • Lot 3: Gourmet Italian Cheese Selection — Nelson-Jameson purchased Cello Artisan Traditional • Lot 4: Cheddar Connoisseur’s Collection (this lot was auctioned in three parts): 4a: Galloway Co. purchased Cheddar made by Foremost Farms USA, Marshfield, Wisconsin, for $4,750. 4b: Excel Engineering purchased Sharp Cheddar made by Southeastern Grocers, Jacksonville, Florida, for $1,500. 4c: dsm-firmenich purchased Aged Cheddar made by Masters Gallery Foods Inc., Plymouth, Wisconsin, for $2,250. • Lot 5: Specialty Cheese Showcase — Excel Engineering purchased Roth Grand Cru Original Wheel made by Emmi Roth, Stoughton, Wisconsin; Butterkase made by Widmer’s Cheese Cellars Inc., Theresa, Wisconsin; and Havarti Cheese Shred made by Masters Gallery Foods Inc., Plymouth, Wisconsin, for $1,500. • Lot 6: Smoked Cheese Delights — Masters Gallery Foods purchased Double-Smoked Natural Havarti and Naturally Oven-Smoked Processed Swiss made by Global Foods International Inc., Schiller Park, Illinois, and Cello Artisan Smoky Pepper Hand Rubbed Fontal made by Lake Country Dairy/Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, for $2,500. • Lot 7: Bold Flavors Assortment — Masters Gallery Foods purchased Heat Treated Gorgonzola Cheese made by Prairie Farms Dairy, Mindoro, Wisconsin; Natural Habanero Jack Cubes made by Global Foods • Lot 8: Mexican Flavor — Ever.Ag purchased President Pub Jalapeno & Cheddar Spreadable Cheese made by Lactalis American Group, Merrill, Wisconsin; Chipotle Crema Mexicana made by Sigma Darlington Plant, Darlington, Wisconsin; and La Vaquita Queso Fresco made by Castro Cheese Co. Inc., Houston, for $1,250. • Lot 9: Artisan Goat Cheese and Spreads — Hydrite purchased Humble Goat Honey Chevre made by Stickney Hill Dairy, Rockville, Minnesota; Traditional Mascarpone made by Lake Country Dairy/Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin; and President Spreadable Cheese Wedges made by Lactalis American Group, Merrill, Wisconsin, for $1,500. • Lot 10: Cream Cheese and Dips Variety — Kerry purchased Cream Cheese made by Prairie Farms-Luana Cheese Plant, Luana, Iowa; Ranch Dip made by Kemps, Cedarburg, Wisconsin; and French Onion Dip made by Prairie Farms Dairy, Carbondale, Illinois, for $2,000. • Lot 11: Cheese Curd Extravaganza — Kelman Consulting purchased Yellow Cheese Curds made by Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, Waterloo, Wisconsin, and Pepper Cheese Curds made by Nasonville Dairy Inc., Marshfield, Wisconsin, for $1,750. • Lot 12: Cottage Cheese Compilation — T.C. Jacoby & Co. purchased Cottage Cheese made by Belfonte Ice Cream, Kansas City, Missouri; 2% Small Curd Cottage Cheese made by Prairie Farms Dairy, Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Cottage Cheese with Pineapple Small Curd made by Kemps-DFA, Rockford, Illinois, for $1,700. • Lot 13: Ricotta and Feta Fusion — Socius Ingredients purchased Low Fat Ricotta and Whole Milk Ricotta made by Lactalis American Group, Buffalo, New York, and Feta in Brine made by Nasonville Dairy Inc., Marshfield, Wisconsin, for $1,000. • Lot 14: Cultured Dairy Delights — Vivolac Cultures Corp. purchased Cultured Sour Cream made by Umpqua Dairy, Roseburg, Oregon; Lite Sour Cream made by Hiland Dairy, Omaha, Nebraska; and Full Fat Mexican Sour Cream made by Saputo Dairy Foods USA, Tulare, California; for $1,000. • Lot 15: Greek Yogurt Gourmet — Nelson-Jameson purchased Labne Greek Yogurt and Parmalat Cremoso Heavenly Honey Greek Yogurt made by Central Valley Cheese Inc., Turlock, California, and Upstate Farms Vanilla Greek Yogurt made by Upstate Niagara Cooperative, West Seneca, New York, for $1,750. • Lot 16: Flavored Yogurt Perfection — Excel Engineering purchased Vanilla 3% Yogurt made by Prairie Farms Dairy, Quincy, Illinois; Blueberry Yogurt and Strawberry Yogurt made by Belfonte Ice Cream, Kansas City, Missouri; and Black Cherry Yogurt made by Hiland Dairy Foods, Wichita, Kansas; for $1,000. • Lot 17: You Butter Not Miss This Lot of Butter — AgSource purchased Salted Butter made by Danish Creamery, • Lot 18: Gourmet Flavored Butter Duo — Nelson-Jameson purchased Bourbon Butter Brickle made by Associated Milk Producers Inc., New Ulm, Minnesota, and Von Slick’s Finishing Touch made by Von Slick’s Inc., Middlebro, Manitoba, for $1,300. • Lot 19: Vanilla Ice Cream Trio — Grassland Dairy purchased Vanilla Ice Cream made by Lochmead Dairy, Junction City, Oregon, and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and French Vanilla Ice Cream made by Umpqua Dairy, Roseburg, Oregon, for $1,000. • Lot 20: Chocolate Ice Cream Duo — Excel Engineering purchased Zanzibar Chocolate Ice Cream made by Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Co., Madison, Wisconsin, and Premium Chocolate Ice Cream made by Schnuck Markets Inc., St. Louis, for $1,250. • Lot 21: Cookie and Brownie Ice Cream Delights — Hydrite purchased Brownie Batter Cookie Dough