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February 25, 2026

H5N1 Raw Milk Surveillance Update

Beginning in February 2025, Minnesota began testing individual farms for the H5N1 virus as a part of the National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS). Results showed that Minnesota’s dairy farms were not infected with the virus, and the State was granted “Unaffected” status in August of 2025. In February, the state made the transition from individual herd testing to silo sampling at plants that receive Grade A cow milk. What this Means for Dairy Plants As part of this effort, dairy plants that receive and process Grade A raw cow milk will be sampled regardless of whether they produce Grade A or Manufacturing Grade products. Sampling will be conducted by Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) dairy inspection program staff in coordination with plant personnel and plants will be asked to provide relevant records of milk sources as a part of the sampling process. Samples are collected directly from silos or bulk milk storage containers and shipped overnight to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, for analysis. Samples will be tested for the H5N1 virus; in the event of a positive sample, animal health officials will use milk source records to respond and identify any affected farms. Additional farm samples will be taken to confirm which farm is affected, and the Board of Animal Health will work directly with the farm on the next steps. Because pasteurization eliminates the risk of H5N1, no action is required from the plant in the event of a positive result. For additional information about the National Milk Testing Strategy, visit the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock/nmts

Cornell Dairy Foods Extension Training: Fluid Milk Processing for Quality and Safety

Prepare to maximize your expertise in fluid milk processing by attending our upcoming
workshop, designed for individuals seeking to obtain the Dairy Extension Fluid Milk
Processing for Quality and Safety Certificate, as well as fluid milk beverage processors
across all operational scales.

The program will begin with online lectures that thoroughly explore essential topics,
including unit operations and spoilage organisms, addressing the complexities inherent in these areas. The course also includes a live Zoom session on testing methodologies to
improve milk quality, examining key factors that affect the final product, and conducting a sensory evaluation. 

To facilitate your participation, all necessary materials will be conveniently delivered to
your location.

We invite you to mark your calendars for March 5, 2026, and join us via Canvas and
Zoom for this invaluable learning experience. This course is particularly beneficial for
operators, supervisors, managers, and quality assurance professionals dedicated to
achieving excellence in dairy production.

Cost: $725- 900 got out of state participants.

Registration is limited to 40 participants.

Read more & Register Here

Beginning Farmer Equipment Grant

The MDA is accepting applications for the Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant. To be considered a “beginning farmer” for grant eligibility, a person must be in their first 10 years of farming. Applicants may request between $1,000 and $10,000, with a 25% match for requests over $2,000.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 26. For more information and to apply, click on the link above.

Dairy Farm Activity Report

The Minnesota Dairy Farm Activity Report reflects the number of dairy farm permits recorded by the MDA Dairy Inspection Program. It is calculated each month. The most recent report is provided below.

Report date: February 1, 2026

Permits by Grade and Species Type

Changes from the Previous Month

Year to Date

Upcoming Events

2026 UMDIA Spring Meeting

Ag Partners Corporate Office, Le Sueur, MN April 29, 2026

https://www.umdia.org/events/ 

Contact Us

Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Dairy and Meat Inspection
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155-2538
www.mda.state.mn.us
651-201-6300

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