Western United Dairies CEO Anja Raudabaugh joins Amanda Russell for a legislative update covering three big issues: AB 411, the “Cattle Act” allowing mortality composting; SB 601, a water bill with major litigation risks for dairies; and AB 1264, a school nutrition bill that could have impacted dairy’s place on student lunch menus. They also touch on federal policy priorities, the farm bill, and ongoing support for farms navigating avian influenza. Tune in for the latest on what’s at stake for California dairies in Sacramento and beyond.

Anja Raudabaugh is joined by Dr. Michael Payne to discuss the re-emerging threat of the New World screwworm, a dangerous pest spreading northward through Mexico that prompted U.S. import suspensions. Dr. Payne breaks down how screwworms infest warm-blooded animals, the telltale signs of infection, and the historic success of the sterile fly eradication program—plus what’s being done now to control the resurgence. The episode also includes an update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), with promising news on herd recovery and ongoing research into potential transmission pathways.

In this episode of Seen & Herd, Paul Sousa, Director of Environmental Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs at Western United Dairies, recaps a significant "doubleheader" of meetings held on Cinco de Mayo—a CDFA hearing on Stop QIP Petition #5 and an afternoon Producer Review Board (PRB) meeting. He breaks down procedural updates, introduces new board members, discusses quota administration issues, and explores the intriguing possibility of using a state bond to retire quota. Paul also provides important guidance on ballot signature requirements ahead of June’s upcoming referendum and dives into a tense series of hardship relief requests. Stay informed on how these developments may shape the future of the quota program in California.

Resources:

> Previous Episode: Breaking Down Quota Results with Anja Raudabaugh

> CDFA Producer Record Update Form

This week on Seen & Herd, we have a bonus episode. In this episode, Tiffany LaMendola and Katie Burgess from Ever.Ag who discuss Livestock Risk Protection (LRP)—a timely and flexible insurance program designed to help dairy producers protect revenue from calves, crossbreds, and even cull cows.

Learn how LRP compares to DRP, what changes are coming on July 1st, and how to take action to get protection in place. This episode is for you if livestock sales are part of your dairy income.

In this episode of Seen & Herd, Paul Sousa sits down with Steve Rowe, Chairman of Biofiltro, and Sanjar Taremi, Livestock Lead, to dive into a solution that’s gaining traction among California dairies: vermifiltration. This natural, low-tech system uses wood chips and worms to significantly reduce nitrogen loads and methane emissions from dairy wastewater, at little to no cost for producers. With changing water regulations, looming methane mandates, and new funding opportunities, this conversation offers real, actionable insights for dairies looking to build a future-proof manure management toolbox. Plus, learn how these systems can expand irrigation options, improve nutrient management flexibility, and even coexist with digesters.

Join us for an insightful episode of Seen & Herd as we welcome back Paul Sousa, Western United Dairies’ Director of Environmental Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs. Paul dives into the latest regulatory updates, including recent changes to CARB’s air quality rules, ongoing water quality discussions, and what dairy producers should prepare for in the coming years. Plus, we highlight the upcoming California Dairy Sustainability Summit and why it’s a must-attend event for the industry.

Tune in to stay informed, and don’t forget to check the links in the show notes for more details, including access to past episodes and registration info for the summit.

> Click HERE to hear Paul's previous update.

> Click HERE to read WUD's SWRCB Dairy Order Comments

> Click HERE to learn more about the Dairy Sustainability Summit

This week on Seen & Herd, Western United Dairies CEO Anja Raudabaugh returns to provide an update on avian influenza and its impact on the dairy industry. We discuss the latest quarantine numbers, new biosecurity measures, and USDA funding for disease prevention. Anja also explains what dairy farmers need to know about PPE availability, inspections, and the ongoing conversation about vaccines.

Tune in for insights on how the industry is navigating this evolving challenge and what steps are being taken to protect both livestock and producers.

> Request FREE PPE Here: https://westernuniteddairies.com/issues/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpia-2/

In this episode of Seen and Herd, we break down the latest updates on California’s dairy quota referendum. Western CEO Anja Raudabaugh joins us to discuss the recently failed proposal to modify the Quota Implementation Plan and what it means for dairy producers moving forward. We’ll cover the key numbers, why the referendum didn’t pass, and the new petition to terminate the quota system entirely. Plus, we share what producers should do now to ensure their votes count in the upcoming referendum.

🔗 Results of Amendment Referendum to the Quota Implementation Plan

🔗 Notice of Industry Referendum for Petition to Terminate the Quota Implementation Plan

In this episode of Seen and Herd, host Amanda Russell welcomes Western CEO Anja Raudabaugh to discuss the recent settlement agreement at Point Reyes National Seashore. This landmark decision marks the end of decades-long conflicts between ranchers, environmental groups, and the National Park Service. Raudabaugh breaks down the history of ranching at Point Reyes, the legal battles that led to this moment, and what the future holds for the affected dairy and beef operations. What does this mean for local agriculture, land management, and conservation efforts? Tune in to find out.

In this episode of Seen and Herd, Amanda Russell is joined by Western United Dairies' Anja Raudabaugh for a deep dive into the legislative highlights and battles from 2024 and what’s on the horizon for California’s dairy industry in 2025. Topics include securing funding for methane reduction and farm-to-school programs, defeating anti-dairy initiatives, navigating budget shortages, and strategizing for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and climate bond negotiations. Tune in for insights into how Western United is protecting the future of dairy in a rapidly changing legislative landscape.