Ice Cream made by Hudsonville Ice Cream, Holland, Michigan, and Mint Cookie Crumble Ice Cream made by Stewart’s Shops Corp., Saratoga Springs, New York, for $1,000. • Lot 22: Nutty and Caramel Ice Cream Collection — Masters Gallery Foods purchased PB Ice Cream made by Schnuck Markets Inc., St. Louis; Caramel Collision Ice Cream made by Cedar Crest Ice Cream, Cedarburg, Wisconsin; and Toasted Coconut Ice Cream made by Hudsonville Ice Cream, Holland, Michigan, for $2,000. • Lot 23: Frozen Yogurt and Gelato Duo — Vivolac Cultures Corp. purchased Cookies & Cream Frozen Yogurt made by Southeastern Grocers, Jacksonville, Florida, and Chocolate Gelato made by Gelatissimo USA, Houston, for $1,000. • Lot 24: Fruity Treats — Kelman Consulting purchased Mango Dragonfruit Sherbet made by Stewart’s Shops Corp., Saratoga Springs, New York; Strawberry Ice Cream made by Southeastern Grocers, Jacksonville, Florida; and Peach Smoothie made by Hiland Dairy, Chandler, Oklahoma, for $900. • Lot 25: Fall Harvest — Vivolac Cultures Corp. purchased Harvest Chipper Ice Cream made by Whitey’s Ice Cream, Moline, Illinois; Wisconsin Campfire Smores Ice Cream made by Cedar Crest Ice Cream, Cedarburg, Wisconsin; and Pecan Cereal Smoothie made by Hiland Dairy, Chandler, Oklahoma, for $1,000. • Lot 27: Grade A Grand Champion — Grassland Dairy purchased Charlie’s Old Time Buttermilk made by Turner Dairy Farms, • Lot 28: Butter and Cheese Grand Champion — Vivolac Cultures Corp. purchased Cello Maple Mascarpone made by Lake Country Dairy/Schuman Cheese, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, for $4,000. 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October 4, 2024 |
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DENVER — As milk composition has evolved over the years, focus on milk components, not just milk production, would give a more accurate projection of dairy product output, according to a new report from CoBank, “Why Milk Components Matter More Than Milk Production.” The U.S. dairy industry long has relied on monthly milk production data from USDA to track the trajectory of milk supplies available for processing and to project potential dairy product output, CoBank notes. Historically, falling milk production from dairy farms would signal a decline in supplies of both fluid milk and the key solid milk components used to produce cheese, butter and other dairy foods. Production volumes of farmgate milk and the components in that milk trended closely together for decades. As a market indicator, tightening milk supplies potentially could curtail dairy processors’ growth or expansion plans. That dynamic has changed, however, as the composition of milk produced in the United States has evolved to steadily include more butterfat and protein content. While U.S. milk production has slowed in recent years, key milk components used to make many of the most popular solid dairy products have climbed. Recent dairy production data accentuates the trend. Through September 2024, U.S. milk production on a milk volume basis has declined for 14 consecutive months. Meanwhile, butterfat and protein production has grown in 12 of those same months. According to the report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the decoupling of fluid milk production and milk component production represents an important paradigm shift for the industry given growing consumer demand for manufactured dairy products. More than 80% of U.S. milk production goes into dairy food products that rely on milk components, while less than 20% goes into the fluid beverage category. Considering the significance of these changes in U.S. milk composition and consumer demand, the report suggests the dairy industry would benefit from a more comprehensive monthly report from USDA that includes milk, protein and butterfat production levels. “USDA’s Milk Production reports have been the gold standard for tracking milk available for processing since 1924,” says Corey Geiger, lead dairy economist with CoBank. “However, changes in milk composition have made the report incomplete when it comes to understanding whether production is growing or declining, and by how much. A more robust report including milk components as well as fluid milk production data would be informative to producers, processors and retailers from a planning and risk management standpoint.” At $76 billion in annual U.S. sales, dairy is the largest category in retail grocery, according to data from Circana. However, dairy product sales look much different than in generations past. CoBank explains growth in the category is being driven by manufactured dairy products such as cheese, whey, butter, yogurt, ice cream and other products that depend heavily on milk components such as protein and butterfat and not the fluid portion. The shift in consumption patterns means that milk solids, not milk volume, matter more to most dairy