Your Dairy Checkoff

Episode 50 - From Brain Health to Shopping Carts: How Dairy Marketing Reaches Today's Families

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:50:00 +0000

How does dairy checkoff turn nutrition science into consumer action?

In this episode of the Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, Scott Wallin sits down with Aris Georgiadis to discuss the consumer marketing strategies helping build trust and grow dairy sales. From the First 1,000 Days initiative and partnerships with trusted parenting resources to retail programs like We Are Family and the Dairy Does More platform, learn how dairy checkoff is connecting with today's consumers through science, storytelling and data-driven marketing.

Learn more about how your checkoff is working to build sales and trust at DairyCheckoff.com.

Host & Guest

Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

Aris Georgiadis, Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications, Dairy Management Inc.

Episode 49 - Building Trust in Dairy Through Physician Education

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:06:00 +0000

How can dairy checkoff build trust in dairy by connecting healthcare professionals with credible nutrition information?

On this episode of the Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, Theresa Reps talks with Sandra Selby, a registered dietitian and board-certified sports nutritionist with United Dairy Industry of Michigan and Florida Dairy Farmers.

Sandy explains how their physician education program connects with physicians, nurses, medical assistants and other healthcare professionals to provide evidence-based nutrition resources they can use with patients.

Learn more about how your dairy checkoff is working to grow sales and build trust in U.S. dairy at dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest

Host: Theresa Reps, Director of Farmer Outreach, Dairy Management Inc.
Guest: Sandra Selby, Health and Wellness Senior Manager, United Dairy Industry of Michigan

Episode 48 – How Lactose-Free Milk in Schools Increased Dairy Consumption

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:16:00 +0000

What happens when schools offer students a lactose-free milk option? In this episode of Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, Theresa Reps sits down with Scott Higgins for a Regional Rundown Segment to discuss a groundbreaking pilot program in Cincinnati Public Schools that is helping more students choose milk at mealtime.

The pilot introduced shelf-stable lactose-free white and chocolate milk to students and delivered impressive results including increased milk consumption, higher meal participation and strong student response, especially for chocolate milk.

Scott shares how the program came to life through trusted partnerships with school nutrition leaders, the role dairy checkoff played in identifying unmet demand and how the results are creating new opportunities for processors and school districts across the country.

Tune in to hear how innovation, collaboration and consumer insights are helping dairy meet students where they are while growing demand for milk in schools.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest

· Host: Theresa Reps, Director of Farmer Outreach, Dairy Management Inc.
· Guest: Scott Higgins, President & CEO, American Dairy Association Mideast

Episode 47 – The Dairy Industry Isn't Guessing - How Checkoff Uses Data to Build Demand

Wed, 06 May 2026 18:54:00 +0000

DMI's Gail Legaspi-Gaull, Group EVP of Strategic Insights and Planning, joins DMI's Scott Wallin to break down how strategic intelligence is helping the dairy industry stay ahead of change.

From analyzing consumer behavior and market trends to forecasting what's next, Gail explains how these insights are used to shape marketing, drive product innovation, and support global partnerships that grow demand for dairy.

She also shares what this means for farmers—allowing them to stay focused on the farm while checkoff works to build demand for their milk today and for years to come.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest:

Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.
Guest: Gail Legaspi-Gaull, Group EVP of Strategic Insights and Planning, Dairy Management Inc.

Episode 46 - From Momentum to More: Dairy's 2025 Wins & 2026 Vision

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:09:00 +0000

What did dairy checkoff achieve in 2025—and where is the industry headed next? In this episode of Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, dairy farmer and DMI Chair Marilyn Hershey sits down with DMI President and CEO Barb O'Brien to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the opportunities shaping dairy's future.

From record-breaking exports and rising consumer demand for protein to cutting-edge science and new product innovation, O'Brien and Hershey reflect on 2025. Unpack how checkoff investments are driving growth, building trust and how dairy can help be a solution for health, sustainability and modern lifestyles.

Listen now to hear how your checkoff is building momentum and creating new opportunities for dairy.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest:

· Host: Marilyn Hershey, Pennsylvania dairy farmer and Chair of Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Barb O'Brien, President and CEO of Dairy Management Inc.

Episode 45 - What You Should Know About The 2025 Dietary Guidelines For Americans and Whole Milk In Schools

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:59:00 +0000

DMI's Kuda Lamin-Bangura, Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs, and Katie Bambacht, Vice President of Nutrition Affairs at the National Dairy Council, chat with DMI's Scott Wallin about what the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which strongly affirm dairy's role as an essential part of a healthy diet, recognizing milk, cheese, and yogurt at all fat levels—including whole milk—as beneficial.

