December 17, 2025

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Awaits Presidential Signature

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. The legislation provides schools with the flexibility to offer flavored and unflavored whole and 2% milk options, helping to make sure children get the nutrition they need to grow, thrive, and succeed in the classroom. “I’ve worked for a decade to restore whole milk to our school cafeterias, which have been limiting healthy choices for students, but that changes today,” said bill author GT Thompson of Pennsylvania. “Whole milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, and students should have the option to choose the milk they love.” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, said, “By restoring schools’ ability to serve whole and reduced-fat milk, dairy farmers and their cooperatives can further expand their positive impact in school lunchrooms and provide more nutritious outcomes for the next generation.”  

***********************************************************************************
Land O’ Lakes Gives $1 Million in Grants

Land O’ Lakes, Inc., one of the nation’s largest farmer- and member-owned cooperatives, announced a $1 million hunger relief investment aimed at supporting rural communities ahead of the holiday season. Grants will go to 15 Feeding America partner food banks across Land O’ Lakes member-owner and employee footprints, as well as to Feeding America. This commitment effectively doubles the cooperative’s 2025 hunger relief impact, building on almost four million meals provided this year. Food banks nationwide report increased demand from their local communities, and the need can rise even further during the holiday season. “While we support these efforts throughout the year,” said Land O’ Lakes president and CEO Beth Ford,” we’re proud to double down on our hunger contributions during the holiday season.” Rural food banks and food shelves, in particular, face higher rates of food insecurity and have to meet the needs across a larger geographic area. 

***********************************************************************************
Milk Producers Ready to Supply Schools with Whole Milk Options

Gregg Doud, the president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, said it’s hard to overstate the significance of Congress passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Not only does it represent major progress in improving the nourishment of American schoolkids, but it also says that persistent, long-term effort can still bring about bipartisan success in Congress. It was in 2012 that federal nutrition rules took whole and 2% milk out of school meals programs, and dairy farmers and their cooperatives pointed out the many flaws in that decision. The next step, after a presidential signature, is implementation. “We pledge our fullest support to federal officials and school districts across the nation to help with implementation of this important legislation,” said Doud. “Congress made a positive difference in the lives of schoolkids, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

**********************************************************************************
USDA Launches Final Phase of 2025 Ag Resource Management Study

Beginning later this month, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will spend several months gathering information about farm economics from farmers and ranchers throughout the U.S. The agency will be conducting its third and final phase of the 2025 Agricultural Resource Management Survey. “This data will help inform decisions on local and federal policies and programs that affect farms and farm families,” said Agricultural Statistics Board Chair Lance Honig. The 2025 survey includes a version of the questionnaire that focuses on farm costs of production and expenditures for cotton, hogs, and broiler producers. “In February, our interviewers will begin reaching out to those farmers who have not yet responded,” Honig said. “We appreciate their time and are here to help them with the questionnaire so that their information will continue to support sound agricultural decision making.” Information provided to NASS is kept confidential, as required by federal law. 

***********************************************************************************
Nebraska Ethanol Plants Reach Carbon Milestone

Green Plains Inc. has reached a major operational milestone at its three Nebraska ethanol plants. The company confirmed that biogenic carbon from all three locations is now being captured and permanently stored. The captured emissions are transported by the Trailblazer pipeline and are taken to southeastern Wyoming and injected at Tallgrass’s carbon storage hub, completing an end-to-end carbon capture and sequestration chain. The company says this achievement marks an important step for both the company’s operations and the broader Nebraska bioeconomy, positioning low-carbon ethanol more competitively in regulated fuel markets. With the capture infrastructure now fully operational, Green Plains plans to advance a broader decarbonization strategy while targeting long-term performance gains. Management views carbon capture as a core lever for future growth in an increasingly carbon-constrained fuel market.

***********************************************************************************
American Sheep Producers Issue Call to Action

America’s sheep industry faces increasing pressure from imported lamb, which threatens the stability and the future of domestic producers. ASI members have made it clear that immediate federal action is critical to restoring fair competition and protecting America’s sheep producers. To address this, the American Sheep Industry Association is working diligently to secure a Section 201 trade case investigation, a vital step toward leveling the playing field for U.S. sheep producers. They’re asking all sheep producers and industry stakeholders to contact their U.S. senators, along with their agriculture and trade staff, and urge them to sign the “Dear Colleague” letter supporting the Section 201 investigation into imported lamb. It’s important to take action as signatures must be received by this Friday, December 19. This effort is being led by Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Chairman of the Western Caucus in Congress. 

***********************************************************************************