Dear Fellow Dairy Farmers,

As we head into 2026, I’m writing to you not just as President of Western United Dairies (WUD), but as a dairyman who understands exactly what many of you are facing: low margins, surplus milk, early base programs, and relentless pressure on cash flow.

With base programs starting earlier this year, every additional revenue stream on our farms is being affected. Standing still is not an option. That’s why WUD has been working on a new, voluntary opportunity designed by dairy farmers, for dairy farmers, that could provide meaningful relief, quickly.

Introducing: Make America More Ground Beef (MAMGB)

MAMGB is a farmer-first USDA proposal that would allow dairy farmers to monetize surplus dairy-origin cattle, while simultaneously increasing domestic beef supply and helping lower grocery prices for American families.

This is not a mandate. It is completely voluntary, open to all U.S. dairy operations, regardless of size or location. If approved, the program could launch as early as this spring.

But to move it forward, USDA needs to hear directly from dairy farmers, and that’s where you come in.

How the Program Works

MAMGB is designed to divert 800,000–1,000,000 additional dairy-origin cattle in spring 2026, adding 900 million–1.1 billion pounds of lean trim to the ground beef market.

That added supply is projected to:

  • Lower retail ground beef prices 18–25%
  • Increase overall beef demand
  • Support packing plants and rural jobs

This aligns with the latest national dietary guidance, which encourages affordable, high-quality protein for American families.

Two Simple, Voluntary Tracks

  • Immediate Cull Track
    • Cull dairy cows of any age or condition
    • $1,600 per head, plus a $200 early-delivery bonus
    • Total potential payment: up to $1,800 per head
    • Paid upon proof of slaughter (within 30 days)
  • Feedlot Beef Track
    • Dairy heifers over 400 lbs
    • Shipped to approved feedlots for a minimum finishing period
    • $1,800 per head, plus $200 early bonus
    • Total potential payment: up to $2,000 per head

Payments are on top of normal market sale prices.

Protecting Your Herd & the Industry

This program was intentionally designed with guardrails to protect long-term dairy viability:

  • Above-baseline rule: Incentives apply only to additional animals beyond your normal culling levels.
  • Example: If your historical average is 10 culls per month, only cow #11 and above qualify.
  • Strict dairy-only verification: Breed checks, RFID, and packer attestations ensure only dairy-origin animals qualify.
  • Capacity safeguards: Real-time monitoring pauses regional signups if plants reach 90% capacity, preventing bottlenecks.
  • USDA-aligned caps: A per-entity payment cap aligns with standard USDA program limits.

Simple Enrollment, Farmer Support

Enrollment would occur through the FSA portal or local county offices, with support from farmer-first organizations, including WUD, to assist with records, baselines, and verification.

Why Your Voice Matters

This is not a handout. It’s a farmer-driven solution to a real oversupply problem, one that turns excess animals into revenue, supports rural jobs, and helps American families afford food.

But this program needs dairy farmers to speak up together.

The dairy industry is often divided. That division works against us. If we unify around a practical, voluntary solution like MAMGB, we can force momentum where it matters most.

Take Action Today

Sign the quick farmer letter to show USDA that dairy farmers support this solution.

If you’re not yet a member of WUD, consider joining us as we push for policies that put dairy farmers first: https://westernuniteddairies.com/membership/

We’ll continue to keep you updated as this effort moves forward.

Together, we can make MAMGB a reality and strengthen dairy for the next generation.

 

For our farms and our future,

Frank Mendonsa
President, Western United Dairies
Mendonsa Dairy Farm

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