Leading our new additions is Washington columnist Stephen Barlas with the first of his quarterly reports on how the government’s antics are impacting the dairy industry. Barlas is a Beltway veteran who has covered D.C. for trade publications for more than 20 years. We expect his missives will offer greater insight into the machinations of government that often seem frustratingly beyond your control, despite the yeoman service of your industry advocates.

“Better for you” remains a key growth area across all food industry categories. So, we’re expanding our quarterly R&D Health Watch column into a monthly feature, with writing duties shared by the Dairy Council of California and Dairy Management Inc. And as dairy processors continue to explore new opportunities around the globe, our New Products section is growing to feature dairy foods from abroad, some of which may offer hints at trends soon to arrive on our shores.

All this comes in addition to the great processor visits, detailed reports, special features, news and departments our readers have come to rely on as their window into the workings of the industry. Highlights this month include senior editor Pamela Accetta Smith's look at the advancement of women in key industry leadership roles.

Finally, I’d like to introduce a new addition to the DF team. Jeff Cummings, our new publisher, brings a decade of experience in food industry publishing to Stagnito Communications. Pamela and I are looking forward to working closely with Jeff in continuing to make DF the premiere resource for the dairy industry.

So enjoy a new year of Dairy Field. Feel free to call or drop us an e-mail to let us know how we’re doing.