The discovery has the potential to reduce reliance on antibiotics and ultimately help combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in both humans and animals, said Adrian Barragan, associate research professor and extension veterinarian at Penn State and co-lead author on the paper.

The findings are particularly significant for the organic dairy industry where antibiotic use is restricted, he added, and may also pave the way for future studies in humans on the use of sugar-based formulations for uterine infections such as endometritis.

“The disease is an infection of the uterus that occurs after calving and it’s one of the top diseases that affect dairy cattle in the United States,” said Erika Ganda, assistant professor of food animal microbiomes at Penn State and co-lead author on the study. “We treat cows with antibiotics only when necessary to ensure their welfare, following strict withdrawal periods to prevent residues in milk. Minimizing antibiotic use helps reduce the risk of resistant bacteria that can impact farm workers, families and communities. Antimicrobial resistance in human and veterinary medicine is a growing public health concern, so the main goal of this research was to test an antibiotic-free alternative option against the current gold standard for treating this prevalent disease.”

The study compared two treatments for a common uterine infection, called clinical metritis, that can lead to serious health problems for dairy cows. The condition is typically treated using systemic antibiotics, like ceftiofur, which are effective in treating the condition, but may contribute to the growing antimicrobial resistance in food-producing animals.

“We have been searching for alternative therapies that can effectively treat metritis without relying on antibiotics,” Barragan said. “We asked two main questions when studying an alternative: Do the animals get cured with this treatment? And do treated animals have similar performance? Although the alternative treatment had the same clinical cure rate as the antibiotics, the answer wasn’t as clear cut as expected since performance between treatment groups differed based on disease severity.”

The study focused on using intrauterine dextrose, a sugar solution, as a possible alternative treatment. Dextrose has been extensively studied in animal and human clinical research for its ability to plasmolyze harmful bacteria, essentially the strong sugar solution pulls water out of the bacteria, causing them to dry out and die, Barragan explained. The approach had shown some promise in human wound healing, but previous studies in cattle yielded mixed results.

“We were hopeful that we would find positive results, but we were definitely not expecting to find that both treatments worked similarly for mild cases of metritis,” Barragan said. “That was a very exciting discovery.”

To investigate the effectiveness of dextrose, the researchers conducted a study on a dairy farm in central Pennsylvania. They enrolled 77 cows diagnosed with clinical metritis and randomly assigned them to one of two treatment groups: intrauterine dextrose or systemic ceftiofur. The researchers then monitored the cows’ recovery and analyzed their uterine microbial communities using advanced DNA sequencing to better understand the overall health of their microbiomes.

Although the sample size was not ideal for assessing clinical cure rate, Barragan said, the results suggested that both treatments had similar clinical cure rates, meaning dextrose could be just as effective as antibiotics in treating mild metritis cases.

Additionally, the analysis of the cows’ microbiomes revealed that dextrose does not significantly disrupt the bacterial balance of bacteria in the reproductive tract, unlike antibiotics, which can alter microbial communities and potentially impact the long-term health of the cow, Ganda explained.

Further research is needed to understand the full potential of dextrose as an alternative to antibiotic treatment, Barragan said, but one day that potential could even extend to treating humans.

“Our findings may be applicable for reproductive disease in human medicine,” he said. “In fact, we were inspired by medical literature and sugar-based wound treatments for people.”

The other Penn State authors on the paper are Jennine Lection, who earned a doctoral degree from Penn State and is currently an assistant professor at North Carolina State University; Emily Van Syoc, postdoctoral scholar; Asha Miles, former postdoctoral research associate who is currently a research geneticist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); Julia Hamilton, undergraduate student; Marcela Martinez, research technologist; and Justin Silverman, assistant professor of statistics and of medicine and faculty fellow of the Institute for Computational and Data Science. Santiago Bas of the Germany-based feed company Phytobiotics Futterzusatzstoffe GmbH also contributed to the paper.

The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hatch Appropriations, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and the National Institutes of Health funded this research.

–Adrienne Berard
Penn State

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Since its emergence over two decades ago, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus has evolved into various clades. Clade 2.3.4.4b, first detected in 2021, has demonstrated a significant capacity to infect a wide range of species, including wild birds, poultry, and more recently both terrestrial and marine mammals, including tigers, bears, seals, and pet cats and dogs. Detections in dairy cattle in 2024, along with cases among farm workers exposed to infected cattle, underscore the urgent need to strengthen surveillance systems.

