News

Representatives from IDFA member ice cream companies flew into Washington, D.C., this week to meet with Members of Congress and their staff to advocate on key dairy industry policy priorities like workforce issues, supply chain challenges, and improving trade access for dairy exporters. The group also showcased the entire ice cream industry at IDFA's 38th Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party.

Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), praised today’s testimony from Mike Durkin, president and CEO of Leprino Foods Company, in front of the House Agriculture Committee. The hearing, “A 2022 Review of the Farm Bill: Dairy Provisions,” featured Durkin alongside other voices in the dairy sector and the federal government, as the House Committee examines strengths and weaknesses in current Farm Bill dairy provisions and other federal policy impacting the dairy industry’s producers, processors, and marketers.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Blimling and Associates, Inc., a dairy research and consulting firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: Inflation and Shrinkflation on the Rise, […]

WASHINGTON, June 22, 2022— Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), released the following statement today on the bipartisan Keep Kids Fed Act that aims to provide healthy meals to children across the country this summer and ensure schools and daycares have the financial resources needed to weather continuing […]

National Ice Cream Month is just around the corner and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has partnered once again with Research America, Inc. to survey America’s love for all things ice cream and frozen desserts. This year’s survey is the most comprehensive to date, polling major national and regional ice cream makers and processors from IDFA’s membership, as well as hundreds of smaller scoop shops and retail ice cream makers from the North American Ice Cream Association, in addition to 1,000 American consumers.

International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) submitted comments regarding the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) proposed rule, “The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors.” IDFA suspects that the proposed SEC rule will act as a barrier to entry for some businesses, especially smaller companies, and the SEC does not account for the financial and market burdens it places on businesses of all sizes with the compressed timeline and additional climate reporting schemes it layers on existing standards.

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act provides real, long-term solutions for the many issues congesting U.S. ports and slowing U.S. dairy exports. The bill places disciplines on ocean carriers’ ability to decline export cargo, meaning more of those empty containers will soon be filled with high-quality, sustainable U.S. dairy foods for consumers around the world.

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2022— Becky Rasdall, Vice President of Trade Policy and International Affairs for the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA), released the following statement today on President Biden’s intent to nominate Doug McKalip as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR): “IDFA is pleased with President Biden’s intent […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Blimling and Associates, Inc., a dairy research and consulting firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: Planting of Crops […]

June is a special and important time of year for our industry. This June Dairy Month, join IDFA in elevating the many ways the dairy industry nourishes people, sustains the environment, innovates for the future, and delivers for communities in the United States and around the world. IDFA will be championing dairy through our advocacy campaigns—Dairy Delivers, Dairy Nourishes, Dairy Sustains, and Dairy Innovates. Each week, we will release new information, products, and resources for you to amplify the many positive aspects of our industry and its benefits to consumers.

The International Dairy Foods Association today applauded the U.S. Government’s announcement that it would once again initiate consultations, the first step in a formal dispute settlement case, over Canada’s continued manipulation of dairy tariff rate quotas (TRQs) in violation of Canada’s commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today announced the return of the annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party to the National Mall on June 22, 2022. The Ice Cream Party has been an essential summertime event for members of Congress, their families, Capitol Hill staff and many other special guests since it began in 1983. However, IDFA did not hold the event in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Blimling and Associates, Inc., a dairy research and consulting firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: Infant Formula Shortages […]

This is Part 3 of 3 of an IDFA series breaking down the SEC’s new climate disclosure rules. Please stay tuned to the IDFA Blog for more on sustainability topics or visit the IDFA Sustainability Hub and check out the new SEC Disclosure resources from IDFA and partner PwC. On March 21, 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) […]