Kuda and Katie also talk about the impact of the signing of the "Whole Milk for Healthy Kids" act after being signed into law by President Trump, and what effect it could have on school lunch programs.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest:

Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.
Guest: Kuda Lamin-Bangura, Senior Vice President of Scientific Affairs, National Dairy Council
Guest: Katie Bambacht, Vice President of Nutrition Affairs, National Dairy Council

Episode 44 - Behind the Numbers: The True Impact of the Dairy Checkoff

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:11:00 +0000

In this episode of Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, economist Dr. Oral Capps of Texas A&M University breaks down more than a decade of independent research measuring the impact of the dairy checkoff. Speaking from the 2025 Joint Annual Meeting, Dr. Capps shares how checkoff investments across food service partnerships, fluid milk innovation, whole-fat dairy science and exports are delivering strong, measurable returns for U.S. dairy farmers.

He explains the rigorous, peer-reviewed process behind his analysis, the role of third-party credibility and why programs like lactose-free milk, whole milk, butter and product innovation have contributed to a turnaround in fluid milk consumption. Dr. Capps also offers a farmer-focused perspective on what the checkoff means for the all-milk price and what the industry could look like without these efforts.

This is a revealing look at the data, the methodology and the real-world outcomes demonstrating that checkoff investments are paying off—and strengthening dairy's future.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest

Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

Guest: Dr. Oral Capps, Executive & Regents Professor, Texas A & M University

Episode 43: The Dairy Difference: Advocating for Better School Meals With Smart Swaps

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:30:00 +0000

DMI's Katie Bambacht, Vice President of Nutrition Affairs at the National Dairy Council, speaks with DMI's Scott Wallin about how the checkoff is working directly with schools to improve school lunches (with dairy being front and center) by collaborating with the School Nutrition Association.

Katie explains that nearly 30 million students participate in school meal programs daily, with dairy providing significant nutrients, while emphasizing the critical role of school meals in addressing food insecurity and improving academic performance.

She also covers the "Made with School Lunch" campaign, which aims to change perceptions of school meals, and the "Smart Swaps" initiative, which helps schools meet evolving USDA standards while maintaining dairy offerings.

The discussion also touches on the potential of whole milk in schools and future projects with the School Nutrition Association.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest:

· Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Katie Bambacht, Vice President of Nutrition Affairs, National Dairy Council

Episode 42: Winners Drink Milk: How Dairy Shines at the Indianapolis 500

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 20:28:00 +0000

In this Regional Rundown segment of the Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, host Theresa Reps talks with Brooke Williams, Director of Communications for the American Dairy Association Indiana, about the deep connection between dairy farmers and the Indianapolis 500 tradition.

Williams explains how the Indy 500's iconic "Winners Drink Milk" moment began in 1936 and sparked a beloved tradition that continues today. Each year, two Indiana dairy farmers are chosen to present milk to the winning driver, undergoing media training and public engagement to represent dairy farmers statewide. The partnership generates enormous visibility for dairy—over $7 million in media value and more than 8 million race-day viewers in 2025. This year's innovations included a collaboration with Prairie Farms, featuring special-edition milk bottles and school cartons with Indy 500 themes, which boosted milk sales and fan engagement.

Williams emphasizes that the Indy 500 tradition not only celebrates the winning driver but also honors the dedication of dairy farmers everywhere—reminding listeners that "Winners drink milk."

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest

Host: Theresa Reps, Director of Farmer Outreach, Dairy Management Inc.

Guest: Brook Williams, Director of Communications, American Dairy Association Indiana

Episode 41 - Whole Milk's Comeback: What Checkoff-Led Science Reveals

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:27:00 +0000

Discover the Latest Milk Fat Research on Whole Milk and Dairy Foods

DMI's Dr. Chris Cifelli, Senior Vice President of Nutrition Research at National Dairy Council, speaks with DMI's Scott Wallin about how the checkoff is expanding the body of science around whole milk, cheese, and yogurt.

With more than 80 studies conducted over the last 20 years, the milk fat research shows that these foods not only help support childhood growth but may also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and fit into heart-healthy diets.

Cifelli explains how the unique makeup of dairy fat—especially components like oleic acid—plays a vital role in supporting better health. He also underscores the need to translate this science into clear messages for both consumers and health professionals and how the checkoff constantly shares these messages with nutrition professionals.

Looking ahead, his research team will continue to explore how dairy contributes to lowering cardiometabolic disease risk and the benefits of dairy's unique fatty acids.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest:

· Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Dr. Chris Cifelli, Senior Vice President of Nutrition Research, Dairy Management Inc.

