Western United Dairies

09/29/2026

California doesn’t need to start over when it comes to groundwater sustainability. We already have a program that has delivered measurable results.

In a new op-ed, WUD Board Member Frank Mendonsa makes the case for putting LandFlex back to work after it saved more than 100,000 acre-feet of groundwater and helped protect approximately 16,500 drinking water wells.

Red the full article here:

LandFlex works. Those results should matter as California decides how to continue investing Prop 4 funding.

09/08/2026

California’s latest budget decisions are in, and agriculture didn’t come away with many wins.

On the latest episode of Seen & Herd, WUD CEO Anja Raudabaugh breaks down what happened in Sacramento, including funding for water, land repurposing and agricultural programs, along with the latest on AB 2253.

But the bigger conversation is about how California measures its priorities. As Anja puts it, our farming ecosystem runs on acre-feet, while Sacramento continues to count success in acres conserved.

What does that mean for dairy farmers, and where does WUD go from here?

Listen to the latest episode of Seen & Herd: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/acres-vs-acre-feet-and-californias-priorities-for/id1508160620?i=1000788498245

07/30/2026

"This decision protects more than farm privacy. It protects California's ability to respond to the next disease outbreak. When dairy farmers know they can work with animal health officials without exposing their operations to unnecessary risk, everyone benefits."

The Sacramento County Superior Court's ruling affirms that protecting confidential farm information during an active disease outbreak serves the greater public interest, strengthening biosecurity, encouraging early disease reporting, and supporting an effective emergency response.

Read the Fresno Bee's Coverage:

During the bird flu outbreak, the names and locations of California dairies under quarantine were not disclosed to the public

07/29/2026

Why does this court decision matter to California dairy farmers?

During last year's H5N1 outbreak, dairy farmers worked hand-in-hand with veterinarians and state officials to protect animal health.

That collaboration depended on trust.

When a lawsuit sought confidential information about dairies under quarantine, Western United Dairies became actively involved because we believed the outcome could shape California's response to future disease outbreaks.

Last week, the court affirmed that protecting confidential farm information during an active disease outbreak serves the greater public interest.

The decision helps preserve the trust that encourages early disease reporting, strengthens biosecurity, and supports effective emergency response for California agriculture.

Read the Full Article Here:

Why This Court Decision Matters for California Dairy Farmers By Anja Raudabaugh, CEO, Western United Dairies Last fall, as California's dairy industry responded to the H5N1 outbreak, our dairy farmers worked side-by-side with veterinarians, state officials, and public health agencies to contain a di...

07/20/2026

Every major dairy victory starts with farmers willing to engage.

Thank you to the dairy farmers who serve on committees, attend meetings, provide feedback, and help shape WUD's priorities.

Your voice makes the organization stronger.

07/17/2026

In the last year alone, Western United Dairies worked on issues involving:
• Water
• Bird flu response
• Livestock agriculture protections
• Composting regulations
• School nutrition policy
• Activist threats

The issues may change. The mission doesn't - championing California Dairy Families.

07/15/2026

Your membership supports:
✔ Legislative advocacy
✔ Regulatory defense
✔ Farmer representation
✔ Technical assistance
✔ Compliance support
✔ Crisis response
✔ Legal protection efforts

Every one of these plays a role in protecting the future of California dairy.

07/13/2026

Activist campaigns targeting agriculture continue to evolve.

Western United Dairies monitors emerging threats, helps members stay informed, and supports response efforts when issues arise.

When challenges impact dairy farmers, having an organization focused on protecting and representing the industry matters.

07/10/2026

Dairy farmers face challenges that no single operation can tackle alone.

That's why Western United Dairies exists: to bring farmers together, advocate on their behalf, and ensure dairy has a strong voice where decisions are being made.

Because when dairy farmers are united, they're harder to ignore.

07/09/2026

Protecting the interests of California dairy farmers means staying engaged throughout the regulatory process.

Western United Dairies participated in the July 8 State Water Board workshop on the revised draft Dairy Order, continuing our work with the Central Valley Water Board and State Water Board by reviewing proposed language, providing comments, and sharing the firsthand experience of dairy farmers across the region.

At the workshop, WUD highlighted the dairy community's ongoing work to protect drinking water and improve nutrient management while emphasizing that the final order should focus on practical, science-based solutions and reasonable implementation timelines.

The revised Dairy Order is currently scheduled for consideration by the State Water Resources Control Board on September 15. WUD will continue working to ensure the final order is feasible and focused and builds on the progress already underway on farms across the Central Valley.