Record US dairy exports are absorbing rising milk production
LEWISVILLE, Texas ‒ U.S. dairy production increased 2.8% year-over-year in April, surpassing expectations and mirroring growth in key global regions, such as Europe and New Zealand. Despite higher output, strong export demand—especially a 30% surge in March cheese exports ‒ has prevented domestic oversupply.
These exports have helped keep cheese and butter inventories below the five-year average, supporting market balance. Lower Class III milk prices have improved U.S. competitiveness in global dairy trade. Looking ahead, seasonal demand and major events like the World Cup could further boost dairy consumption, EverAg reported.
That tomato is going to cost you more ‒ a lot more
WASHINGTON ‒ Tomato prices have surged about 40% year-over-year, outpacing other groceries and becoming a major cost pressure for consumers and businesses. Key cost drivers include higher fuel and shipping expenses from global conflict, plus a 17% U.S. tariff on Mexican imports ‒ America’s main tomato supply source ‒ significantly increasing prices, Associated Press reported.
Tariff revenue jumped from about $16,000 to $4.6 million, highlighting how trade policy is directly adding to consumer costs. Businesses are seeing dramatic impacts, with some tomato costs tripling (e.g., $27 to $93 per case), adding millions in annual expenses and driving price pressures throughout the food industry.
Hormuz closure could trigger ‘agrifood shock’, price crisis within a year, FAO warns
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization warned that a closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global “systemic agrifood shock,” potentially driving a sharp food price crisis within six to 12 months. The agency said disruptions to shipping routes, combined with rising energy costs tied to Middle East tensions, are already pushing global food prices higher, Reuters reported.
FAO urged governments and businesses to quickly adopt alternative trade routes, avoid export restrictions, and safeguard humanitarian food flows to limit damage.It also warned the situation could worsen with the arrival of El Niño, which is expected to disrupt rainfall patterns and further strain global food supplies.
Mexico seeks to offset screwworm impact by increasing US beef exports
MEXICO CITY ‒ Mexico’s meat industry is aiming to double beef exports to the United States next year as it grapples with ongoing fallout from a screwworm outbreak that has kept the U.S. border closed to livestock. The disruption has forced ranchers to shift from exporting live cattle to processing beef domestically, a costly and time‑intensive adjustment, according to Reuters.
Exports to the U.S. have already risen about 23% early this year, building on $2.3 billion in shipments in 2025, according to industry data. Mexican officials continue aggressive containment efforts, including deploying sterile flies and building a new production facility, as infections from the parasite exceed 25,000 cases nationwide.
Dane County to return land, historical sites to Ho-Chunk
MADISON, Wisconsin ‒ Dane County supervisors have approved a $6.4 million purchase of about 165 acres near Madison with plans to transfer the land to the Ho-Chunk Nation. The site includes culturally significant archaeological features, including burial mounds and one of the county’s largest remaining mound groups, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Officials also intend to protect the area’s ecological resources by placing a conservation easement on the property.The transfer would give the Ho-Chunk Nation full ownership and direct access to the land for preservation and cultural practices without needing outside permission
UW-Stevens Point opens compostable products test lab
STEVENS POINT, Wisconsin ‒ The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has opened a state-of-the-art lab that tests whether compostable products truly break down without harm to the environment. According to a UW-Stevens Point news release, the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology’s updated compostability testing lab is one of just seven internationally accredited labs in the country.
The lab enables researchers to scientifically evaluate materials and determine whether they will adequately break down under standard, commercial compostability conditions. That means if items made of biodegradable plastics or forest products pass their testing, they’re awarded international certifications – and can legally be sold as compostable. In 2024, The Institute received a $4 million grant from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for testing procedures, according to the Stevens Point Journal.
Agropur launches 6% milk amid rising demand for richer dairy
ONTARIO, Canada ‒ Agropur has launched a 6% milk product under its Sealtest brand in Ontario, tapping into growing consumer demand for richer, premium dairy options. The product reflects shifting preferences driven by taste, cultural uses and ongoing debate over full-fat dairy in nutrition trends, edairynews reported.
While some shoppers are embracing creamier milk, nutrition experts caution that higher saturated fat intake could increase health risks. The launch highlights a broader split in dairy demand between indulgent products and protein-focused offerings as companies adapt to evolving consumer priorities.
Man awarded $800K after cat dies from bird flu found in pet food
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Oregon ‒ An Oregon jury has awarded more than $800,000 to a man whose cat died after eating raw pet food allegedly contaminated with bird flu. The lawsuit claimed the cat fell ill and was euthanized in early 2025 after consuming chicken-based food marketed as tested for the virus, USA TODAY reported.
Jurors rejected the pet food company’s defense that it was not directly responsible, issuing a significant judgment in favor of the owner. The case is being seen as a warning to the pet food industry about product safety and the reliability of health claims.
Albertsons using AI tool to maintain quality of produce
BOISE, Idaho ‒ Albertsons Companies is rolling out an artificial intelligence tool to improve produce quality and reduce food waste across its grocery stores. The system uses computer vision to detect issues such as bruising, mold, ripeness and insect damage before fruits and vegetables reach shelves, USA TODAY reported.
Currently operating in four distribution centers, the technology is expected to expand companywide later this year.Industry experts say AI tools like this could help retailers better manage perishable inventory and cut down on spoilage in one of the most waste-prone departments.
Real chocolate to rally amid low cocoa prices
LONDON, England ‒ Chocolate makers are beginning to reverse recent recipe changes and restore higher cocoa content as global bean prices fall sharply from 2024 high, Reuters reported.
A roughly 70% drop in cocoa futures has made traditional chocolate more profitable again, prompting companies like Hershey to return to original formulations. The shift could lead to lower retail prices and renewed demand, offering relief to cocoa farmers after a period of reduced consumption.
Manufacturers had previously shrunk bars and introduced cocoa alternatives during the price surge, contributing to weaker demand. Analysts say a full recovery in chocolate demand may take several years, though lower prices are expected to gradually draw consumers back.
Adopt a Cow: Wisconsin program brings farmyard friends to the classroom
MADISON, Wisconsin ‒ Enrollment has opened for Wisconsin’s free “Adopt a Cow” program for the 2026–27 school year, connecting participants with calves from local dairy farms. Run by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Discover Dairy, the program pairs classrooms and community groups with calves to learn about agriculture and food production.
Participants receive updates, photos and educational materials throughout the year, and can join virtual farm chats to interact with farmers. More than 55,000 Wisconsin students take part annually, with enrollment open through September for early sign-up benefits. Organizers say the program helps make dairy farming more accessible and personal for learners of all ages. To enroll, visit www.discoverdairy.com/adopt
NJ cheese company admits to distributing contaminated food
NEWARK, New Jersey ‒ A New Jersey cheese manufacturer admitted in federal court to introducing adulterated queso fresco into interstate commerce in a 2021 listeriosis outbreak that sickened multiple people and caused one death.
Abuelito Cheese Inc., also known as El Abuelito Cheese, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais in federal court in Newark to an information charging the company with introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer said.
The Paterson-based company manufactured soft fresh cheese, including queso fresco, at its New Jersey facility and distributed the products throughout New Jersey and neighboring states, according to court documents and statements made in court.
Federal prosecutors said the FDA found non-pathogenic Listeria bacteria at the facility in February 2020 and later warned that conditions could support the growth of harmful Listeria monocytogenes, northjersey.com reported.
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: Ag Briefs: Mexico seeks to offset screwworm impact by incraseing US beef exports
Reporting by Colleen Kottke, Wisconsin State Farmer / Wisconsin State Farmer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