Episode 40 – Revitalizing the Dairy Aisle: How ADANE Boosts Sales & Strengthens Retail Partnerships

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:09:00 +0000

In this inaugural Regional Rundown segment of the Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, DMI's Theresa Reps is joined by Nick DePalma and Kim Villani from the American Dairy Association Northeast (ADANE) to spotlight their impactful work with retailers. They discuss two major initiatives – the Dairy Aisle Performance Program and the Dairy Aisle Reinvention Program – and how these efforts drive sales, improve product availability and create better shopping experiences for consumers. From tackling out-of-stock challenges and enhancing dairy case hygiene to using data-driven insights to expand dairy shelf space, Nick and Kim share how these programs help prioritize milk and dairy products in more than 40 retail chains across the Northeast. Farmers will also hear how these strong retailer relationships benefit their bottom line and how consumer trends like protein snacking and local farm storytelling are shaping dairy's future in stores. Tune in to learn more!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com

Host & Guest

Host: Theresa Reps, Director of Farmer Outreach, Dairy Management Inc.
Guest: Nick Depalma, Vice President of Retail Services, American Dairy Association North East
Guest: Kim Villani, Senior Director of Retail Services, American Dairy Association North East

Episode 39 – Where Does U.S. Dairy Want To Win Worldwide?

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:19:00 +0000

Learn About The Top Global Markets Targeted by the U.S. Dairy Export Council

DMI's Scott Wallin explores how your dairy checkoff resources are driving global demand for U.S. dairy with Becky Nyman, a fourth-generation California dairy farmer and chair of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), and Rick Ortman, USDEC's Senior VP of Strategic Insights.

Rick highlights USDEC's mission to make U.S. dairy the supplier of choice worldwide—backed by rigorous market research and strategic insights while Becky shares the importance of uniting farmers, processors, and manufacturers under one global voice.

With nearly 20% of all U.S. milk production already feeding international markets, they make it clear why exports are critical to sustaining dairy businesses and attracting the next generation to the farm.

From boosting dairy demand in Mexico to building strong ties in Southeast Asia through USDEC's Center for Dairy Excellence in Singapore, the conversation reveals how mission trips, health research, and hands-on partnerships are strengthening trust in U.S. dairy across the globe.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com

Host & Guest:

· Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Becky Nyman, California dairy farmer and Chair, U.S. Dairy Export Council

· Guest: Rick Ortman, Senior Vice President of Strategic Insights, U.S. Dairy Export Council

Episode 38 - Strong Hope For Dairy's Future: Key Findings From the latest State of the Industry Report

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:52:00 +0000

Barb O'Brien, CEO of DMI, discusses the State of the Industry report with its authors, Will Loux, analyst with NMPF and U.S. Dairy Export Council, and Mike McCully, DMI consultant. DMI commissioned the report in early 2024 and highlights the unprecedented $8-10 billion in new and expanded dairy infrastructure.

Key findings include the significant impact of new cheese plant capacity, consumer recovery from high inflation, and structural changes in the dairy industry in China. The report emphasizes the checkoff's need to invest in strategies focused on new product innovations and research, new technologies, and a strong commitment to meeting global demand, as well as the ability to adapt to changing market dynamics.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com

Host & Guest:

· Host: Barb O'Brien, CEO and President of Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Will Loux, Senior Vice President, Global Economics Affairs of U.S. Dairy Export Council

· Guest: Mike McCully, President of McCully Consulting

Episode 37 - Domino's Partnership Growing School Pizza Sales

Mon, 05 May 2025 15:59:00 +0000

Domino's leaders, Jim Zimmer and Kris Holley, along with DMI's Rebecca MacKay Allen, speak with DMI's Scott Wallin about the success of the Domino's Smart Slice program with schools.

They highlight the 16-year partnership, which has grown from 300 to 21,000 schools, serves over 59 million slices of pizza, and sells an additional 3 million pounds of cheese.

They also discuss future goals, including international expansion and improving pizza crust to enhance cheese sales. The long-time partnership's success is attributed to shared values and community focus between dairy farmers and Domino's franchisees.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com

Host & Guest:

· Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Jim Zimmer, Marketing Manager for Domino's Strategic Sales.

· Guest: Kris Holley, Director for Domino's Strategic Sales.

· Guest: Rebecca MacKay Allen, Senior Vice President, Growth Platforms and Partnerships for Dairy Management Inc.

Episode 36 - The Future of Milk: Innovation and Consumer Trends Reshaping Consumption

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:01:00 +0000

DMI's Anne Marie Splitstone, EVP for Growth Platforms and Partnerships, and Silvia Robles, VP for Growth Platforms and Partnerships, speak with DMI's Scott Wallin about the evolution of fluid milk innovation since 2015, emphasizing consumer insights and industry partnerships.

They highlight the role of the Dairy Foods Research Center Network, which includes 150 R&D experts, in driving innovation. Key consumer trends identified include a preference for high-protein, low-sugar products and lactose-free options.

Successful products like Fairlife, which surpassed $1 billion in sales, and DFA's Milk 50, launched with strategic packaging and positioning, are cited as examples.

