SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.-Milk sales are making a turnaround in California, as they are nationwide, and  nobody is more excited about this news than the California Milk Processor Board’s new Executive Director, Steve James.

Several industry leaders and innovators were honored recently at IDFA’s Dairy Forum. Among them were John Jeter, CEO, of Hilmar Cheese (right) who was recognized with the NCI Laureate Award, presented each year to individuals who have made significant contributions to the U.S. cheese industry. Dairy Foods presented its Processor of the Year award to the Dannon Company (below).

Straus Family Creamery, Tomales Bay, Calif., says the recent decision by the FDA to allow cloned dairy cows to produce milk for human consumption is double trouble for consumers, and is arguing that if the milk enters the food chain it should be labeled. 

At an analysts’ conference last month, Dean Foods hinted that it will likely acquire some small local or regional companies to broaden its footprint.

PORTLAND, Maine-Local Salvation Army efforts received a big kick from Oakhurst Dairy with a contribution of $20,000 from the company’s holiday Egg Nog sales. For the 7th year in a row, Oakhurst has contributed five cents to the Salvation Army of Northern New England for every container of Oakhurst Egg Nog and Light Egg Nog purchased.  The 2007 contribution resulted from the sale of more than 400,000 units-pints, quarts and half-gallons of Oakhurst Egg Nog this holiday season.

NexCen Brands Inc., New York, is paying about $36 million in cash and stock for MaggieMoo’s International, of Maryland, and Marble Slab Creamery, Houston, two national competitors in the mix-in ice cream shop business.

Saputo Inc., Montreal, says it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Land O’Lakes West Coast industrial cheese business. Land O’Lakes would continue to operate its value added dairy facility in Tulare, Calif., and its cheese facility in Orland, California.

Bush's Farm Bill Proposal Maintains Dairy PoliciesDairy producers are finding a lot to like in the Bush Administration’s plans for the 2007 Farm Bill. Dairy processors, meanwhile, have a different

Did you ever think your dairy could do more with MilkPEP programs like Body by Milk and Think About Your Drink? Do you wish you had more time to take advantage of what these campaigns offer to help you sell more milk?

Those in the business of bottling and selling organic milk are preparing for a surge in the supply of raw milk. During the next few months, the amount of organic milk coming to market could swell by as much as 40%-70%.