processors. Cheese is a prime example of a product that had benefited from milk’s growing component yields. In 2010, 100 pounds of milk from the typical U.S. dairy farm yielded 10.1 pounds of cheese. Fast forward to 2023, 100 pounds of milk yields 11.2 pounds of cheese. That 10.8% improvement is product yield driven by higher butterfat and protein content, according to the report. Domestic markets aren’t the only category experiencing these shifts. Manufactured dairy products dominate the growing export opportunities for U.S. dairy and create more demand for milk components. Opportunities for growth both at home and abroad are among the reasons domestic and international dairy processors are investing more than $7 billion in new dairy processing capacity in the coming years. Several factors have fueled the rising levels of protein and butterfat in the U.S. milk supply, and chief among them are the Milk Component Pricing provisions that established values for 92% of the nation’s milk, the report says. Combined with soaring consumer demand for cheese, dairy producers have been increasingly incentivized to shift management strategies that would result in higher milk component levels. Geiger acknowledges that reframing the monthly Milk Production report to include protein and butterfat data would be a difficult and time-consuming endeavor for USDA, given the complexities of how that data currently is tracked. However, given the apparent permanence of shifting dairy production, processing and consumption patterns, the effort would be well-placed and well-received. “Long-term, the collective U.S. dairy industry would benefit from an updated system that collects more component data and reports that data in a timely fashion,” Geiger says. “That’s important to the dairy industry because consumers both at home and abroad continue to eat more milk solids found in manufactured dairy products and drink less fluid milk with each passing year.” The full report is available at www.cobank.com/web/cobank/knowledge-exchange/dairy/why-milk-components-matter-more-than-milk-production. CMN |
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September 27, 2024 |
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By Taylor Froelich MADISON, Wis. — As dairy companies continue to innovate to provide diverse products for American consumers, lactose-free products have been growing in popularity. Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) recently released statistics on consumer trends for lactose-free dairy products. In the 52 weeks ending Aug. 11, 2024, 23% of U.S. households purchased lactose-free milk. This amounts to approximately $2.8 billion in consumer spending and 295 million gallons purchased at retail. Lactose-free milk made up 16% of the share of milk dollar sales and 8.4% share of milk volume in the past year. Additionally, lactose-free milk has seen 13.6% dollar growth compared to the previous 52 weeks (ending Aug. 11, 2023) and a 10.4% increase in volume growth. Lactose-free products expand beyond just milk. Some traditional dairy products naturally feature less lactose, and may better suit lactose-intolerant consumers. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) notes butter has only trace amounts of lactose. Yogurt has much less lactose than milk, and many varieties of cheese including Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella and Swiss are low-lactose. Kefir is lower-lactose than milk, and through the fermentation process includes probiotics to help with lactose digestion. According to DMI, Darigold introduced a line of lactose-free dairy creamers in late 2023, Organic Valley followed suit with a lactose-free dairy creamer in mid-2024, and Too Good introduced a zero sugar, no lactose yogurt in 2024 as well. Prairie Farms Dairy introduced new lines of lactose-free cottage cheese, sour cream and family-sized gallons of milk this spring and summer. The company began offering lactose-free milk in half-gallon cartons about six years ago, says Darin Copeland, public relations manager for Prairie Farms Dairy. After listening to customer requests and seeing the growing demand for lactose-free dairy products, Prairie Farms expanded its lineup to include items in addition to milk, he adds. Hiland Dairy also recently released several lactose-free products, including sour cream, cottage cheese and fresh lactose-free milk. “These products are crafted to retain the same great taste and texture as traditional dairy products while being easier to digest for those who are lactose intolerant,” says Sarah Carey, marketing manager for Hiland Dairy Foods Co. Hiland originally introduced ultra-high-temperature (UHT) treated lactose-free milk several years ago, adding its sour cream and cottage cheese offerings this year in July followed by fresh lactose-free milk in August. Hiland’s fresh lactose-free milk is produced daily and