“Considering the worldwide spread of influenza A(H5N1) of clade 2.3.4.4b, the spillover from birds to cattle (and likely from cattle to humans) in other countries is expected,” according to FAO’s new publication, Recommendations for the surveillance of influenza A(H5N1) in cattle – with broader application to other farmed mammals.

FAO’s new guidelines follow a previous technical publication summarizing the emerging situation, knowledge gaps and recommended risk management actions, and emphasize the critical role of effective passive surveillance systems that encourage reporting of suspected cases from farmers and veterinarians. Enhanced reporting should be focused on high-risk areas such as those with dense poultry or dairy cattle populations or migratory bird activity, and consideration should be given to tapping into informal sources including market price changes, social media and community networks.

The guidelines are designed to improve early detection of spillover events and support evidence-based disease control measures, aiming to assist Members to optimize the use of limited resources through leveraging existing surveillance activities to achieve their surveillance objectives. These recommendations have broader application to other farmed livestock species.

What is known and what to do

Some infected animals have severe clinical signs and high mortality; those observed in affected cattle include decreased milk production, thickened colostrum-like milk, reduced food intake, lethargy, fever, and dehydration. In some animals, however, infection may lead to no clinical signs at all making it potentially hard to detect.

Much remains to be understood about the transmission of HPAI H5N1 among cattle, but it appears to be primarily driven by movements of infected cattle and potentially by personnel or equipment shared between farms. Evidence also suggests spillover events have taken place between infected dairy farms and nearby poultry units. Other species have also been affected including cats and mice, and spillover from poultry to pigs has also been seen. Even if pigs show no signs of disease, they represent a point of concern as pigs can catalyze genetic reassortment of avian and human influenza viruses, potentially creating new strains with pandemic potential.

FAO’s recommendations propose the minimum surveillance objective for all countries ought to be to rapidly detect spillover events of HPAI H5N1 from birds to non-avian species, including cattle. If detected, veterinary and health professionals should be prepared to trigger a rapid response, tighten risk mitigation measures and generate evidence to support decision making and policy.

Basic but effective surveillance systems begin by encouraging farmers to self-report suspected diseases and take advantage of routine veterinarian visits to farms. These systems can be expanded through opportunistic testing during vaccination campaigns, monitoring reports from community and industry groups about reduced milk production and adopting risk-based sampling strategies.

These strategies should consider factors such as geography, wild bird migration patterns, seasonality, animal populations, and clinical observations throughout the dairy value chain. In the event that an HPAI H5N1 case in a cow is confirmed, public health authorities should be immediately informed and investigations initiated to determine if farm workers and other close human contacts have been exposed or infected. For WOAH-listed diseases, cases should be reported using WAHIS  and technical experts are also encouraged to submit data to FAO’s Global Animal Disease Information System (EMPRES-i+).

For the latest information on avian influenza situation in animals worldwide, see the FAO Global Avian Influenza Viruses with Zoonotic Potential situation update and the WOAH situation reports on HPAI.

–FAO

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Partial viral genome data of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that infected the patient in Louisiana indicates that the virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype related to other D1.1 viruses recently detected in wild birds and poultry in the United States and in recent human cases in British Columbia, Canada, and Washington state. This H5N1 bird flu genotype is different than the B3.13 genotype detected in dairy cows, sporadic human cases in multiple states, and some poultry outbreaks in the United States. Additional genomic sequencing and efforts to isolate virus from clinical specimens from the patient in Louisiana are underway at CDC.

While an investigation into the source of the infection in Louisiana is ongoing, it has been determined that the patient had exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. This is the first case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. that has been linked to exposure to a backyard flock. A sporadic case of severe H5N1 bird flu illness in a person is not unexpected; avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection has previously been associated with severe human illness in other countries during 2024 and prior years, including illness resulting in death. No person-to-person spread of H5 bird flu has been detected. This case does not change CDC’s overall assessment of the immediate risk to the public’s health from H5N1 bird flu, which remains low.

This case underscores that, in addition to affected commercial poultry and dairy operations, wild birds and backyard flocks also can be a source of exposure. People with work or recreational exposures to infected animals are at higher risk of infection and should follow CDC’s recommended precautions when around animals that are infected or potentially infected with H5N1 avian influenza virus. This means that backyard flock owners, hunters and other bird enthusiasts should also take precautions.

The best way to prevent H5 bird flu is to avoid exposure whenever possible. Infected birds shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, mucous, and feces. Other infected animals may shed avian influenza A viruses in respiratory secretions and other bodily fluids (e.g., in unpasteurized cow milk or ‘raw milk’).

