In the US, the national dairy marketing associations have been unwilling to accept the benefits of A2 milk. It's understandable given what's at stake with huge dairies' vested interest in milk that is currently A1/A2 mixed. It's interesting, however, to do a little research into what is happening within the dairy farms themselves, and their breeding priorities.
A quick review shows that a massive shift is happening in US dairy. Demand for A2 bulls and artificial insemination products has emerged and shown huge growth over the past 2 years. At a minimum, many dairies are prioritizing A2 bulls as a way to gradually shift their herds to A2 dominant milk. Those who have been able to get a premium for their A2 Milk are also breeding with A2 females in order to ensure a pure product immediately.
Below is a sample of articles over the past year or so. Among those whose livelihood depends on dairy many are moving to the conclusion that A2 is the future.
Mar 2018 article discussing the growth and importance of A2 breeding emerging over the past year: https://www.progressivedairycanada.com/topics/a-i-breeding/is-selecting-for-a2-a2-right-for-you
“Part of the reason we believe in using the A2/A2 gene is if the consumer starts demanding A2 milk, we can then sell cows and heifers to other dairymen looking to supplement their herd with animals carrying that genotype. Our goal is working toward getting as much A2/A2 gene into our herd as possible. If the herd gets to 100 percent, that’s great, but our main goal is to make a quality milk for all consumers to enjoy."
June 2018 NY daires moving to A2 https://www.bakersfield.com/will-kern-dairies-shift-to-milk-considered-easier-to-digest/article_758544e6-65da-11e8-b709-f79cbe95f1ea.html
"We're all trying to make A2," said the owner of Buttonwillow's Southern Cross Dairy, George DeBoer, who makes it a point to buy bulls with A2 genetics. "Sooner or later, all cows will be A2."
Jan 2019 article on emerging dairy market segmentation: https://www.farmprogress.com/dairy/how-will-dairy-market-segmentation-affect-farmers
"CHANGING FOR A2: Meeting consumer needs will require adjustments by dairy farmers and processors. In the case of A2 milk, some farmers have already started transitioning the genetics of their herds in anticipation of continued growth in the market."
Nov 2018 Wisconsin based Artificial Insemination educating customers on option in A2 breeding: http://us.altagenetics.com/alta-news/a2-genetic-fad-or-future/
Genomic testing company promoting a product and advice on testing for A2: https://www.zoetisus.com/animal-genetics/dairy/conditions/milk-components.aspx
Oct 2018 aritcle promoting Guernsey for breeding A2: https://www.dairyherd.com/article/magnificent-seven-guernsey
"Likewise, the breed is positioned to take advantage of growing consumer interest in potential health benefits of certain milk components, including A2. “A growing body of science seems to signal positive health-related benefits around the A2 beta casein,” says Granitz, noting the Guernsey is the breed with the highest levels of naturally-occurring A2 protein in the population. “Consumers are looking for milk which delivers a rich, authentic taste and has a compelling nutritional and local pedigree. The Guernsey cow delivers.”
June 2018 article about a South Dakota farm, prioritzing the move to an A2 herd, saying move to A2 is inevitble:
"For the future, they are selecting dairy bulls for the A2 trait. This is common to cows whose milk doesn't carry what's called a BCM7 peptide, a characteristic of Holstein milk, which is classified as A1 because of a mutation.In fact, Spink Colony is working toward developing an A2A2 herd, where both the mother and father carry the A2 trait.The A2 trait is sometimes called the "original milk" because it is prevalent in traditional breeds like Guernsey, brown Swiss and Jersey. Some experts think it has human health benefits associated with diabetes, heart disease and autism. A2A2 milk brings a premium in Australia and New Zealand, and in California, but not yet the Midwest."When it does come — and it will — we want to have our foot in the door," Eli says of A2 premiums."
California dairy farmer promoting that their herd is only A2: https://alexandrefamilyfarm.com/ecodairy/a2a2genetics/
Two dairies in Idaho having success with A1 free milk: https://www.capitalpress.com/ag_sectors/dairy/niche-a-milk-from-guernseys-gains-popularity/article_68e038de-852c-55e3-8c55-f6e14a721d62.html
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