The conversation underscores the importance of consumer insights, industry collaboration, and ongoing innovation in driving growth in the fluid milk category.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com

Host & Guest:

Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.
Guest: Anne Marie Splitstone, Executive Vice President, Growth Platforms and Partnerships for Dairy Management Inc.
Guest: Silvia Robles, Vice President, Growth Platforms and Partnerships for Dairy Management Inc.

Episode 35 - Making Every Drop Count: How Farmers Guide And Drive Checkoff Success

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:21:00 +0000

Minnesota dairy farmer Charles Krause and DMI's Jessica Learman speak with DMI's Scott Wallin about how the checkoff builds sales and consumer trust for dairy farmers and importers who fund the checkoff. They discuss the importance of transparency in dairy checkoff programs and highlight the "Making Every Drop Count" campaign, which aims to unify various checkoff initiatives and make them more visible to farmers. The new website, DairyCheckoff.com, is designed to provide farmers with easy access to financial information, annual reports, and contact details for board members.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest:

· Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Jessica Learman, Executive Vice President, Farmer Outreach for Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Charles Krause, Minnesota Dairy Farmer, First Vice Chair of United Dairy Industry Association, Chair of Midwest Dairy

Bonus 8 - What Is YoBark? Check Out The New Dairy Product Innovation Created By The Dairy Checkoff and General Mills Partnership

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:15:00 +0000

DMI's Chris Urban speaks with DMI's Scott Wallin about the new dairy product innovation, YoBark, created with General Mills.

YoBark targets teens and tweens who tend to leave the yogurt category due to a desire for on-the-go, shareable snacks. The product was developed through consumer insights and testing, resulting in a stand-up pouch yogurt bark that is both indulgent and has a good nutrient profile.

They will also discuss the overall partnership, including future innovations and premium yogurt offerings, emphasizing the importance of the checkoff's science through the National Dairy Council and checkoff's consumer insights in driving demand.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest:

· Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Chris Urban, Vice President of Global Growth Platforms & Partnerships, Dairy Management Inc.

Episode 34 - How Dairy Is Critical For Kids In The First 1000 Days

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:01:00 +0000

DMI's Megan Maisano and Aris Georgiadis speak with DMI's Scott Wallin about how the checkoff is sharing dairy's impact on children with the "First 1000 Days". She also explains how the checkoff is promoting this research through our nutrition and health professionals and to consumers via trusted online resource centers.

Tune in to find out!

Host & Guest:

Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.
Guest: Megan Maisano, MS, RDN, Director of Nutrition & Regulatory Affairs, Dairy Management Inc.
Guest: Aris Georgiadis, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Dairy Management, Inc.

Bonus 7 - How Is The Checkoff Building Demand For U.S.Dairy Through International Pizza Partnerships

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 14:16:00 +0000

DMI's Nancy Gannon speaks with DMI's Scott Wallin about the dairy checkoff's international strategies for increasing U.S. cheese exports globally, focusing on partnerships with pizza chains like Pizza Hut.

In Indonesia, Pizza Hut's innovative Limited Time Offers, such as the "Cheese Overflow" and culturally relevant Ramadan campaigns, have boosted cheese sales.

In Japan, Pizza Hut's monthly "Hutto Day" and a 30% increase in cheese usage on pizzas highlight the growing demand for U.S. cheese.

Tune in to find out more!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com

Host & Guest:

· Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Nancy Gannon, Vice President of Global Growth Platforms & Partnerships, Dairy Management Inc.

Episode 33 - Is There A Dairy Renaissance Coming? YES!

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:32:00 +0000

Barb O'Brien, CEO of Dairy Management Inc., and Marilyn Hershey, a Pennsylvania dairy farmer and Chair of DMI, discuss the "dairy renaissance" in US, driven by increased consumer engagement, health professional recommendations, and innovative social media campaigns.

O'Brien emphasizes the "Now, Next, Future" strategy, with the "Now" focus on immediate results, "Next" on ongoing science and partnership investments, and "Future" of long-term industry growth strategies.

They also stressed the importance of national and local collaboration, ensuring efficient use of funds and maximizing impact.

Tune in to find out more!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com

Host & Guest:

· Host: Marilyn Hershey, Pennsylvania dairy farmer and Chair of Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Barb O'Brien, President and CEO of Dairy Management Inc.

