A skilled, year-round workforce, volatile trade winds, and a surprising turn in nutrition policy: that’s the terrain U.S. dairy is navigating right now. We sit down with Gregg Doud, CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation and former U.S. ag negotiator, to map the levers that actually move the needle—from immigration reform that reflects 365‑day operations to trade strategies that depend on credible, USTR-sealed agreements.

Doud breaks down why H‑2A misses the mark for dairy, how House Ag Chair G.T. Thompson is uniquely positioned to shepherd bipartisan labor solutions, and what it really takes to keep parlors staffed and safe. We also dig into China: why geopolitical tension and agricultural necessity must coexist, what Phase One fixed, and why exporters should ignore rumors until the deal is official. When headlines like U.S. support for Argentina shake markets, he explains how to separate noise from risk—so co-ops, processors, and producers can plan with confidence.

Nutrition and consumer trust take center stage as the dairy industry explores MAHA and a potential rethink of saturated fats, with momentum building to bring whole milk back to schools. Doud shares where the votes stand, why this change matters for kids and dairy demand, and how updated guidance can align with real behavior and better outcomes. We round out with the farm bill’s current outlook, noting how recent tax wins eased pressure while leaving room for targeted updates to federal milk marketing orders.

If you care about the future of U.S. dairy—from hiring and retention to export access and school nutrition—you’ll find clear takeaways and practical context here. Enjoy the conversation, share it with a friend in agriculture, and subscribe for more policy-grounded insights. Then tell us: which policy should move first?