IDFA welcomes the nomination of Stacy Dean to serve as Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNCS), with oversight of critical federal nutrition and feeding programs. Since coming to USDA as Deputy Under Secretary for FNCS in January 2021, Ms. Dean and her staff have always been responsive to the needs and demands of various constituent groups, including the dairy industry. Most important, Ms. Dean has remained collaborative as she and her team steward the programs that make up nearly three-quarters of USDA’s budget. IDFA is confident that, should she be confirmed, Ms. Dean will continue to be a valuable partner to dairy foods makers across the country to improve the important programs under her purview, including school breakfast and lunch, SNAP, WIC, TEFAP, and many more. IDFA recognizes that for many people living in the United States, federal nutrition programs are a lifeline for critical nutrients. IDFA will continue to partner with USDA to look for creative ways to increase access and availability to dairy nutrition.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), speaking on behalf of the full U.S. dairy supply chain, rejects the Government of Canada’s changes to how dairy tariff rate quotas (TRQs) are allocated under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

IDFA is very encouraged to see Alexis Taylor nominated for Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at USDA. Ms. Taylor’s depth of experience in trade issues in previous, senior roles at the Department and presently with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, along with her longstanding commitment to advancing agricultural policy and U.S. exports, make her an ideal nominee for the position. She has been a strong supporter of the U.S. dairy industry and we are confident that, should she be confirmed, Ms. Taylor will continue to advance market opportunities for U.S. dairy around the world. We strongly urge the U.S. Senate to expedite a hearing to advance her nomination.

In this IDFA Blog series, we will highlight the major requirements in the SEC proposal that, if finalized, would likely have an impact on the dairy industry.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Blimling and Associates, Inc., a dairy research and consulting firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: War in Ukraine […]

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2022—The Russian invasion of Ukraine has upended global food supply chains, raised prices for inputs, energy, and finished food products, and exacerbated nutrition insecurity in countries around the world. Following a meeting today in the Washington, D.C. offices of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), leaders of the European Dairy Association (EDA) […]

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This is Part 1 of 3 of an IDFA series breaking down the SEC’s new climate disclosure rules. Please stay tuned to the IDFA Blog for more on sustainability topics or visit the IDFA Sustainability Hub and check out the new SEC Disclosure resources from IDFA and partner PwC. On March 21, 2022, the Securities […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Blimling and Associates, Inc., a dairy research and consulting firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: China COVID Policies […]

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2022—The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today celebrates the decision by New York City Mayor Eric Adams to allow New York City public schools to continue to serve nutritious, low-fat and fat-free flavored milk with school meals. The New York Post reported over the weekend that Mayor Adams is “backing off his […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Blimling and Associates, Inc., a dairy research and consulting firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: Restaurant Demand Returns […]

The dairy industry is poised to continue to experience tremendous growth. Taken together, 2020 and 2021 were two of the strongest years on record for dairy sales. However, persistent supply chain issues have made it harder for dairy producers and processors to take advantage of the record demand for dairy both in the U.S. and […]

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The safety of both our people and our products remains the dairy industry’s top priority. That’s why IDFA is pleased to announce a new partnership between our organization and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) to provide the dairy processing industry and the public with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will […]

The Ice Cream Club Inc.’s ‘Purple Daze’ Declared Most Innovative Ice Cream Flavor; ‘Strawberry Cheesecake Twist Cone’ from Wells Enterprises Inc. Takes Home Honor of Most Innovative Ice Cream Novelty BONITA SPRINGS, Fla., March 31, 2022—Innovative ice cream and cultured dairy products inspired by classic comfort food and international flavors shined this week at the […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Blimling and Associates, Inc., a dairy research and consulting firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: Energy Costs Spike […]

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today submitted joint comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service urging the agency to improve nutrition security by updating school meal nutrition standards to encourage increased consumption of dairy in keeping with recommendations from the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) report and with leading health organizations.

Yogurt makers have been waiting 40 years for the FDA to update and modernize the yogurt standard of identity. Today, the FDA issued a notice telling us to keep waiting—and threw in a whole lot of uncertainty, to boot.

