National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)
By National Milk Producers Federation
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to National Milk Producers Federation dairy policy advocacy. Learn about Farm Bill lobbying, FMMO modernization, and cooperative representation.
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) has served as the voice of dairy farmers on Capitol Hill since 1916. Member cooperatives produce the majority of America's milk supply, giving NMPF significant weight in dairy policy discussions with Congress, USDA, and regulatory agencies.
Policy advocacy spans major issues affecting dairy profitability. Farm Bill negotiations are paramount, with NMPF working to secure dairy safety net programs like Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC). Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) modernization efforts seek to update pricing formulas reflecting today's marketplace. Trade policy work supports export growth and fair treatment in international agreements.
The organization maintains a permanent presence in Washington, D.C., with professional staff lobbying Congress and engaging agencies. The NMPF Political Action Committee (NMPF-PAC) supports candidates aligned with dairy interests—contributing nearly $280,000 in the 2024 election cycle. Lobbying expenditures exceeded $1.7 million in 2024.
Current priorities include the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (allowing whole and 2% milk in schools), H5N1 avian influenza response, FMMO hearing outcomes, and 2024 Farm Bill completion. CEO Gregg Doud leads the organization following Jim Mulhern's 2024 retirement.
Governance includes a board representing member cooperatives. The annual meeting brings members together for policy discussion and priority setting. Regular communications keep members informed on policy developments.
Key Features
- Farm Bill Advocacy: Securing dairy programs in federal farm legislation. Dairy Margin Coverage. Safety net provisions.
- FMMO Modernization: Working to update Federal Milk Marketing Order pricing formulas. Hearings participation.
- Trade Policy: Advocating for trade agreements supporting exports. Market access. Trade enforcement.
- Congressional Relations: Lobbying Congress on dairy issues. Building bipartisan support. Educating lawmakers.
- USDA Engagement: Working with USDA on dairy programs. Regulatory input. Program implementation.
- Political Action Committee: NMPF-PAC supports dairy-friendly candidates. ~$280,000 in 2024 cycle.
Advanced Features
- Whole Milk for Healthy Kids: Major legislative priority allowing whole and 2% milk in schools. Passed Senate 2024.
- Dairy PRIDE Act: Enforcing labeling standards for non-dairy alternatives. Consumer protection.
- National Dairy FARM Program: NMPF affiliate managing animal care and stewardship standards.
- Cooperatives Working Together: CWT program managing dairy supply. Export assistance. Herd retirement.
- H5N1 Response: Coordinating industry response to avian influenza. USDA engagement.
- Environmental Policy: Representing dairy interests on environmental regulations. Climate policy.
Ideal For
Farm Types: All dairy farms (policy beneficiaries), Cooperative members
Competitive Advantages
What sets National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) apart from alternatives:
- Represents majority of U.S. milk production
- 106+ year policy advocacy history
- Washington D.C. permanent presence
- $1.7M+ annual lobbying investment
- PAC supporting dairy-aligned candidates
- Cooperative membership strength
- Bipartisan relationship building
- Farm Bill expertise
- FMMO process leadership
- Trade policy experience
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF):
Producers typically represented through their cooperative. Direct membership varies.
Pricing Model: Cooperative/organization membership through member co-ops
Prices verified Q1 2024. Represents U.S. dairy producer interests in policy.
Pros & Considerations
- Premier national dairy producer advocacy organization
- Federal policy and trade representation
- FARM Program animal care standards
- Dairy pricing and policy expertise
- Membership through cooperatives provides broad representation
- Membership through cooperative structure
- Large organization with diverse interests to balance
- Policy positions may not please all producers
- National focus may miss state-specific issues
Implementation & Setup
How to implement National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Ongoing—continuous policy advocacy. Major pushes around Farm Bill, budget cycles.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF):
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF):
- Is my cooperative an NMPF member?
- What policy priorities affect my farm?
- How can I engage in grassroots advocacy?
- What is NMPF's position on current issues?
- How does my cooperative provide input to NMPF?