Butter prices dipped under the $1.40 level; cheese production is robust and fluid milk processors are operating plants on extended schedules, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Dairy industry leaders today called for the Senate Agriculture Committee to remove a new dairy program that is designed to control milk prices from the draft 2012 Farm Bill and instead focus on providing proven safety-net programs, such as revenue insurance, typically used for other commodities.

Nestle's Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss, launched in April 2011, continued to build good momentum in the liquid coffee whitener segment, according to the Switzerland-based international food conglomerate, in releasing its first quarter report.

Dole introduces a yogurt smoothie kit and Whitewave Foods launches a nondairy fruit and protein beverage. Read more in this week's Free-standing Inserts Report.

Organic Valley reported 2011 sales increased 15.3% to $715 million, a record. At its annual meeting in La Crosse, Wis., last week, the La Farge, Wis.-based farmer-owned cooperative said in 2011 212 new farmers joined the co-op, it increased farmer pay price and donated more than $2.2 million to nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing organic food and farming.

Nestlé opened a UHT milk factory in Sri Lanka, part of a planned  $84 million investment in the country over the next few years.
 

Bareman Dairy, Holland, Mich., received the Member of the Year award from the All Star Dairy Association at its 54th annual convention, which was held Feb. 29 to March 4 at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Indian Wells, Calif.

Cheddar Cheese prices received for U.S. 40-pound blocks averaged $1.51 per pound for the week, up 1.8 cents. The price for U.S. 500-pound barrels adjusted to 38% moisture averaged $1.55 per pound, up 4.9 cents.