WASHINGTON, March 17, 2022—Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, released the following statement today on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Actions on Nutrition Security: “IDFA applauds USDA’s continuing focus on nutrition security and the overall health and wellness of Americans. Our nation’s dairy foods makers are proud to produce […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Blimling and Associates, Inc., a dairy research and consulting firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: Russia’s Invasion of […]

Today, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) began accepting applications for the Dairy Industry Safety Recognition Awards. Now in its 19th year, the awards honor dairy processing facilities and trucking operations for outstanding worker safety performance and management. New this year, IDFA is placing equal weight to an applicant’s essay and statistical data as health and safety experts recommend more emphasis on leading indicators and EHS management as essential components of a worker safety program.

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) responded today to a bipartisan letter from Rep. Antonio Delgado and Members of Congress from New York encouraging New York City Mayor Eric Adams not to eliminate flavored milk from New York City school meals. In the letter, the Members of Congress implore Mayor Adams not to eliminate flavored milk from the New York City school meals program. The letter states: “As Members representing both rural and urban communities, we are committed to supporting the dairy farmers, producers, and agriculture partners across New York, while also ensuring that children in NYC schools have access to critical, life-enhancing nutrients. Unfortunately, for many NYC families, the meals children receive in schools are their only source of many recommended nutrients.”

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2022— On Wednesday the Government of Canada published its plans for complying with U.S. Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) tariff-rate quota (TRQ) commitments after a USMCA dispute panel found them non-compliant in January. Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), said the Canadian plan is a nonstarter. “The […]

Voters in New York City and across the country widely support offering low-fat flavored milk in public school meals, according to a new Morning Consult national tracking poll commissioned by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Blimling and Associates, Inc., a dairy research and consulting firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: Inflation Continues as […]

March is National Nutrition Month, and there is no better time to recognize and celebrate the many ways dairy's essential role in the healthy diets of all ages, from children to those of advanced age.

Merger & Acquisition Advisors for the Cheese & Dairy Industry  Since its inception in 1979, CBS-Global has become one of the oldest and most experienced merger and acquisition firms in the state of Wisconsin.   In the Cheese & Dairy industry, the CBS-Global Advisors work with clients throughout the United States and internationally.  CBS-Global provides the required […]

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the Port of Los Angeles, and CMA CGM — a world leader in shipping and logistics — say the groups are working together to prioritize exports of U.S. dairy products and report significant progress moving cargo to Southeast Asia, South America, and other export destinations. In January, the groups formed the Dairy Exports Working Group to identify and address supply chain issues hampering U.S. dairy product exports. Ongoing discussions, planning, and problem-solving among the organizations have yielded breakthroughs that could lead to long-term solutions for U.S. dairy exports, including moving cargo from the interior of the United States to the West Coast.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Blimling and Associates, Inc., a dairy research and consulting firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: 2021 Was a […]

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2022—Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Robert Califf to lead the Food and Drug Administration: “On behalf of IDFA members who make and distribute healthy and nutritious dairy products throughout the United States, we […]

A family owned business headquartered in the New Orleans, LA., area, DFI represents four generations of service and dedication to the food industry. Diversified Foods Inc.’s nutritious and convenient dairy products are woven into the fabric of daily lives across the United States and well beyond. We have strategic licensed brand partnerships that allow us […]

U.S. dairy exports hit a record $7.66 billion in 2021, outperforming the previous record of $7.08 billion achieved in 2014. Volume also set a new high, reaching 2.69 million metric tons to outpace the previous record of 2.44 million metric tons set in 2020.

