25 July 2025

📰 In This Issue:

  • Headlines
  • US Dairy Market Report
  • Week Long Celebration of American Agriculture with Great American Farmers Market
  • Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum
  • No-Cost RFID Tags Available for GA Dairy Farmers
  • GMP Classifieds
  • Associate Member Spotlight: FERA Diagnostics and Biologicals
  • Upcoming Events Calendar
  • GMP Associate Membership
  • UGA Dairy Faculty Reunion

Headlines

U.S. Dairy Market Report

The following is from the monthly Dairy Market Report produced by NMPF and DMI.To read the full report, click here. 


Overall domestic use of dairy has shown good growth in recent months, while dairy exports continue to face headwinds, with bright spots for butter and cheese. 


Domestic commercial use of total milk solids grew by 2.2% from a year ago during March-May. U.S. exports of cheddar cheese and total American-types grew by 19% during the period. Butter exports were up by 127%. U.S. milk production is fully in an expansion phase this year, following an unusual four-year period of stable production. Milk solids composition of raw milk continues to grow, together providing adequate supplies for the rapidly expanding cheddar cheese production, which increased by almost 10% from a year earlier in May. 

Week Long Celebration of American Agriculture With the Great American Farmers Market

The following is from the USDA Office of Communications.



U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announces the kick-off event and programming for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Great American Farmers Market on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. In celebration with America 250, the event will be hosted during National Farmers Market Week and will run this summer from Sunday, August 3 to Friday, August 8, daily from 4:00-8:00 p.m. ET.


“America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers dedicate their lives to feeding their fellow citizens, and the Great American Farmers Market gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase the rich bounty of our agriculture on the National Mall. No President has supported farmers more than President Trump. Every single day we are fighting for our farmers and ranchers by cutting taxes, strengthening the farm safety net, and delivering huge wins in the One Big Beautiful Bill so producers can continue feeding our nation for generations to come,” said Secretary Rollins. “This historic farmers market will give visitors to our nation’s capital opportunities to learn, shop, snack, and explore.”


The Great American Farmers Market will kick off with a ribbon cutting, live music, and opening ceremony on Sunday, August 3 beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET on the National Mall. This weeklong dynamic showcase of American agriculture will bring together over 50 vendors each day, representing 28 states across the country. Visitors can explore a colorful array of seasonal produce, artisanal baked goods, premium meats, farm fresh dairy, sizzling hot meals, and more. It’s a tribute to the creativity and resilience of farmers, growers, and producers who embody the heart of America’s agricultural heritage.


Visit their website here to learn more.

Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum

With all the focus on immigration enforcement, now is a great time to prepare your farm for the current labor environment. GA Milk is proud to sponsor the Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum on September 16 & 17 at the UGA Tifton Conference Center. This 2-day conference, hosted by our friends at the GA Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, provides farmers and employers with trainings and seminars from leading experts in employment law and policy.


To register and learn more, visit gaaglaborforum.com.

No-Cost RFID Tags Available for GA Dairy Farmers

In 2023, USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) adopted new rules regarding transportation of cattle across state lines. The new regulations that took place at the end of 2023 state that all dairy cattle (including beef-on-dairy calves) must have an electronic identification tag.


The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health office has a limited supply of 840 electronic ear tags in stock. Dairy producers can contact GDA to request no-cost ear tags while supplies last. 


Contact GDA Animal Health at (404) 656-3667 or email AnimalHealth@agr.georgia.gov.

GMP Classifieds

Want to showcase your business to dairy producers and industry professionals across the Southeast and US? Email info@gamilk.org to learn more about how you can advertise in the GMP E-News.

Associate Member Spotlight: FERA Diagnostics and Biologicals

Thank you to FERA Diagnostics and Biologicals for supporting Georgia Milk Producers through the Associate Member program. FERA is a research-driven company that focuses on developing animal health products that improve animal welfare and create value for farmers and ranchers. You can learn more about FERA and their product offerings like FerAppease by visiting their website here.

Calendar of Events

July 31 - August 1 - Southeast Value-Added Dairy Conference

The Southeast Value-Added Dairy Conference will be held July 31 & August 1 at the University of Tennessee's Agricultural and Natural Resources Building in Knoxville, TN. Each year, the Southeast Value-Added Dairy Conference provides educational and networking opportunities for dairy business owners, researchers, Extension professionals, and industry partners.


To learn more about the conference, view the conference agenda, and register CLICK HERE.


August 14 - Georgia Farm Bureau Commodity Conference

The Classic Center, Athens, GA


August 21 - Agriculture Chairmen's Ag Issues Summit

The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, Perry, GA

Register HERE.


September 16 & 17 - Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum

UGA Tifton Conference Center

Registration: GeorgiaAgLaborForum.com


Thank You, Associate Members


The mission of Georgia Milk Producers is to support, sustain, and grow the Georgia dairy industry. In addition to our partners in industry who support the Georgia Dairy Conference each January, we are also offering an opportunity for allied industry to partner with GMP year-round, network with producers throughout the year, and promote their companies outside of the conference. Thank you to our inaugural Associate Members, Dairy Farmers of America, FERA Animal Health, and BMO Bank.

UGA Dairy Faculty Reunion

The following is a blog post from Dr. Lane Ely from the University of Georgia College of Ag.


This spring John Bernard, Larry Guthrie, Joe West, Lane Ely and Warren Gilson held a mini reunion of University of Georgia Extension Dairy Scientists. Joe West had commented that “the last time most of us were together was for Jim Smith’s funeral. We ought to get together for no reason other than to get together.” So, we met for 3 days at Joe’s family farm in Chapel Hill, TN. Three of us grew up on dairy farms, one on a small mixed farm and one was a city kid but all have a love of dairy cows and spent our careers working with the dairy industry. We have over 150 years of service to the University of Georgia. There were lots of stories, memories, people and events discussed over the 3 days. It was interesting that we had all participated in many of the same events. When we discussed the event, we found that we had different things we had remembered. It was fun to put the total story together.


Jow West proved to be an excellent chef as we were well fed. Like any good dairyman, we visited a local dairy, Nash Family, that has an on-farm ice cream and sandwich shop. Well worth the stop if you are in the area.


Until Next Time,


GMP

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