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WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2025—America’s dairy processors are responding to surging demand for their products by investing more than $11 billion in new and expanded manufacturing capacity across 19 states, according to data released today by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). With U.S. milk production expected to grow 15 billion pounds by the end of […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. 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: Changing Consumer Food Trends; California’s Milk Output; and Halloween Spending in a Minute! Quick Bites: California […]

Subscribe now to listen on your favorite podcast platform Apple Podcasts |  Spotify | RSS | YouTube What’s shaping the future of organic dairy products? How has demand for organic evolved and how has the marketplace changed? What are the challenges and opportunities faced by organic producers?  This week on The Dairy Download, we are joined by experts with […]

By Matt Herrick, IDFA Executive Vice President, Chief Impact Officer October is National Manufacturing Month—a time to spotlight American jobs, innovation, and investment. U.S. manufacturing is an enduring and ever-evolving sector that contributes $2.9 trillion to the U.S. economy, employs nearly 12.9 million American workers, and accounts for 11 percent of the nation’s GDP. While […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. 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: Corn and Soybean Harvest Update; Current Beef Prices; and Butter in a Minute! Quick Bites: Ground […]

By Becky Rasdall Vargas, IDFA Senior Vice President, Trade and Workforce Policy September 16, 2025 Today, IDFA is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by reflecting on the intersection of careers in the United States and the experiences of individuals from diverse cultures—particularly Hispanic cultures—as they navigate professional opportunities. This is also a very personal […]

About Haskell Haskell is a global Design, Engineering, Construction, and Consulting firm. We deliver integrated solutions across 16 markets, including a dedicated focus on Dairy. Our in-house multidisciplinary team provides site and facility design, construction, process, packaging, and utilities system design and integration. We offer automation and controls integration, material handling, ASRS, cold storage, and […]

Subscribe now to listen on your favorite podcast platform Apple Podcasts |  Spotify | RSS | YouTube How is the dairy industry evolving? What challenges and opportunities are dairy farmers and processors facing today? How are policy decisions being made in Washington, D.C. affecting the industry nationwide? This week on The Dairy Download, we are joined by Michael Dykes, […]

WASHINGTON, September 9, 2025—Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, issued the following statement today on the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission’s Make Our Children Healthy Again strategy report: “IDFA appreciates that the MAHA Commission’s strategy recognizes milk and other dairy foods as wholesome, nutrient-dense options that play a […]

J. David Carlin, senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy for the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), recently announced his plans to retire at the end of 2025 following nearly four decades in leadership positions across the food and agriculture sector, including 11 years with IDFA. The association has begun a national search for Mr. Carlin’s successor to lead IDFA’s Government Relations team.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. 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: Update on New World Screwworm; Coffee Prices on the Rise; and Consumer Spending in a Minute! […]

Subscribe now to listen on your favorite podcast platform Apple Podcasts |  Spotify | RSS | YouTube What is driving consumer demand for beef? What role are dairy-beef crosses playing in the beef market now and in the future? What is being done to improve the productivity of dairy-beef animals? This week on The Dairy Download, we are joined by […]

Women’s Equality Day, celebrated each year on August 26, marks the anniversary of the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Established by Congress in 1971, the day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made as a nation, and the work still ahead to achieve gender […]

WASHINGTON, August 21, 2025— Today, the White House published a joint statement announcing a United States-European Union Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade. The statement includes commitments that Europe will liberalize U.S. dairy trade in a manner that marks the first measurable progress in transatlantic dairy trade in 10 years. For European imports into […]

WASHINGTON, August 20, 2025 – IDFA provided feedback on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposed reorganization plan. As the leading voice of the U.S. dairy manufacturing industry, IDFA and its members rely on a close, collaborative working relationship with USDA agency officials to ensure the continued growth and success of a vital sector of […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. 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: Changes in Grocery Store Costs; U.S. Employment Trends; and Quick Service Restaurant Sales in a Minute! […]

Subscribe now to listen on your favorite podcast platform Apple Podcasts |  Spotify | RSS | YouTube Pizza and dairy go hand in hand. What cheese trends are popular in the pizza world? What are pizzeria operators looking for in terms of pizza cheese? What is in store for the future of pizza? This week on The Dairy Download, […]

WASHINGTON, August 18, 2025 – IDFA provided comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the tool for the prioritization of food chemicals for post-market assessment. IDFA supports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s efforts to implement a proactive, robust, transparent post market assessment program for ingredients intentionally added to food and unavoidable […]

Nominations now open for 2026 IDFA Laureate, Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year, Food Safety Leadership, and Workplace of the Year WASHINGTON, August 15, 2025—The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is seeking nominations for four top awards presented annually to leaders in the dairy industry. Nominations open today and close on Friday, Oct. 31. Winners […]