• As a general precaution, whenever possible, people should avoid contact with sick or dead animals, in particular wild birds, and poultry.
• For individuals with direct/close contact with wild birds or sick or dead poultry or other animals, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Wild birds can be infected with avian influenza A viruses even if they don’t look sick.
• Do not touch surfaces or materials (e.g., animal litter or bedding material) contaminated with saliva, mucous, or animal feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza A virus infection.

For more information on H5 bird flu in the U.S. and CDC’s response, including regularly updated case counts, visit the H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation page.

–CDC

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The experience is designed to foster the understanding that local dairy foods are sourced responsibly and with care for the animals and environment.

The “Winter on the Farm” activities invite guests to experience life as a dairy farmer allowing children to use their imaginations and step into a pop-up dairy farm experience. Young visitors can navigate their way through the farm on play tractors and learn how to care for the cows with activities like:

• Keep Cows Warm: Children can choose a colorful calf jacket to fasten on to plush calves to keep them warm.
• Keep Cows Comfortable: Kids can snuggle up with plush calves inside a real calf hutch from a local dairy farm that has been transformed into a book nook with farm-themed children’s books.
• Keep Cows Healthy: Children will have the opportunity to feed the plush cows using real calf bottles and dress up as veterinarians to ensure their cows are healthy.

There will also be a photo opportunity with a 16-foot inflatable dairy cow. Other interactive areas designed to help children roleplay the part of a dairy farmer include dress up items, tractors for toddlers, and a kitchenette and farm stand.

Additionally, the Strong’s Play Lab will feature winter cardboard villages where the kids can contribute to the scene through the week by adding houses, businesses and other buildings, complete with 5,000 dairy-themed stickers.

ADA North East will also offer samples of lactose-free Cabot Cheese throughout the 16 days of programming on a first come, first served basis.

On Friday, December 27, New York State Dairy Ambassadors will be in the Play Lab from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to serve hot chocolate with assorted toppings.

For more information, click here.

About American Dairy Association North East

American Dairy Association North East (ADA North East) is the dairy farmer-funded organization funded by participating dairy farmer’s checkoff investment to build demand and sales for milk and dairy foods throughout the local region. Representing more than 8,300 dairy farm families in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and northern Virginia, ADA North East develops and implements local programs to drive milk and dairy sales at retail outlets and in schools. The organization also conducts consumer education about dairy through events, traditional and social media, and in collaboration with health professionals through National Dairy Council®. ADA North East works closely with Dairy Management Inc., the national dairy checkoff organization, to support nutrition research, national partnerships and developing export markets for dairy to bring a fully integrated promotion program to the region. For more information, visit www.AmericanDairy.com.

–American Dairy Association North East

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For many dairy producers, it’s crucial to have a well-planned discussion with your tax preparer. Establishing an effective tax strategy from the start saves time throughout the year, especially during tax season. A common challenge for farmers is that the demands of daily operations often leave little time for focusing on long-term financial planning.

Why is it critical to have those important conversations with your accountant? Being out of the loop on the most recent tax laws can hurt your business (and as a result of how many tax laws there are, and how often they change, it’s easy to be out of the loop). The worst-case scenario is that you wind up paying more in taxes than you need to or you miss a deadline and get hit with fines.

Quarterly meetings with your accountant can save you a great deal of stress, hassle, and possibly money. Your accountant can clear up any questions and help you set up a plan of action for the quarter that fits your plans and needs into the giant tax-law puzzle. Quarterly meetings help to make that last visit from your accountant at the end of the year a little less stressful. Trying to do tax planning for the prior year while sitting with your accountant in early April for your tax return preparation is simply a day late and a dollar short.

A common mindset with producers (and others) is they never want to pay taxes. However, a successful business that has generated income does pay taxes. The objective is to minimize the amount of taxes over the lifetime of the business versus focusing on one year.

Estimating and paying your quarterly payments can be an incredibly complex process that could have big repercussions for your business. Plan too little and you could end up with a big, unplanned payment or additional fees. Estimate too much and your cash flow can end up stifled.

Your accountant can walk you through the estimation each quarter, so you are paying the taxes you need to pay, but no more than necessary.

