The dairy business is predicted to undergo considerable changes by 2024, with the reintroduction of whole and 2% milk, as well as perhaps flavored milks, to school cafeterias. This action is in response to the 2012 restriction on whole and 2% milk in schools to combat childhood obesity. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, enacted by the United States House of Representatives in December, intends to encourage milk intake throughout their lives.
Federal milk market hearings are set to wind up early this year, with suggested technical improvements that might boost farmers’ earnings. The Farm Bill will also be voted on, with the possibility of increasing output restrictions to enable bigger farms to participate in programs such as the Dairy Margin Protection Program.
The Texas Legislature will not convene in regular session in 2024, but the Texas Association of Dairymen will closely monitor the 2024 elections, which will include the whole 150-member Texas House of Representatives and almost half of the 31-member Texas Senate. The High Plains Dairy Conference, held March 5-6 in Amarillo, will address the most recent dairy and agricultural concerns affecting Texas dairies.
As winter approaches, Texas expects rain, which is a welcome relief after two years of drought. This rainy weather is critical for crop production and raising feed inventories for dairy and meat animals. The Texas Association of Dairymen anticipates a successful dairy year in 2024.
