Alltech, a global leader in the agriculture industry, has released its 2026 Agri-Food Outlook, a report that includes the results of the company’s annual global feed-production survey. Based on that data, global feed production in 2025 reached an estimated total of 1.44 billion metric tons (mt) — representing an increase of 2.9 percent and 40.136 million mt from 2024. Most regions and sectors experienced growth, and the numbers suggest a strong recovery phase for animal agriculture; however, the data show that growth was uneven, increasingly regionalized and driven less by herd expansion than by structural change, productivity gains and shifts in how production is measured and recorded.
Arizona dairy farmer Robert T. Van Hofwegen and his sons are taking dairy farming to the next level, promoting sustainable, cost-efficient farming in a place where it’s necessary. Paloma Dairy in Gila Bend, AZ, has been producing high-quality milk since its founding in 2006. It’s managed by Robert and his four sons: Allan, Robert Jr., Arie and Kyle. The farm participates in the National Dairy FARM Environmental Stewardship Program to measure and monitor its data. It uses energy audits and FARM data to shape capital investments and business strategies. To view this and other stories in the Farmer Focus series, check out the National Milk Producers Federation’s Sharing Our Story page.
Equipped with brand new retail and U.S. Department of Agriculture data reinforcing California Proposition 12’s detrimental impacts on both producers and consumers, 105 American pork producers from 23 states took to Capitol Hill, advocating for their livelihoods with federal lawmakers. Researchers at the North Dakota State University Agricultural Risk Policy Center found that Prop.12-driven price increases have persisted, even two years after the law was fully implemented. On average, prices for covered products are 20 percent higher due to Prop. 12, calculated by comparing price increases in California to the rest of the United States. Specifically, Prop 12 has driven prices for pork loins up 32 percent, ribs 22 percent, shoulders 16 percent, and bacon 16 percent, according to the latest data.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins alongside U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan, and Maine Senator Susan Collins announced the creation of the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Seafood. This first of its kind office will prioritize customer service and ease of navigation for American seafood cultivators, producers, and processors to access USDA programs.
Members of both the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) participated in a Tax Day press conference hosted by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. This event focused on the Working Families Tax Cuts included in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). The legislation expanded the estate tax exemption, commonly referred to as the Death Tax, and also enacted permanent increases to the Section 199A Small Business Deduction and Section 179 Deduction, and restored 100 percent Bonus Depreciation.
Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) President, Ford Drummond, and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President, Gene Copenhaver, released the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma’s rejection of the state of Oklahoma’s negotiated settlement with four poultry companies in the decades-old State of Oklahoma v. Tyson Foods, Inc., et al., lawsuit regarding the application of chicken litter in the Illinois River Watershed. “Cattle producers across Oklahoma and the Illinois River Watershed are greatly disappointed by the U.S. District Court’s rejection of a settlement between Oklahoma poultry producers and the state of Oklahoma. The decades-old lawsuit relies on outdated information and fails to consider the adoption of nutrient management plans, increased efficiencies, and the adoption of voluntary conservation practices,” Drummond said.
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced that Maggie McClain will join the organization as vice president, communications, effective April 20, 2026. McClain brings nearly two decades of strategic communications and public affairs experience across the food, agriculture and health sectors, with expertise in media relations, executive positioning, issues management, and translating complex regulatory developments into strategic guidance.
Zoetis further strengthens its commitment to working with dairy producers to help improve profitability, animal well-being and environmental stewardship with the launch of additional traits with CLARIFIDE® Plus and updates available in the Dairy Wellness Proft Index® (DWP$®). These new traits include predicting environmental stewardship and heat resistance. Additionally, these new elements of CLARIFIDE Plus reinforce the strategic partnership between Zoetis and Danone, a collaboration formed in 2024 to advance innovations toward sustainable production.
The Meat Institute released a new report entitled, “Greenhouse Gas Accounting: Emissions Factors Brief,” offering a closer and comprehensive look at how companies across the animal agriculture supply chain are currently measuring and reporting upstream greenhouse gas emissions.
Bold ideas and unexpected flavors took the spotlight as ice cream and cultured dairy innovators gathered for the International Dairy Foods Association’s Innovative Flavors and Products competition. This contest, co-sponsored by Dairy Foods magazine and held during IDFA’s Ice Cream & Cultured Innovation Conference, is widely regarded as the premier showdown for frozen-treat creators across the country (and beyond). The conference brought more than 300 dairy professionals to the Sunshine State this week to sample and celebrate the next wave of dairy creativity. Entries in both the ice cream and cultured dairy space spanned the spectrum, mixing sweet and nutty flavors like Pistachio Cherry Chunk and Honey Roasted Peanut, alongside adventurous spicy profiles including Tropical Mango Fire and Chocolate Chili Crisp, all reflecting the creativity shaping what’s next for frozen and cultured dairy.