There are many tax-saving strategies that might be utilized in each situation. Some of these strategies include:

• Identifying deductions
• Divesting assets that represent unrealized losses to off-set capital gains
• Restructuring income
• Purchasing needed equipment earlier than planned
• Delaying the receipt of year-end payments from customers until early the following year
• Expediting the payment of expenses
• Contributing to qualified retirement plans –such as 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), IRA, and SEP
• Contributing to a church or charity

Lastly, the key point of any business is to review tax documents annually. They can be confusing but it’s important to review those tax documents. It’s important to understand what numbers are being reported. Business owners signing the tax forms could be held liable if audited by the IRS or the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Asking questions and keeping current on changes occurring with taxes is the responsibility of the owner and not just the tax preparer. So, ask those questions if you don’t understand where a number is coming from.

Think about your future. Eventually, all farmers will retire or want to pass that farm business to the next generation. Have you contributed to your social security at all during your career? How are you going to survive those retirement years? My colleagues and I often see many producers not thinking about that next step in their lives. Even if you are only in your 20’s, it’s never too early to start planning. Succession planning or transitioning a farm operation are important concepts to consider and investigate.

In closing, it’s important to be in the know about your business’s financial management. Having a tax plan is one component of a sound overall financial strategy and is a critical one. Unfortunately, many people overlook this crucial aspect, and in turn, end up overpaying a huge amount at the end of the year. Whether you’re just beginning your business or have had a business for years, it’s never too late or too early to build a plan. While you most likely would rather be in the fields or caring for your cows, it’s important to have those conversations with the professionals that you are paying to complete your taxes. If you don’t understand, ask. If you’ve asked before, ask again. Tax professionals are supposed to be there to assist you and guide you in those important financial decisions.

The Penn State Dairy Business Management team can assist you in some of those critical business management needs. Utilizing tools such as Penn State Extension’s Farm Account book can be the first step to help manage your farm’s critical business records that are often overlooked. This can be ordered online or at your local extension office. There are also computer software programs such as Quicken® or QuickBooks®. The Penn State Dairy Business Management team can assist you in the set-up for these programs. Additionally, Penn State Extension has a Farm Transition Team encompassing members from various areas of expertise should you have questions or need help on where to start. It’s crucial to stay organized and have a team of professionals in your corner to help your business succeed.

–Samantha Gehrett
Penn State Extension Dairy Educator

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Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) President and CEO Barbara O’Brien pointed to a collective effort of national and local teams that delivered results this year.

“The checkoff is working, and we have achieved a lot in building the next chapter of our history,” said O’Brien, who outlined “now, next and future” checkoff strategies at this year’s joint annual meeting. “This success was made possible by the dedication and hard work of everyone across the checkoff federation. This was a strong year of results as we continue to work with and through others to catalyze action against our trust- and sales-building priorities.”

Checkoff-led highlights from 2024 include:

Increasing Dairy Access in Schools

A partnership provided hot chocolate milk to students during a pilot with Chartwells K12, which serves more than 2 million meals daily at 700 school districts. National Dairy Council (NDC) and Chartwells launched the Hot Chocolate Milk program in 58 schools, which features hot chocolate milk – with toppings such as cinnamon and peppermint – served during breakfast and lunch.

Another school pilot offered lactose-free chocolate milk and increased consumption and reached students who weren’t drinking milk because of real or perceived lactose intolerance. NDC and American Dairy Association Mideast worked with Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) to offer the country’s first single-serve lactose-free chocolate milk program. When compared to the rest of the district, the pilot schools experienced a 16-percent increase in milk consumption. The pilot was so successful that CPS is offering lactose-free chocolate milk in all schools.

Partnerships Growing Sales

The checkoff’s longstanding strategy of working with and through powerful partners continues to deliver results. For example, the checkoff supported Domino’s with its launch of cheese-centric items, including the New York Style Pizza and five-cheese mac and cheese.

This strategy of working with pizza partners also continues to find success internationally, a key tactic to reach the 95% of the world’s population that lives outside of the United States. DMI’s partnership with Pizza Hut Japan led to the chain announcing a permanent 30% increase of cheese use on all pizzas.

Other partnership innovations included working with General Mills to create YoBark, a yogurt-based snack designed to give families a tasty option and expand yogurt’s presence in the snacking category.

Sharing The Science of Dairy

One emerging research area is dairy’s impact on the first 1,000 days of life – encompassing pregnancy through a child’s second birthday. This is a critical period for brain development, which is impacted by nutrition and dairy can significantly support cognitive development, thanks to nutrients including iodine and choline. Checkoff organizations nationally and locally teamed with MilkPEP to elevate awareness and understanding of dairy’s contributions with expecting mothers and parents seeking nutrition guidance.

NDC also showed its ability to convene thought leaders when it hosted more than 100 national and international health and wellness experts for a two-day scientific conference addressing the dairy matrix, the concept of exploring the unique nutrient, non-nutrient and molecular compositions of dairy foods. Among the meeting attendees were representatives and speakers from major health professional organizations leading universities and organizations.