Bonus 6 - Limited Time Offers Drive Dairy: Freddy's and Midwest Dairy Three-Year Partnership

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 21:20:00 +0000

Listen as Erin Walter, Vice President of Brand Marketing for Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, shares how Midwest Dairy's local partnership helps drive new dairy product innovations through Limited Time Offers (LTOs). With over 500 restaurants and growing, Freddy's loves using LTOs to grab customers' attention and get them into their expanding regional chain. This three-year partnership has produced several successful items including the Grilled Cheese Steakburger and the pumpkin pie and caramel apple pie concretes.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com

Host & Guest:

Host: Stephanie Onken, Midwest Dairy Corporate Communications Manager
Guest: Erin Walter, Vice President of Brand Marketing, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Guest: Beth Bruck-Upton, Vice President of Business Unit Operations-West, Midwest Dairy

Bonus 05 - Fresh Ideas For School Milk: How The National Dairy Council Helps To Innovate And Educate Kids And Nutrition Professionals Through The School Nutrition Association

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 17:29:00 +0000

Listen as Katie Bambacht, Vice President for Nutrition Affairs, shares how the National Dairy Council educates, innovates, and supports the School Nutrition Association in getting kids to understand and consume healthy meals at school. They discuss the strength of our relationship with the School Nutrition Association, the new collaboration for the "Made With School Lunch" campaign, lactose education, and the success of the new flavored milk and lactose-free shelf-stable school milk pilots.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest:

· Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President, Farmer Relations and Media Relations for Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Katie Bambacht, RDN, SNS, Vice President, Nutrition Affairs for National Dairy Council

Episode 32 - How Checkoff Helps Taco Bell With Dairy Product Innovations

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 16:14:00 +0000

Listen in as California dairy farmer and United Dairy Industry Association board member Arlene Vander Eyk has a conversation with Mike Ciresi, Vice President and On-site Dairy Scientist for Dairy Management Inc. about working at Taco Bell's test kitchen. They discuss into Taco Bell's approach to dairy product innovation, the performance of dairy products since partnering, and what future dairy offerings may look like.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Host & Guest:

· Host: Arlene Vander Eyk, California Dairy Farmer and United Dairy Industry Association Board Member

· Guest: Mike Ciresi, Vice President of Product Research for Dairy Management Inc. and On-Site Dairy Scientist at Taco Bell

Bonus 04 - Worlds Collide: Behind the Scenes with a Farmer and Comedian

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 18:03:00 +0000

Listen as Sarah Hetke, Director of Farmer Outreach, interviews Tyler Beck, owner of Beck Farms in New York, about his family's experience in hosting Vanessa Bayer, a comedian and actress, on the farm for the filming of the Dairy Diaries. This video series follows Vanessa as she is thrust into the unfamiliar world of dairy farming. Through Bayer's experiences, viewers get an up-close look at the realities of modern dairy farming and the innovative sustainability and animal care practices shaping the industry's future.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Host & Guest:

· Host: Sarah Hetke, Director of Farmer Outreach

· Guest: Tyler Beck, Owner of Beck Farms

Bonus 3 – How Does Checkoff Promote Dairy Through Online Retailers

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 19:16:00 +0000

Listen as Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Relations, chats with Beau Hayden, vice president of strategic intelligence, about his work with online retailers such as Instacart and Amazon. They will also discuss promotional partnerships with both local checkoffs and retailer, Dollar General, as well as international partnerships with U.S. Dairy Export Council.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com .

Host & Guest:

· Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Relations and Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Beau Hayden, Vice President of Strategic Intelligence, Dairy Management Inc.

Episode 31 - How Is Dairy Changing? The Truth About U.S. Dairy Consumption

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 12:04:00 +0000

Is U.S. dairy consumption going up or down? What is the current dairy product mix and how has it changed over time? What are some of the latest product trends that dairy is part of?

Listen in as New York dairy farmer and National Dairy Board member Val Lavigne asks two legendairy experts, Madlyn Daley, Senior Vice President, Strategic Insights & Evaluation at Dairy Management Inc. and Peter Vitaliano, Vice President, Economic Policy and Market Research for National Milk Producers Federation, these questions and much more. They will discuss how U.S. consumers are purchasing and consuming their dairy then versus the past and how they feel about the future of dairy.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Host & Guest:

· Host: Val Lavigne, New York Dairy Farmer and National Dairy Board Member

· Guest: Peter Vitaliano, VP, Economic Policy and Market Research

· Guest: Madlyn Daley, SVP, Strategic Insights & Evaluation at Dairy Management Inc.

Bonus 2 - Why Is Food Safety A Checkoff Priority?

Tue, 14 May 2024 12:51:00 +0000

Why would the checkoff be involved in dairy food safety? How does this help dairy farmers sell more dairy?

Listen as Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications, discusses how the checkoff is helping the dairy industry increase food safety education with Tim Stubbs, Senior Vice President of Food Safety and Product Research for Dairy Management Inc. They also chat about the food safety resources available to processors and dairy farmers who are interested in creating their own dairy products, such as artisan cheese making and ice cream.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Host & Guest:

· Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications, Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Tim Stubbs, Senior Vice President of Food Safety and Product Research, Dairy Management Inc.

