Dairy Producers See Hope in Weight Loss Craze in America

Younger generations haven’t been drinking nearly as much milk as their parents’ generation or especially their grandparents’ generation. But America’s new focus on higher protein consumption could increase demand for dairy products.

The country’s newfound use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss has emphasized the need for protein to maintain muscle mass. GLP-1 drugs have helped decrease appetite for adults, but they can also lead to decreased muscle during the weight loss process.

Iowa State University Extension Dairy specialist Fred Hall told Radio Iowa that Americans are turning to dairy products to maintain protein intake. “When you use those products, you have to make sure your body has enough protein to go through the mechanics of making that product successful,” Hall said. “They’re looking for high protein snacks.”

Yogurt, cottage cheese, and kefir have all experienced higher demand, Hall said. Perhaps, the more unexpected demand benefit for the dairy industry from the country’s weight loss craze is their taste for Doritos.

Protein Doritos Could Add New Demand for Dairy

“Doritos just announced Doritos protein,” Hall explained. “They’ll take a serving of Doritos, and it’ll have to start with ten grams of dairy protein, of casein protein, and eventually work up to 17.”

RELATED: This dairy leader hopes to rally support for his ideas to help labor issues in his industry at a time when the Trump administration prioritizes deportations.

Connecticut Dairy Farms Rally for State Help

Protein-packed Doritos could provide a bit of help, perhaps, to dairy producers. But producers in Connecticut hope their state leaders can also take action to help them. Diesel prices have surged $2 per gallon since President Donald Trump authorized military strikes on Iran, adding one more struggle to dairy farmers.  

Connecticut farmers say they are also dealing with property tax strain, more expensive animal feed, and federal milk pricing formulas that compound their economic hardship.

Dozens of dairy farmers made their case in person in the state capital of Hartford with an urgent warning that many of the remaining 79 dairies may not be able to keep operating without assistance.

Connecticut Dairy Producer Says Operation Needs Help

Matthew Peckham operates a dairy operation with 75 milking cows on 200 acres in Woodstock, a farm he took over from his grandparents two decades ago. He told CT Insider that the financial picture is worsening. “We’re not breaking even,” he said.

Peckham continued, “It’s the hardest year since I started farming.”

He stressed that his farm operation has diversified in numerous ways. “We milk cows, we bottle milk, we run a retail farm store, we scoop ice cream. we grow hay to sell, we grow beef, we grow pork, we do custom farming work, we do trucking,” Peckham said. “It’s just my son and daughter and myself and one full-time hired person on the farm to help out. We tried very hard to diversify, to break even.”

Lawmakers discussed tax breaks that would take effect next year. But farmers want immediate action and $20 million to help offset their expected losses this year.

RELATED: This Ohio dairy farm drew high interest last summer and hadn’t been available on the market for 80 years.