Supporting Dairy’s Sustainability Legacy

 The checkoff is focused on deepening its knowledge and attracting the investment in research on practices and technologies that work from a mitigation standpoint, and tools and resources to support adoption. DMI is tracking more than $29 million in additional investment from partners for pilot projects and research that empower sustainability action. One example is the Greener Cattle Initiative, a collaboration which announced a second round $5 million funding for enteric methane mitigation research.

The checkoff launched the Dairy Conservation Navigator, a resource hub designed to provide farm advisors, stakeholders and conservation professionals with science-based information on sustainable practices and technologies. Checkoff scientists and others developed a list of 80-plus practices that have a positive environmental benefit.

Checkoff Sparking Innovation

 The checkoff showcased dairy innovation and its nutrition package to 70,000 people attending Natural Products Expo West, the leading trade show in the natural, organic and healthy products industry. DMI unveiled its www.InnovateWithDairy.com tool, which serves as a one-stop shop for anyone seeking information about dairy innovation.

DMI also kept its focus on future innovators with its New Product Competition. A University of Minnesota team took first with a creamy Norwegian-style, whey-based cheese spread.

More checkoff results, including financial reports, can be found at www.dairycheckoff.com.

About Dairy Management Inc.

Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) is funded by America’s more than 26,000 dairy farmers, as well as dairy importers. Created to help increase sales and demand for dairy products, DMI and its related organizations work to increase demand for dairy through research, education and innovation, and to maintain confidence in dairy foods, farms and businesses. DMI manages National Dairy Council and the American Dairy Association, and founded the U.S. Dairy Export Council, and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

–Dairy Management Inc.

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For young dairy professionals between the ages of 18 and 30, scholarships to attend the Dairy Summit are also available. Young professionals who receive the scholarship get a discounted rate of $50 to attend the full Summit, a complimentary hotel room, access to a Young Professionals Opening Night Reception, and an in-depth career development workshop.

“I came away from the Dairy Summit [last year] with a renewed sense of confidence in myself and my abilities. There were excellent industry professionals, very educational sessions, and great networking opportunities,” said Roy Hissong of Mercer-Vu Farms in Pennsylvania. “I found it beneficial to hear from people in a similar situation as I’m in, graduating from college and making a return to the dairy. Transition from generation to generation is difficult, and there is no correct way to go about it that will work for everyone. Regardless of the position you’re in, the Dairy Summit and Young Dairy Professionals Scholarship is invested in your learning and understanding of the dairy industry. I strongly encourage anyone to attend.”

Hosted by the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania and Center for Dairy Excellence, the 2025 Dairy Summit will feature keynote speakers who will lead timely sessions on a variety of topics, including finding your purpose and how it fits into the future of dairy, farming with a people-first culture, emerging markets for fluid dairy, and interfacing with consumers. Several dairy producers from Pennsylvania, Maryland and beyond will also lead sessions focused on public perception, climate-smart practices, cropping strategies and more. The following sessions will feature dairy producers:

• Building for Tomorrow Today, A Producer Showcase with Caleb and Alice Crothers of Long Green Farms (Keynote Session). When it comes to designing your tomorrow, the pathway to chasing dreams and achieving goals is never linear. Caleb and Alice Crothers of Long Green Farms in Maryland both have nontraditional journeys and careers that eventually led them back to their family’s eighth-generation, 150-cow dairy farm. Learn from their experience interfacing with consumers, farming with sustainability and heritage in mind, and their mindset for achieving goals.

• Farming for the Future in a World Where People Know Their Farmers: Producer Showcase with David Moser of Oakridge Dairy (Keynote Session). At Oakridge Dairy, a rotary milking parlor, environmental responsibility, and the idea of supplying milk direct to consumer are the notions driving change at their dairy operation. It’s all part of their mindset of staying ahead of the curve and building a future where people know their farmers.

• Does Climate-Smart Equal Farm-Smart? Producer Panel with Paul Mason of Mason’s Chrome View and Others (Breakout Session). From incorporating NOP3 into your ration to changing how you handle your cow manure, dairy farms are being inundated by opportunities to embrace “climate-smart” on your dairy. But is it really right for you? Hear from three producers who will share what they did and how it impacted their bottom line.

