In the Trump administration’s second term, dairy producers are watching for signs of how agricultural and nutrition policy may evolve. Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, says one of the key differences this time around is “Make America Healthy Again.”
Doud, who previously served as the chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative from 2018 to 2021, says the administration’s health messaging reflects a broader shift toward “whole foods” and away from “ultra-processed products.” He admits these terms have yet to be defined by MAHA.
“We need to get back to more protein in our diet. We need to get back to more whole foods in our diet,” he says, adding that dairy has a strong role to play. “There is this huge recognition that fat in dairy isn’t bad for you. It’s good for you; it’s brain food; it’s a critical thing that helps your body function.”
Even as the next round of federal dietary guidelines remains under review, Doud notes the market is already responding. Walmart announced it will remove synthetic food dyes and roughly 30 other chemical ingredients from its U.S. food brands by January 2027.
Broader consumer habits lean toward more protein consumption, another trend industries are responding to. Starbucks is releasing high-protein drinks, and Wisconsin’s only cottage cheese plant is expanding to meet skyrocketing demand.
Doud expects future federal dietary guidelines to better reflect consumer behavior. He points out that whole and 2% milk now dominate grocery store shelves.
“That means that consumers know — that’s what they buy — because they know it’s good for you,” says Doud. “We’ve got to get the dietary guidelines to be more of a reflection of what was really going on in the real world. Frankly, I think we’re going to see that.”
He also confirmed that President Donald Trump remains attentive to agricultural issues, from trade to regulation.
“I know the uncertainty has been crazy, but what I would say is just be a little patient and let this kind of stuff unfold a little bit,” Doud says. “For those of us in the dairy industry, it’s come in our direction. And I think we’re really going to like it.”