delivered to stores within 48 hours of production, in line with the company’s commitment to quality and freshness. “The lactose-free dairy products at Hiland Dairy are made by adding the lactase enzyme, which helps break down lactose into more digestible sugars. The process does not affect the nutritional profile of the products, which still provide all the essential nutrients found in traditional dairy products, such as calcium, protein and other vitamins,” Carey says. Prairie Farms’ lactose-free milk, cottage cheese and sour cream likewise offer the same nutritional value as their regular dairy counterparts. Dairy is an important source of 13 essential nutrients, including three of the four identified as a public health concern among Americans in the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. However, it is reported that 89% of Americans under-consume dairy, due to intolerance or availability, the Dietary Guidelines committee report says. “It is estimated that around 120 million people in the United States are lactose-sensitive, including 85% of the African-American population,” Copeland says. NMPF shares that lactose-free milk solves tolerance issues for most people. However, awareness of lactose-free options is low in certain populations, which shows a need for education. “Introducing lactose-free options is part of our broader strategy to cater to diverse dietary needs, aligning with health trends and evolving nutritional habits,” Carey says. Prairie Farms and Hiland have engaged in a variety of marketing campaigns to educate consumers on the benefits and availability of lactose-free dairy products. Prairie Farms created a landing page (www.prairiefarms.com/lactosefree-products/) featuring lactose-free recipes, coupons and a promotional video. “We are also promoting our new lactose-free products on Prairie Farms’ social media platforms, using social media influencers and digital advertising,” says Copeland. Additionally, product promotional videos were distributed to the company’s sports marketing partners at football stadiums and basketball gyms around the Midwest. Hiland Dairy promotes its offerings through various marketing campaigns, including partnerships with influencers who create recipes using the new products. Marketing includes social media channels, product coupons and recipes at www.HilandDairy.com. Prairie Farms Dairy also offers a lactose-free chocolate milk in half-gallon cartons. “With regards to expansion plans for lactose-free products, we are always listening and responding to consumer preferences,” Copeland says. CMN |
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Checkoff leaders discuss best ways to communicate value |
September 27, 2024 |
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By Rena Archwamety SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Checkoff organizations need to listen to farmers, communicate their results and connect to the public, according to panelists at a webinar, “Defending the Checkoff: Communicating the Value of Checkoffs to Farmers,” hosted this week by Paulsen, a marketing agency specializing in agricultural and rural sectors. Speakers at Tuesday’s webinar included checkoff leaders in the dairy, pecan, pork and soybean industries. The session was moderated by Matt Merritt, director of public relations at Paulsen, who works with commodity groups. United Soybean Board (USB) CEO Lucas Lentsch, who formerly held executive positions at Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) and Midwest Dairy, explained that it is important for checkoffs to be the connection between farmers, consumers and other industry partners to create a strong value. “It’s incumbent on us to make sure we are the bastion of farmers’ voices in the marketplace,” he says. “We’re working with and through partners in the industry, and it’s important for us to be that connectivity. We’ve done some research on our 10-, 15- and 20-year return. At the end of the day, the question is, ‘Would you miss us if we were gone?’ Wholeheartedly, the answer is yes, they would.” Joanna Hunter, group executive vide president and head of farmer relations at DMI, said the dairy checkoff works through national and local organizations to tell the full story of the farmer, strengthen relationships and build trust. To do this, the first step is to go out and talk to farmers — one-on-one, in small groups and on a larger scale through visits, trade shows, dinners or mass communication. “When we went out and talked to the farmers, we wanted to know, “What resonates with you, and where do you see value in the checkoff? We got these unscripted messages to share with other farmers, and it helps when it’s coming from another trusted source like a farmer,” she said. The farmers want to know results, so much of the checkoff’s communication is data-driven, Hunter noted. In order to help clearly communicate the results