Dairy farmers engage with lawmakers at Minnesota Milk’s Dairy Day at the Capitol and Annual Meeting

Feb. 26, 2026

ST PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Milk Producers Association held its annual meeting and Dairy Day at the Capitol event in St. Paul this week, bringing together dairy farmers, state legislators and industry supporters.

Over 40 dairy farmers from throughout the state met directly with lawmakers to share their stories and advocate for policies that strengthen the dairy community. In addition, Minnesota dairy farmers got the chance to present at yesterday’s House and Senate Ag Committee hearings.

“It’s important that policymakers hear directly from our state’s farmers and other members of the dairy community,” Lucas Sjostrom, Minnesota Milk executive director, said. “This annual event provides a chance for lawmakers to better understand the challenges and opportunities that are happening on the farm today and to consider how policies can shape a successful future for dairy.”

Adding to Dairy Day’s appeal was work within the legislature that occurred during the day. Minnesota Milk testified on the DAIRI bill (HF 3508/SF3832) to add new farmers into the DMC-rebate program. The bill passed unanimously in both the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee and the Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development Committee. Additionally, in the Senate committee, Minnesota Milk testified on the Rotational Grazing Pilot (SF 3686) and School Lunch Whole and Flavored Milk (SF 3687) bills – both of which also passed unanimously to their next committee.

Minnesota Milk member DJ Buck of Bucks Unlimited says this event offers a valuable opportunity for members to have conversations that help bridge the gap between elected officials and the needs of modern agriculture.

"I believe Dairy Day at the Capitol is essential for ensuring farmers’ voices are heard and highlighting the faces behind our state’s dairy farms,” Buck said. “As farmers, it’s important for us to be educating others, especially with fewer people connected to agriculture. We can provide firsthand insight into today’s agricultural environment and how we can continue moving it forward.”

During the annual meeting, Minnesota Milk recognized its 2025 award winners.

• Producer of the Year: Dave and Ann Buck of Bucks Unlimited in Goodhue
• Legislator of the Year: Rep. Josh Heintzeman (R-Nisswa)
• Bruce Cottington Friend of Dairy: Dr. Tony J Seykora, University of Minnesota

Minnesota Milk elected new board members during the business portion of the meeting:

• Kate Minten, Spadgenske Dairy near Menahga, Minn., was elected to the board.
• Jacob Twohey, Twohey Dairy near Stewartville, Minn., was elected to fill the seat of retiring member Rick Smith. He will be the board treasurer.
• Tom Walsh, dairy farmer from De Graff, Minn., was re-elected to the board. He will continue to serve as board secretary.

Rick Smith and Sadie Frericks were recognized as outgoing board members.

Other board members include Garrett Luthens, Skyview Dairy, president; Anthony Anderson, Stone Dairy, vice president; Dean Smith, D&D Dairy and contracted lobbyist Daryn McBeth.

For more information about Minnesota Milk and the group’s advocacy efforts, visit mnmilk.org.

Images:

Minnesota Milk logo

About Minnesota Milk:  

Minnesota Milk Producers Association is the Minnesota dairy industry’s leading grassroots organization. Its strength comes from members working together and focusing on three key areas: policy, education and membership. By focusing on these areas, the organization will advance the success of Minnesota’s dairy producers. More information: www.mnmilk.org.