WASHINGTON, February 4, 2022—Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, released the following statement today in support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) final rule maintaining low-fat, flavored milk and other needed flexibilities in USDA child nutrition program meal requirements through the 2023-2024 school year: “Today’s announcement from USDA […]

WASHINGTON, February 3, 2022—Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, released the following statement today on introduction of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (S. 3580) by the Senate: “On behalf of the U.S. dairy industry, I want to thank Senators Thune of South Dakota and Klobuchar of Minnesota for introducing […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Blimling and Associates, Inc., a dairy research and consulting firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: Fast Food Prices […]

WASHINGTON, January 31, 2022—Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, released the following statement today on the Biden Administration’s announcement to seek additional capacity at the Port of Oakland and improve service for shippers of U.S. grown agricultural commodities including dairy exports: “On behalf of the businesses throughout the dairy […]

Hildebrand Farms Dairy of Junction City, Kansas, was recognized today as the 2022 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year at the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) Dairy Forum. The award is presented each year by IDFA and Dairy Herd Management magazine. The Hildebrand family has been at the forefront of innovation — from their processing plant to multifaceted industry partnerships to tapping into the A2 milk market. Each advancement has paved a sustainable path of success for this four-generation farm.

Jeremy Travis, Vice President of Quality & Technical Services at Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. received the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) 2022 Food Safety Leadership Award during IDFA’s Dairy Forum today. The award, now in its sixth year, honors an individual, group or organization for demonstrating outstanding leadership directed at enhancing food safety within the dairy products industry.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2022–The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today released a new working paper entitled, Modernizing U.S. Milk Pricing: An Exploration, authored by Dr. Marin Bozic and Blimling and Associates. The study was commissioned by IDFA at the request of the IDFA Economic Policy Committee, a group of more 80 IDFA member company experts […]

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the Port of Los Angeles, and CMA CGM — a world leader in shipping and logistics — announced today the formation of a Dairy Exports Working Group aimed at identifying and addressing supply chain issues hampering U.S. dairy product exports. The group will focus on seaports on the West Coast of the United States, where a majority of dairy products begin their export journey, as well as opportunities to streamline the movement of products from the interior of the United States to the West Coast.

Slides from this presentation can be found here. Michael Dykes, D.V.M. President and CEO, The International Dairy Foods Association  Recorded on January 24, 2022Dairy Forum 2022 It’s so good to see everyone here. Doesn’t it feel good to be in person, finally, after two years? We’re social animals. We like to be together. We like to see […]

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today recognized the remarkable leadership of Ed Mullins, Senior Executive Officer of Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc., and Dan Zagzebski, President & CEO of Great Lakes Cheese, by honoring each with the IDFA Laureate Award during the association’s annual Dairy Forum. Now in its third year, the IDFA Laureate Award is given to a leader in the dairy industry who has made significant, prolonged contributions to the development and growth of dairy. Candidates from across the dairy industry as well as suppliers and academics are eligible, and the awardee is chosen by a panel of industry professionals.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today announced new members of the organization’s Executive Council as well as new directors for the group’s five Industry Segment Boards. IDFA’s Executive Council is composed of executives from across the dairy foods industry and focuses on the business and operations of the association. The five Industry Segment Boards represent fluid milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy-derived ingredients, and are composed of experts and executives who help drive policy and strategy alongside the association’s leadership. Together, the Executive Council and Industry Segment Boards make up IDFA’s governance structure and ensure that IDFA represents and engages all segments of the growing dairy industry in the United States.

Dairy Forum 2022 is bringing together the industry’s top executives for four days of insight, connection and collaboration. The event agenda is packed with networking opportunities, keynotes, and panels featuring leading experts on business, leadership, trade, sustainability, markets, policy, and more. For those who cannot make the industry event of the year, IDFA is pleased […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Blimling and Associates, Inc., a dairy research and consulting firm based in Madison, Wisconsin. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: Workforce Woes as […]

Della Toffola Group is a world leader in the design and construction of technologically advanced solutions for every step in the Food & Beverage process. Through its dairy division, the Group offers processing equipment and full processing lines for dairy production (fluid milk, ESL/UHT, yogurt, soft cheese, whey treatment, CIP and water treatment).  In addition […]