Bonus 01 - What Did Dairy Showcase At Expo West 2024?

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:46:00 +0000

Where do global food companies find the next big innovative consumer food product? They attend the Natural Products EXPO WEST conference, where over 65,000 attendees check out over 3,000 food vendors' innovations.

Listen as Marla Buerk, Executive Vice President of Global Innovation and Insights for Dairy Management Inc., and Norrie Wilson, DMI Global Innovation And Insights Consultant, discuss how the national dairy checkoff engaged with Expo West attendees by sharing new dairy product innovation samples and presented a new study on consumer health perceptions.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com .

Host & Guest:

· Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications, Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Marla Buerk, Executive Vice President of Global Innovation and Insights, Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Norrie Wilson, DMI Global Innovation And Insights Consultant, Dairy Management Inc.

Episode 30: How Do You Get Consumers To See Dairy Differently?

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:42:00 +0000

Do consumers think that dairy is sustainable? Does this influence their purchasing of dairy products? What's the checkoff doing about it?

Listen as MVP Dairy's Director of Marketing and Communications Allison Ryan discusses how the checkoff is sharing the dairy farmer sustainability story with Heather Oldani, Group EVP, Head of Marketing Communications & Affairs for Dairy Management Inc. Allison and Heather will discuss how the "See Dairy Differently" campaign is changing how thought leaders think of dairy products and what the campaign will focus on promoting next.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Host & Guest:

· Host: Allison Ryan, Director of Marketing and Communications, MVP Dairy

· Heather Oldani, Group EVP, Head of Marketing Communications & Affairs for Dairy Management Inc.

Episode 29: What Did Farmers Want To Know About Dairy Exports At The Joint Annual Meeting?

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:15:00 +0000

What trends are we seeing with dairy products developed for exports? Does unique branding and logos for dairy products make a difference in the exports market? Can you tell us more about the new Singapore Dairy Center of Excellence?

These were a few of the questions dairy farmers asked during the 2023 Joint Annual Meeting. On this podcast, William Loux, Vice President, Global Economics Affairs at U.S. Dairy Export Council, and Vikki Nicholson-West, Senior Vice President Global Ingredients Marketing and Executive Director USDEC Singapore Ltd at US Dairy Export Council answered these questions and more.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Host & Guest:

Host: Charles Krause, MN Dairy Farmer – Farmer Relations Chair

Guest: William Loux - Vice President, Global Economics Affairs at U.S. Dairy Export Council

Guest: Vikki Nicholson-West - Senior Vice President Global Ingredients Marketing and Executive Director USDEC Singapore Ltd at US Dairy Export Council

Episode 28: What Is In Store For Dairy Exports In 2024?

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:58:00 +0000

How did U.S. dairy exports affect the market in 2023 and what does the future hold for dairy exports in 2024 and beyond? What is the checkoff doing globally to help promote and grow international consumer trust in U.S. dairy?

Listen as Minnesota dairy farmer and Farmer Relations Committee Chair Charles Krause discusses U.S. dairy exports with William Loux, Vice President, Global Economics Affairs at U.S. Dairy Export Council, and Vikki Nicholson-West, Senior Vice President Global Ingredients Marketing and Executive Director USDEC Singapore Ltd at US Dairy Export Council. Vikki and Will highlight the importance of the international market and how partnerships and collaboration facilitate the US Dairy Export Council's mission. Learn why global relationships between partners, co-ops, processors, and checkoffs are the bedrock of a thriving dairy export strategy.

Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national and local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Host & Guest:

· Host: Charles Krause, MN Dairy Farmer – Farmer Relations Chair

· Guest: William Loux - Vice President, Global Economics Affairs at U.S. Dairy Export Council

· Guest: Vikki Nicholson-West - Senior Vice President Global Ingredients Marketing and Executive Director USDEC Singapore Ltd at US Dairy Export Council

Episode 27 - What Has The Checkoff Done In 2023 and What To Look Forward To In 2024

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:33:00 +0000

Listen as Marilyn Hershey, DMI's chair, and Barb O'Brien, DMI's CEO and President, discuss the 2023 National Dairy Checkoff Year-In-Review with Scott Wallin, DMI's VP of Industry Media Relations. They will go over the highlights and challenges of this year's checkoff programs including our restaurant and retail partnerships, health and wellness education and collaborations, consumer promotions, international promotions, and the new direction of the Fuel Up youth wellness programs. Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Host & Guest:

· Guest: Marilyn Hershey, Dairy Management Inc. Chair and Pennsylvania Dairy Farmer

· Guest: Barb O'Brien, Dairy Management Inc. CEO and President

· Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Industry Media Relations

Episode 26 - Growing Cheese Sales With Pizza Partnerships

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 12:47:00 +0000

A new dairy checkoff growth program, in collaboration with pizza partners, is set to boost cheese consumption by over 12 million pounds, primarily focusing on international markets. On the domestic front, Domino's has introduced Pepperoni Stuffed Cheesy Bread to its menu. Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) has supported Domino's, including consumer research for the successful launch of this product, and they plan to work on an enhanced loyalty program.