• Feeding for Fat: Do High-Oleic Soybeans Fit? Panel with Dr. Harvatine and Dairy Producers (Breakout Session). High-oleic soybeans have been around for more than 10 years, but are they are making their way into more and more dairy rations – especially with the current drive toward higher components. Hear from Dr. Kevin Harvatine and a few dairy producers on how they are feeding high-oleic soybeans, how they are sourcing them, and what results they are getting.

• The Power of Public Perception: The Good & Bad of Interacting with Consumers Producer Panel Discussion with Brooks Long, Alice and Caleb Crothers, and Beth Meyer (Breakout Session). From navigating through a crisis situation to knowing what to say and what not to say to the public, these producers will give their firsthand experience interacting with consumers in their community. Maintaining a positive image with your non-farm neighbors is critical to a farm’s ability to grow and evolve within a community that might not always understand exactly what you do.

“The most important thing for ‘designing your tomorrow today’ [the theme of this year’s Dairy Summit], is vision. With no vision, there is no goal to strive for. Find your vision, write it down, and begin planning what you must do to reach that vision,” said Brooks Long of Deliteful Dairy, one of the dairy producer panelists at the upcoming Dairy Summit.

At the opening night Young Dairy Professionals Reception, attendees will hear from a panel of young professionals who will share their experiences and career advice in the dairy industry. Casi Long, a dairy producer and owner of Kolb’s Farm Store in Chester County, Pa. will be one of the panelists. She plans to share her story as a young, first-generation dairy farmer who is actively involved in her community.

“If there is one thing I have learned as a first-generation farmer, it is that even the biggest and wildest dreams are obtainable. The biggest piece of advice I can give is to never give up. Even if your path takes a few turns you weren’t expecting, or you encounter a roadblock, that doesn’t mean you won’t reach your goal in the end,” said Casi Long, one of the dairy producer panelists at the Dairy Summit. “Whether your goal is to increase your herd size, change over from a parlor to robots, or become a better dairy leader, being able to adapt and overcome challenges is vital.”

Visit www.padairysummit.org to register today and view the full program. Producer discounts will automatically be applied during the registration process. To apply for the Young Dairy Professionals scholarship, applications must be submitted by January 16, 2025. Visit www.padairysummit.org and click on “Young Professionals” on the top right.

Contact the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit Business Office with questions or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Call 814-355-2467 or email info@padairysummit.org.

–PA Dairy Summit

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Read on for a journey through the fascinating history of eggnog, from its beginnings as a luxurious drink for medieval nobility to its modern-day presence as a comforting symbol of holiday cheer.

Medieval Britain: The Origins of Eggnog

Eggnog traces its origins back to medieval Britain, where its precursor, “posset,” was a popular drink among the upper class. Posset was a warm concoction made with  wine or beer, cream, sugar, and egg. This rich and indulgent beverage was considered a luxury due to the rarity and expense of its ingredients. Milk and eggs were not as readily available to the general population, making posset a drink enjoyed primarily by the wealthy.

Over time, posset evolved from a medicinal remedy for colds and other ailments to a celebratory drink served at feasts and special occasions. It was often enhanced with additional flavors like honey and became a symbol of prosperity and good health. The combination of milk, eggs, and warming spices laid the foundation for what we now recognize as eggnog.

The emphasis on dairy and fresh eggs in posset also reflects the agricultural practices of the time. Wealthy households typically had access to their own livestock or relied on local farms to supply these ingredients. As the recipe for posset spread and developed, it began to symbolize a blend of agricultural abundance and festive indulgence—an association that continues with eggnog to this day.

Colonial America: Eggnog Across the Atlantic

When British settlers brought their traditions to the American colonies, they also carried the recipe for posset, which evolved into what we now recognize as eggnog. In colonial America, the drink took on a new identity, thanks to the availability of local ingredients and the creative adaptations of the settlers. Fresh milk and eggs were more accessible in the colonies due to the abundance of farmland, and rum—an affordable and readily available spirit imported from the Caribbean—replaced the traditional ale or sherry used in Britain. This substitution gave eggnog a uniquely American twist.

Eggnog quickly became a popular drink for gatherings, particularly during the holidays. The blend of creamy milk, fresh eggs, warming spices, and rum was not only delicious but also a symbol of the hard-earned abundance settlers had created in the New World. It became a staple for toasting to health, prosperity, and the spirit of community during festive occasions.

Eggnog’s presence in colonial homes during the holidays reinforced its reputation as a drink of celebration and comfort. Over time, it became embedded in the cultural fabric of the American holiday season, cementing its status as a tradition that honored both the agricultural bounty and the shared joy of the season.