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2025—The nation’s school milk processors have reduced added sugars by nearly 60% in flavored milk products sold at schools as a result of a voluntary, industry-led effort. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today announced the results of the Healthy School Milk Commitment launched in April 2023 by 37 school milk processors […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. 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: Protein Product Demand on the Rise; U.S. Dairy Milk Production Update; and Back-to-School in a Minute! […]

Subscribe now to listen on your favorite podcast platform Apple Podcasts |  Spotify | RSS | YouTube Ice cream consumers today are chasing bold flavors, cleaner labels, and nostalgic experiences. How do consumer trends impact flavor and product development? Where is the future of ice cream heading? How will the supply chain react to new demands? This week on The […]

WASHINGTON, August 4, 2025—The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today announced the selection of 30 outstanding professionals from IDFA member companies to join the seventh cohort of the NextGen Leadership Program, a premier, year-long program designed to develop the dairy industry’s next generation of senior leadership. Cohort 7 was selected based on their experience and […]

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is excited to announce that registration for Dairy Forum 2026 opens today.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. 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: Cheese Grating is Having a Moment; Immigration Impacts Growth and Spending; and Summer Travel in a […]

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The United States and Indonesia announced an agreement that is expected to result in significantly reduced tariff access for U.S. dairy exports to Indonesia. The agreement also eliminates facility registration requirements that have long hindered U.S. dairy exports to Indonesia. This announcement represents the greatest opportunity for tariff reductions to Southeast Asia for U.S. dairy exports since the entry into force of U.S. – Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) in 2012.

Subscribe now to listen on your favorite podcast platform Apple Podcasts |  Spotify | RSS | YouTube Butterfat levels continue to climb in the nation’s dairy herd. How is domestic demand impacting this trend? What nutritional factors move the needle when it comes to producing more butterfat? What can the dairy industry do to utilize this extra butterfat? Listen to […]

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2025—The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) congratulates Dr. Julie Callahan on her nomination to serve as the Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). “There could be no better choice for USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator than Dr. Julie Callahan,” said IDFA President and CEO, Michael Dykes, D.V.M. […]

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2025—For generations, ice cream has been a beloved indulgence woven into American culture, communities, and celebrations. Now, a new voluntary effort led by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) in partnership with America’s ice cream makers promises to eliminate certified artificial colors from ice cream products made with real milk by Dec. […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. 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: Hydrating with Fluid Milk; Consumer Spending Trends; and New Zealand Milk Output in a Minute! Quick […]

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2025—The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and Ever.Ag are excited to announce that registration for the fourth annual DairyTech conference opens today. The event will bring together industry leaders, innovators and experts to explore the latest innovations in food and beverage supply chains—from farm to road to plant. This year’s agenda is […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. 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: Changes in the U.S. Job Market; Dollar Store Consumer Shopping Trends; and Independence Day Spending in […]

Subscribe now to listen on your favorite podcast platform Apple Podcasts |  Spotify | RSS | YouTube Where is the industry seeing increases in dairy processing capacity? What factors are driving this change? How are dairy farmers responding to this growth in demand?  Listen to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to hear from two guests who are […]

WASHINGTON, June 12, 2025—Thousands of ice cream enthusiasts—including members of Congress, federal officials, and Capitol Hill staff—came together yesterday at the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) 41st Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party. Held at Union Square Park on Capitol Hill, the popular summertime celebration provided attendees with America’s favorite and newest ice cream flavors, […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. 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: Dairy Delivers for the American Economy; Consumer Fitness Spending; and Butter Markets in a Minute! Quick […]

IDFA’s NextGen Leadership Program is a year-long, multi-faceted program that supports mid- to senior-level dairy professionals in developing the skills and relationships needed to lead and advocate for the industry. Through a combination of leadership training, peer networking, and industry engagement, participants are prepared to meet today’s business challenges and shape the future of dairy. […]

IDFA’s Dairy Delivers® Shows U.S. Dairy Industry Supports Over 3 Million American Jobs, Drives Nearly $780 Billion in Economic Impact WASHINGTON, June 9, 2025—Today, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) released the updated Dairy Delivers® report, reaffirming the U.S. dairy industry’s immense contributions to the nation’s economy and quality of life for American families and […]

About Double H Plastics Double H Plastics has been a leader in packaging since 1985, supplying consumer packaged goods companies with state of the art solutions and pioneering the development of composite lids for a variety of food packaging applications. Their complete line of packaging solutions consists of composite lids, formed paperboard cups, thin wall […]

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2025—Several thousand White House employees and Administration appointees were treated to delicious ice cream novelties this afternoon at the White House Summer Social—an appreciation event on the White House Lawn thrown by the Trump Administration for administration officials. Members of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) donated more than 4,600 novelties for […]

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2025—The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry House today passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in 2025—a bill that would allow for whole (3.25%) and reduced-fat (2%) milk to once again be served in school cafeterias—by voice vote with no objections. Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the […]