of its unified marketing plan at local and national levels, DMI recently unveiled a new farmer-focused website, www.dairycheckoff.com. (See “Dairy Checkoff unveils new website” in last week’s issue of Cheese Market News.) “We launched dairycheckoff.com for farmers, and had done quite a few test groups,” Hunter explained. “The website is categorized around how farmers think about what the checkoff does. It allows farmers to go a lot deeper into things they care about — something we heard from our farmers that they wanted. This is a new vehicle where we can reach them, and where they can get deeper information.” The Pecan Promotion Board, a relatively newer checkoff that just started in 2021, has used its resources to develop online tools — such as a research library, marketing insights and campaign resources — to help the pecan industry with marketing and promotion. Warden also explained the three major challenges she sees for checkoff organizations. “In this influencer age, why do they need a centralized marketing force? What can we do that they can’t do on their own? We can help form partnerships, and invest in research,” she said. “Two, farmers are squeezed financially, so what makes programs a sound investment for them? We have to shift from just growing volume to what supports higher prices for growers. Three, resources still are really thin, so we have to make sure our growers know we’re scrappy. We spend every day putting work into action, and fast.” Bill Even, CEO of the National Pork Board, said checkoffs need to act as “servant leaders” for their producers. “We communicate, coordinate and collaborate with different checkoff industries or associations. Don’t duplicate — efficiency is very important,” he says. Outreach from the pork checkoff to its members spans a range of mediums, from social media and text messages, to digital ads and a print newsletter, to a podcast and farm radio during harvest time. Farmers are busy, so it is important to provide convenient opportunities for them to opt in, Even says. “We take an omnichannel approach, and are very deliberate with both consumers and producers,” he says. “We’re encouraging consistent communication, and measure our metrics on the performance of our communication outreach.” An important message to communicate to farmers is the value of the checkoff’s communication with consumers, Even adds. “First, through a consumer lens, we have the ability to microtarget someone in a particular aisle in a grocery store. The digital universe is where we operate extensively. Everyone carries a smartphone in their pocket.” Farmers are no different, he explains. “When in their field, they will listen to a podcast, check markets, make a phone call or get a bit of video — people like the interactive video component,” Even says. “Reaching them on these platforms is important, and coming from a producer or someone who knows the industry. We’ve also found success in having influencers talk about the consumer point of view.” With all the outreach options, in-person communication remains invaluable. Warden says the pecan checkoff likes to be out there, talking directly to farmers and telling the big picture of what it is trying to achieve for them. “We give tangible examples,” she says. “We hope to grow, thrive and better serve the agricultural community and farmers who put food on the table.” CMN |
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August milk production slightly up from 2023 in major states |
September 27, 2024 |
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WASHINGTON — Milk production in the 24 major milk-producing states in August totaled 18.08 billion pounds, up 0.1% from NASS reports July’s revised production for the 24 major states totaled 18.17 billion pounds, down 1 million pounds or less than 0.1% from last month’s preliminary production estimate. August production per cow in the 24 major states averaged 2,036 pounds, up 8 pounds from August 2023 and down 11 pounds from July. For the entire United States, production per cow in August is estimated at 2,018 pounds, up 8 pounds from August 2023 and down 10 pounds from June. NASS reports the number of milk cows on farms in the 24 major states was 8.88 million head in August, down 28,000 head from August 2023 and unchanged from July. In the entire United States, there were an estimated 9.33 million milk cows in August, down 40,000 cows from August 2023 and unchanged from July. California led the nation’s milk production in August with 3.37 billion pounds of milk, up 2% from August 2023. Wisconsin followed with 2.67 billion pounds of milk produced in August, down 2.3% from August 2023. CMN |
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Today's Cheese Spot Trading |
Cheese Production U.S. Total Aug. 1.198 bil. lbs. Milk Production U.S. Total Aug. 18.815 bil. lbs. |
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