The Early 20th Century: Industrialization and Eggnog’s Popularity

By the early 20th century, eggnog had become a cherished holiday beverage across the United States, and the Industrial Revolution played a pivotal role in its widespread availability. Advances in agricultural practices and the rise of refrigeration transformed eggnog from a homemade treat into a commercial product that could be enjoyed by more people than ever before.

Dairy farming underwent significant changes during this period, with the growth of large-scale operations and innovations in milk processing and storage. Refrigeration allowed fresh milk and eggs to be transported over long distances, making these once-regional ingredients accessible to urban populations. Eggnog, which had previously been limited to households with access to fresh ingredients, was now available in pre-packaged forms in grocery stores, thanks to the rise of industrial food production.

Eggnog did take a hit during prohibition when drinking was outlawed. By the 1940s, non-alcoholic eggnog began appearing in stores but it wasn’t until the 1960s that cold non-alcoholic eggnog became mainstream.

Today: Eggnog’s Modern Appeal

In today’s world, eggnog remains a beloved holiday staple, with its creamy texture and spiced sweetness evoking nostalgia and festive cheer. Modern eggnog has adapted to the diverse tastes and dietary needs of contemporary consumers, making it more accessible and versatile than ever.

One of the most notable trends in recent years is the rise of non-dairy and plant-based eggnog alternatives. Almond, oat, soy, and coconut milk-based eggnogs have gained popularity, offering vegan and lactose-intolerant individuals the chance to enjoy this holiday favorite. These innovations maintain the flavor and spirit of traditional eggnog while catering to evolving dietary preferences.

Additionally, ready-to-drink eggnogs, sold in stores during the holiday season, have become a convenient option for busy households. These pre-packaged versions often come in a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla and nutmeg to adventurous options like pumpkin spice and peppermint. Some brands even offer spiked versions with rum or bourbon for adult celebrations.

Despite these modern adaptations, the essence of eggnog remains rooted in tradition. It continues to symbolize comfort, indulgence, and the warmth of gathering with loved ones. Whether sipped in its classic form or enjoyed in a plant-based version, eggnog’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect generations through a shared love of holiday celebration.

Farming and Eggnog: A Holiday Connection

Dairy farms, in particular, have been the backbone of eggnog production for centuries. Fresh milk and cream are essential for creating the drink’s smooth, velvety texture. Across the country, dairy farmers work year-round to ensure a steady supply of high-quality milk that fills glasses during the holiday season. Similarly, egg producers play a critical role, supplying the fresh eggs that give eggnog its signature richness and body.

Eggnog is more than a festive treat; it’s a reminder of the partnership between agriculture and tradition. By choosing eggnog made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, holiday revelers can celebrate the hardworking farmers whose efforts keep this cherished beverage on our tables. As we sip and savor, we honor the enduring relationship between farming and the holiday spirit, making eggnog a true symbol of agricultural abundance and seasonal joy.

Eggstraordinary History

Eggnog’s journey through history is a testament to its enduring charm and adaptability. From its origins in medieval Britain as a luxurious drink for the elite, to its transformation into a colonial American holiday staple, and its rise to commercial popularity in the 20th century, eggnog has consistently brought people together in celebration. Today, its modern variations continue to honor tradition while embracing new tastes and dietary preferences.

As you raise your glass of eggnog this holiday season, take a moment to appreciate its rich history and the agricultural roots that keep it alive. Eggnog is more than a drink—it’s a symbol of community, celebration, and the enduring bond between tradition and farming. Cheers to the farmers, the history, and the memories yet to be made!

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Qualifications for each of the three awards being presented include:

Dairy Producer(s) of the Year: Presented to an active dairy producer whose primary source of income is derived from his or her dairy enterprise. This producer excels in efficient production and the breeding of quality dairy animals while incorporating progressive management practices. Award recipient’s community, government, marketing and World Dairy Expo involvement will also be considered.

Industry Person(s) of the Year: This award is presented in recognition of an individual’s excellence in research, development, education, marketing, manufacturing or other fields, which are a part of an industry or institution that provides goods or services to the dairy industry. A resident of the United States, this award recipient may be an active dairy producer whose primary achievements are industry focused.

International Person(s) of the Year: Living primarily outside of the United States, the individual who receives this award will be recognized for his or her contribution to international research, development, education, marketing, manufacturing or other fields, that are a part of an industry or institution that provides goods or services to the international dairy industry.

The nomination form is available at worlddairyexpo.com or by contacting the Expo office at 608-224-6455 or wde@wdexpo.com. The individuals selected to receive these prestigious awards will be recognized on Wednesday, October 1 during World Dairy Expo 2025 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis.

Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo is the premier forum for the global dairy community to learn, share, create commerce and showcase competition. The annual event will return to Madison, Wis. September 30 – October 3, 2025, where dairy producers near and far can experience the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, a world-class dairy cattle show, attend seminars, meetings and presentations highlighting the latest and greatest in the industry and connect with other producers. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Spotify, or YouTube for more information.

–World Dairy Expo

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As manager of the Cornell Food Processing and Development Laboratory, Ralyea oversaw dairy extension programs throughout the state for the past 20 years, specializing in cheese and artisan cheese production and safety.

“He helped my company get to the bottom of a pathogenic bacteria problem,” Glustoff said. “While in the movies, a good detective has clues he or she can see, Rob was dealing with microscopic clues. I had hired several professionals who only wasted time and money. Rob was able to quickly assess the situation and come up with a plan that quickly fixed the problem.”

In a tough market for liquid milk, many New York dairies have found they can reap greater profits by processing and marketing their own products such as cheeses, bottled milk, yogurt, ice cream and butter. But each of these value-added sectors of the dairy industry come with its own set of production and safety challenges.

Glustoff, who makes raw cows’ milk cheeses, says Ralyea helped grow and develop the New York state dairy business “in more ways than one can imagine.” He also described him as the state’s secret weapon when it comes to award-winning cheese, yogurt, ice cream and other “value added” products.

Cornell is one of about 25 universities in the country with a dairy education and research component, producing dairy products for the campus and surrounding community since 1880. Cornell’s dairy plant also has an incubator program for those looking to enter the business or aiming to get a new product off the ground.

Ralyea, who retired in October after his team hosted its annual cheesemaking workshop, has been a significant part of that. He consulted on four award-winning cheeses from the most recent American Cheese Society competition alone: two Stocking Hall clothbound cheddars, an Oakfield Artisanal traditional Mexican Chihuahua cheese and Muranda Cheese Company’s Rosie’s Choice Young Alpine.

“Rob had a very unique combination of expertise in microbiology and practical dairy processing, along with a special talent for communicating with people,” said Martin Wiedmann, the Gellert Family Professor in Food Safety and Food Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “He used those skills to make a lasting impact on the dairy industry in New York and beyond.”

The fifth largest dairy state, New York not only makes a lot of cheese – 1 billion pounds last year – it makes noteworthy cheese. At this summer’s American Cheese Society Annual Judging & Competition, New York producers were awarded 31 medals across all categories, from farmstead cheeses to fresh unripened cheeses.

Ralyea describes the work he’s done as helping companies around the state with product development, troubleshooting problems, assisting with environmental monitoring and regulatory issues, “and a bunch of other stuff.” His work has aided the state in growing into the nation’s top producer of yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced recently that $21.6 million is available through the Dairy Modernization Grant Program. They are looking for projects that help the state’s dairy farmers supply chain efficiency and that mitigate the need for raw milk dumping during emergency events. One answer: more cheese.

And in what was the birthplace of commercial cheese production in this country more than a century ago, New York producers have recently drawn together to launch the New York State Cheese Council, which held its first official meeting in October. Ralyea will now channel his expertise by co-leading food safety seminars for the cheese council with Rebecca Phillips, regional dairy processing specialist at Cornell Dairy Foods Extension.

“We thought there needs to be a network for people interested in getting into cheesemaking,” said Rachel Banks, president of the fledgling New York State Cheese Council. “There’s not a lot of market awareness of what’s out there, and we’re not connected.”

She says New York lost 1,900 dairy farms between 2017 and 2022, and cheese can be an added revenue stream. She says the council is interested in developing a state cheese label.

But adding cheese production to a dairy requires significant knowledge, specialized equipment, proper sanitation practices and potentially a long aging process to achieve the desired flavor and texture.

“When milk prices go down dairies say, ‘We’ve got to save the farm’ and they start looking to value-added products,” Ralyea said. “That’s what I was part of, helping people do things correctly when they’ve made that decision.”

Ralyea’s work extends beyond cheese, says Robin Waite, research and quality director for Perry’s Ice Cream, based in Akron, New York. Ralyea was an invaluable resource as Perry’s installed a state-of-the-art extruded ice cream package line in 2023, she said.

“He did some site visits and helped us monitor the project’s impact on the existing facility and for sampling as we ramped up production,” she said. “Rob is friendly, with a quick wit, and he’s always available to bounce and idea off of or to ask questions.”

–Laura Reiley
Cornell Chronicle

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