Dairy is a uniquely American industry—rooted in generations of family tradition, community, culture and economic strength. Across all 50 states, dairy is more than a food group—it’s a way of life. From family-run farms and businesses to the jobs and nutrition the industry provides, dairy runs deep in our history, our economy, and our communities. […]

WASHINGTON, May 28, 2025—Becky Rasdall Vargas, Senior Vice President of Trade and Workforce Policy with the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), released the following statement today recognizing a new streamlined approval process for U.S. dairy exports to Costa Rica. “On behalf the U.S. dairy industry, IDFA celebrates the announcement today by the U.S. Department of […]

The Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive Project titled “Add Milk!” provides SNAP participants with a 50% discount on nutrient-dense, non-fat and low-fat (1%) milk. ATKINS, Ark., May 28, 2025—A nutrition incentive program that helps low-income families purchase nutritious milk is expanding to 21 grocery stores across Arkansas. Houchens Food Group, throughout its grocery store locations, will […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. 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: Consumer Credit Update; Butterfat on the Rise; and the Summer Grilling Season in a Minute! Quick […]

U.S. dairy farmers, processors, and the entire dairy supply chain share the MAHA Commission’s goal to reduce childhood chronic disease, and at IDFA we’re taking bold action alongside the federal government to ensure every child can access and benefit from dairy nutrition. In the past two years alone, dairy food companies have committed to reducing added sugar and removing certified artificial colors in dairy products served in schools. Appealing to all consumers, dairy companies are offering wholesome new products rich in nutrients, lower in added sugar, and higher in protein, while reducing or removing lactose and extending shelf life.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. 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: Drops in Restaurant Sales; Comparing Food Inflation and Wages; and Passport to Europe in a Minute! […]

WASHINGTON, May 8, 2025—Michael Dykes, D.V.M., the president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, issued the following statement today on the news that the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom are close to releasing the details of a broad trade deal: “On behalf of America’s dairy processors and producers, IDFA […]

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2025—Washington’s most popular summer celebration will return to the National Mall on June 11! The International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) 41st Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party will bring together thousands of guests, including members of Congress and officials from the executive branch, for a fun event showcasing America’s favorite frozen treats. Whether […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. 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 Dairy Sources Shifting; Consumer Sentiment Continues to Fall; and Cheese in a Minute! Quick Bites: […]

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2025—The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has named Elena Clark as manager, trade and economic policy. Clark will be informing, overseeing and implementing trade policies and economic strategies that support U.S. dairy’s growth and member company priorities. She will report to Becky Rasdall Vargas, senior vice president, trade and workforce policy. Elena […]

Pause in FDA Proficiency Program Does Not Affect Safety or Quality of Milk and Dairy Products WASHINGTON, April 24, 2025—Roberta Wagner, senior vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs at the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), issued the following statement today clarifying a pause in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) lab proficiency testing […]

Dairy food companies are stepping up to make America healthier by announcing a significant commitment that will reshape school meal menus across the nation for 30 million children. Today, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced the IDFA Healthy Dairy in Schools Commitment, a voluntary, proactive pledge to eliminate the use of certified artificial colors in milk, cheese, and yogurt products sold to K-12 schools for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs by the start of the 2026-2027 school year, or July 2026.

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2025—A coalition of 30 agriculture and food organizations submitted a letter this week calling on congressional leaders to ensure support for U.S. membership in the World Trade Organization. The letter emphasizes the importance of global trade to the nation’s farmers and ranchers and the role of rules-based systems to further expansion of […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. 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: Dairy Heifer Numbers; Strong Frozen Pizza Sales; and Easter Spending in a Minute! Quick Bites: Frozen […]

Washington, April 7, 2025 – IDFA sent a letter to leaders in the Ohio Legislature urging them to oppose SB161, a bill that would unfairly restrict SNAP benefits for purchasing America-grown, American-produced milk, dairy and dairy products – harming both Ohio families and the state’s dairy industry.

Washington, March 26, 2025 – IDFA provided comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service on the request for information regarding high-protein yogurt crediting in child nutrition programs.

About Flora Food Group: The next generation of nutritious food Global branded food champion Flora Food Group delivers the next generation of delicious, natural, nutritious food. They offer consumers compelling choices in four growing categories: butters and spreads, creams, liquids and cheeses. They hold leadership positions in many of the 100+ countries we operate in, […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. 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: Liberation Day Is Here; Breakfast Costs Are Rising; and Restaurant Trends in a Minute! Quick Bites: […]

The U.S. dairy industry exports more than $8 billion of high-quality dairy products every year to approximately 145 countries around the world. To meet growing global demand, dairy businesses have invested $8 billion in new processing capacity here in the United States—creating jobs, strengthening rural economies, and positioning America as the world’s leading dairy supplier. This growth depends on strong trade relationships and access to essential ingredients, finished goods, packaging, and equipment to provide Americans with safe, affordable, and nutritious dairy foods and beverages.