WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Joe Courtney (CT-02), Mike Simpson (ID-02), and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) in relaunching the Congressional Dairy Caucus. Central Valley dairy producers continue to struggle due to high input costs, competitive pressures from trade partners, and shifting consumption patterns, and this bipartisan caucus will work to elevate those concerns at the federal level and advocate for healthy and wholesome milk and dairy products.

“As the sole dairyman in Congress, I’m proud to join my colleagues in launching the Congressional Dairy Caucus,” said Congressman Valadao. “Dairy is the cornerstone of the Central Valley’s economy, and I know firsthand the challenges our producers face—from rising input costs and labor shortages to changing consumer demands and an increasingly unpredictable marketplace. Our dairy producers deserve strong advocates in Washington who understand what’s at stake, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to strengthen the dairy industry, promote the nutritional benefits of dairy products, and ensure the hardworking men and women who feed our nation have the support they need to succeed.”

“Eastern Connecticut has a proud heritage of multi-generation, family-owned dairy farms,” said Rep. Courtney. “Dairy farms are a key part of our local economy and provide nutritious products to our communities. The industry is facing pressing challenges of rising input costs, market volatility, and competitive pressures from trade partners. As a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Dairy Caucus, I will continue making dairy farmers’ voices heard in Congress and work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address their needs and help grow their businesses.”

“Idaho is one of the largest dairy-producing states, and I represent one of the most productive dairy districts in the country," said Rep. Simpson. "Dairy farmers work 365 days a year, and their critical work keeps our nation healthy and Americans fed.  As a longtime Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Dairy Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen the dairy industry and ensure dairy farmers' priorities are heard.”

“Dairy farmers are a critical part of Washington’s economy and the Pacific Northwest,” said Rep. DelBene. “From holding our trading partners accountable to adapting to changes in the industry, dairy farmers deserve to have their voices represented in Congress. I’m looking forward to returning as a co-chair of this bipartisan caucus, to support dairy farmers across the country.”

“The revival of the Congressional Dairy Caucus, a crucial agricultural coalition that dates to 2006, underscores the important, bipartisan collaboration of lawmakers who are committed to supporting America’s dairy farmers and rural communities. Having dedicated partners among members who represent dairy districts across the country on Capitol Hill ensures thoughtful discussion and advancement of the shared policy priorities that unite and sustain their constituents. Dairy isn’t only a 24/7, 365-days-a-year vocation – it’s exceptional within agriculture with a footprint in all 50 states, touching local economies nationwide and playing a vital role in global nutrition and trade. We thank Congressman Courtney for his dedication to ensuring the Congressional Dairy Caucus remains active so that U.S. dairy farmers know they have an advocacy network in congress that cares about the future of their farms,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation. 

###