NMPF Delegation Meets with Lawmakers During Annual Washington Fly-In
ARLINGTON, Va. — More than 80 dairy industry representatives from across the United States gathered in Washington this week to urge lawmakers to take action on several key agricultural priorities, including labour reform, trade protections and milk labeling standards.
The advocacy effort, organized by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), included meetings with approximately 100 congressional offices as part of the organization’s annual fly-in event. Dairy farmers and cooperative leaders used the meetings to highlight concerns affecting the sector, including the recent return of New World screwworm to the United States and ongoing labour shortages facing agricultural producers.
The fly-in followed NMPF’s June board meeting held Tuesday in Arlington, Virginia. The meeting featured remarks from Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden and Ambassador Julie Callahan, who discussed the current agricultural economy and the broader trade environment affecting U.S. dairy exports and production.
“We know what we need to do,” said NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud in remarks before the fly-in. “We will push in every way we can to make things happen.”
Farm Bill, School Milk Access Among Top Industry Priorities
During meetings with lawmakers, NMPF members outlined several policy priorities they want Congress and the administration to address over the coming year.
Among the top requests was passage of a comprehensive farm bill in 2026. Dairy producers have increasingly called for legislative certainty as inflation, labour shortages and shifting trade conditions continue to affect agricultural operations across North America.
The organization also pressed lawmakers to maintain access to all types of milk in school meal programs. Dairy groups have argued that broader milk options are important for student nutrition while also supporting domestic dairy demand.
Another major priority discussed during the fly-in was passage of the DAIRY PRIDE Act, legislation aimed at tightening standards around dairy labeling. Supporters of the bill argue that plant-based beverage producers should not be permitted to market non-dairy products using traditional dairy terminology such as “milk” or “cheese.”
NMPF members additionally urged congressional offices to encourage the administration to strengthen dairy-related provisions during the renewal process for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Trade has become an increasingly important issue for dairy producers as exports continue to represent a growing share of industry revenue.
The recent reappearance of New World screwworm in the United States also emerged as a topic of concern during discussions. The pest poses risks to livestock health and agricultural productivity, prompting calls for federal attention and coordinated response measures.
Young Dairy Leaders Take Prominent Role in Advocacy Effort
This year’s fly-in was organized through NMPF’s Young Cooperators program, which focuses on developing leadership and advocacy skills among younger dairy farmers and cooperative members.
In addition to congressional meetings, the organization held committee sessions and workshops covering a range of industry issues. One session focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence in agricultural management and dairy cooperative operations.
NMPF also announced changes to its leadership structure during the week’s meetings. The federation welcomed Ted Vander Schaaf of Northwest Dairy Association/Darigold as a new board member and added the Illinois Farm Bureau as a new associate member organization.
The federation’s leadership meetings are continuing throughout the week, with additional discussions planned on animal health, livestock well-being and other issues affecting the dairy sector.
The annual fly-in comes at a time when dairy producers across North America are facing rising operating costs, workforce pressures and heightened uncertainty surrounding global trade conditions. Industry leaders say sustained engagement with lawmakers will remain critical as agricultural groups push for policy reforms intended to stabilize production and improve long-term competitiveness for dairy farmers.