Checkoff foodservice partners continued to grow sales of U.S. dairy foods and more domestic dairy headed into the international marketplace. There also were increased efforts to connect with the valued Gen Z consumer and dairy’s sustainability journey reached new levels. These and other results are some of Dairy Management Inc.’s top checkoff highlights from 2021. Despite a year with continued …

The California Beef Council (CBC), the marketing order representing California’s cattle ranchers and beef producers, has hired Makenzie Neves as Manager of Producer Education and Engagement. This position coordinates producer education, engagement, and communication efforts for the CBC. A California native, Neves grew up on a dairy in the Central Valley. She is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, …

The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) is searching for a new CEO/Executive Director as Michelle Connelly, who currently holds the position, has resigned. Connelly’s last day will be February 11, 2022. “We are grateful for Michelle’s years of service to our industry. During her nearly 18 years with the CWB and CWC, Michelle led a strong …

The North American Meat Institute, the nation’s trade association for meat and poultry packers and processors of all sizes, released the following statement regarding the “The Biden-Harris Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain.” “For the third time in six months, President Joe Biden and his Administration announced the same plans to …

As the clock ticked toward midnight and 2021 was in our rearview mirror, the team at Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) took a moment to reflect on their proudest moments of last year.One of those moments was the farm equipment FVC awarded to 138 farmer veterans through their Fellowship Fund small grant program. They proudly thought about the 2021 class of …

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced the launch of a consumer promotion focused on starting off the New Year with health and wellness in mind. The “Renew, Reset, Restore” campaign communicates the message that high quality, sustainably sourced California dairy products are a delicious and effective way to help achieve lifestyle goals in the new year. The featured promotional …

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) announced the planned departure of its president, John Aguirre, effective May 31, 2022. He started with the association on June 1, 2010. “Leading CAWG has been a dream job,” Aguirre said. “I’ve had the privilege of working for outstanding volunteer leaders who are dedicated to the idea of advocacy on behalf of winegrape …

In December 2021, the California Avocado Commission surveyed industry handlers to develop the following 2022 California Avocado Pre-Season Crop Estimate (please note the California Avocado Commission’s crop year is aligned with the calendar year, January 1st through December 31st, and therefore information provided is for the 2022 calendar year.) Hass production is forecasted at 291 million pounds, Lamb-Hass at 9 …

California walnut farmers should add one more item on your list of things to do before the end of the year – vote in the referendum to determine if the California Walnut Board should be continued. Ballots are due December 31 and growers who produced walnuts in California from September 2020 through August 2021 are eligible to vote.  Like all …

As the threat of Huanglongbing (HLB) continues, industry members know that the best way to prevent HLB from infecting our groves is to limit populations of the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), which spread the deadly disease. This winter, it’s critically important for California’s citrus growing operations to actively participate in local, area-wide or coordinated treatments to further boost our industry’s efforts in …