Listen as Paul Ziemnisky, DMI's EVP of Global Innovation Partnerships discusses the checkoff's new cheese program with Scott Wallin, DMI's VP of Industry Media Relations. Restaurant partnerships are a collaborative effort and a powerful means to enhance the dairy industry's presence in the global food market. Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Host & Guest:

Guest: Paul Ziemnisky, Executive Vice President of Global Innovation Partnerships at Dairy Management Inc.

Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Industry Media Relations

Episode 25 - How Has Dairy Consumption Changed In Schools And Kids? New Youth Wellness Research Focuses Industry Direction.

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:06:00 +0000

Much has changed in the world since the pandemic, including dairy consumption at schools. Has it gone up or down? How does dairy consumption at school affect home consumption and vice versa? What should the dairy industry be focused on when it comes to children's nutrition and youth wellness? What does this new research tell us about our Fuel Up program, the largest health and wellness program in schools?

Listen as New York dairy farmer, United Dairy Industry Association board member, and National Dairy Council Chair Audrey Donahoe discusses the checkoff's new youth wellness research with Anne Warden, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Affairs at Dairy Management Inc., and Tim Joyce, Principal at ZS. They will chat about what the research says and how it will guide the dairy industry's efforts to help kids, schools, and dairy farmers. Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Dairy Farmer Hosts:

Farmer Host: Audrey Donahoe

Dairy Farmer Guests

Farmer Guest: Anne Warden, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Affairs at Dairy Management Inc.
Farmer Guest: Tim Joyce, Principal at ZS

Episode 24 - How Dairy Sustainability Became A Priority For Dairy Farmers And The Dairy Checkoff

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 17:35:00 +0000

Sustainability is a term that gets used often in food marketing, by politicians and thought leaders but what does it really mean to dairy farmers and the dairy checkoff. Listen as Georgia dairy farmer Adam Graft has a conversation with former National Dairy Board member and California dairy farmer Steve Maddox and Stephanie Masiello Schuette, Director of Environment Research for Dairy Management Inc., about why it's important for the dairy farmers to be involved in sustainability practices as well as how the checkoff is helping with dairy farming sustainability practices and measurement. They will also discuss the future of dairy sustainability and current research projects. Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Dairy Farmer Hosts:

· Farmer Host: Adam Graft

Dairy Farmer Guests:

· Farmer Guest: Steve Maddox, CA dairy farmer and former National Dairy Board member

· Farmer Guest: Stephanie Masiello Schuette, Director of Environmental Research for Dairy Management Inc.

Episode 23 - What Is Really Going On With Dairy In Marketplace?

Mon, 15 May 2023 14:06:00 +0000

You may have heard that dairy is dead but this couldn't be further from the truth. Dairy is a powerhouse in marketplace. Listen as Maine dairy farmer Jenni Tilton-Flood talks with Paul Ziemnisky, Executive Vice President of Global Innovation Partnerships at Dairy Management Inc., and Madlyn Daley, Senior Vice President of Consumer & Market Insights for Dairy Management Inc., about how dairy products are doing in the marketplace as well as how the national and local checkoffs are helping to drive dairy innovation and grow sales at retail and restaurants. We'll also get to hear about exciting new fluid milk products and what consumers are really looking for in dairy. Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 22 - Do Global Consumers Really Want U.S. Dairy?

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:50:00 +0000

We know that U.S. diets contain a lot of dairy but do international consumers crave our U.S. cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream, etc…? Washington dairy farmer Lynn Wheeler Rainey talks with Rebecca MacKay Allen, Senior Vice President of Global Innovation Partnerships at Dairy Management Inc., and Will Loux, Vice President of Global Economic Affairs for U.S. Dairy Export Council, about how U.S. Dairy Export Council and Dairy Management Inc's International Partnerships team up together to drive dairy sales internationally. We'll also get to hear about exciting new overseas products and where the future of exports is going. Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 21 - eCommerce: Does Dairy Have A Future?

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 15:27:00 +0000

Dairy sells in stores, but does it sell online? Hear from Beau Hayden, Vice President of Insights, Sales and Trust for Dairy Management Inc., and Stephanie Taylor, Director of Business Development for Dairy Management West, share how the dairy checkoff has worked with partners like Amazon, Instacart, Walmart, and others to drive demand for dairy digitally. With 12-13% of grocery store sales happening online (compared to 3% pre-pandemic), the future is bright for online grocery shopping – but where does dairy fit in? Tune in to find out!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 20 - Dairy industry experts answer a dairy farmer's sustainability questions

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 16:17:00 +0000

Tune in as Indiana dairy farmer Jill Houin facilitates a discussion with three dairy industry sustainability experts from a policy group, a large processor and a dairy risk management company. Recorded live at the 2022 Joint Annual Meeting, this group talks about how consumers view dairy sustainability practices, what sustainability means to their organization and how farmers are part of the sustainability solution for dairy.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 19 - What Happened With Dairy Promotion In 2022?

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 13:07:00 +0000

Hear from Pennsylvania dairy farmer and Dairy Management Inc. Chair Marilyn Hershey and Missouri dairy farmer and National Dairy Board Chair Alex Peterson discuss the 2022 checkoff's dairy promotion highlights including gaming advertising to Gen Z, exports, new retail and restaurant partners, new health and wellness collaborations, sustainability alliances and much more.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 18 - Do Social Media Influencers Convince Consumers To Buy Dairy?

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:28:00 +0000

Tune in with our dairy farmer hosts, Wisconsin's Becca Hilby (@beccahilby) and New York's Val Lavigne (@DairyGalVal), as they talk with Indianapolis Colts mascot "Blue" Trey Mock (@blue) and Philip Fryman (@southernfatty) about how they became social media influencers and how they work with the dairy checkoff to share dairy insights, facts about dairy farming and dairy recipes with consumers.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 17 - Why is the dairy checkoff involved in sustainability?

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 13:29:00 +0000

Tune in with our dairy farmer hosts, Missouri's Alex Peterson and Virginia's Joanna Shipp, as they talk with Heather Oldani, EVP, Dairy Management Inc. Corporate Communications and, Dan Peerless, Global Sustainable Sourcing Lead For Dairy, Meat, Poultry, and Eggs for Nestle, about how the dairy checkoff got involved in dairy sustainability and why it matters to farmers.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 16 - Should farmers be worried about the dairy case at the grocery store?

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 15:15:26 +0000

Tune in with our dairy farmer hosts, Indiana's Jill Houin and California's Erin Nutcher, as they talk with Mike Brown, Sr., category manager for Kroger, and Tim Cooley, chief operating officer for American Dairy Association North East, talk about the present state and future of the dairy case, why milk and alternatives are placed together and what to do if something doesn't look right at your local grocery store.

Tune in with our dairy farmer hosts, Indiana's Jill Houin and California's Erin Nutcher aka @ca_dairy_wife, as they talk with Mike Brown, Sr., category manager for Kroger, and Tim Cooley, chief operating officer for American Dairy Association North East, talk about the present state and future of the dairy case, why milk and alternatives are placed together and what to do if something doesn't look right at your local grocery store.

Episode 15 - Why Do Large Food Companies Need Checkoff To Drive Dairy Sales?

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 01:25:22 +0000

Tune in with our dairy farmer hosts, Michigan's Ashley Messing-Kennedy (@messykennedy) and Minnesota's Rita Vander Kooi, as they talk with Paul Ziemnisky, executive vice president for domestic partnerships at Dairy Management Inc., and Amy Wagner, executive vice president for international partnerships at Dairy Management Inc., about how both retail and restaurant partnerships, both nationally and internationally, are working to drive incremental dairy sales for all dairy farmers.

Episode 14 - Do the Dietary Guidelines Help or Hurt Dairy? You May Be Surprised.

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 16:56:33 +0000

Listen in with our dairy farmer hosts, New York's Audrey Donahoe and Georgia's Jennifer Glover, as they talk with registered dietitians Katie Brown, Senior Vice President at National Dairy Council, and Abigail Copenhaver of Farmstead Nutrition & Consulting about what the dietary guidelines are, how they evolve, who follows them and how that affects dairy.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 13 - Remember Got Milk? Where Are Dairy Ads Now?

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 20:23:38 +0000

Listen in with our dairy farmer hosts, Virginia's Brittany Jones (@richlandsdairy) and New York's Kathryn Bosley (@cow_nerd), as they talk with Suzanne Fanning, SVP from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, CMO for Wisconsin Cheese, and Jeff McCrory, Strategy for Mischief USA, about how traditional marketing and advertising has changed over recent years and what they are doing to reach our consumers through all the new channels like social media, streaming services, gaming and communities.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 12 - Is Your Dairy Prepared For A Crisis?

Tue, 17 May 2022 14:06:37 +0000

No dairy farmer ever wants to think about a significant issue impacting his farm, much less a crisis. This episode of Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast is hosted by two dairy farmers who have faced such impacts on their own farms. Listen in as Wisconsin's Amber Horn-Leiterman and Florida's John Larson talk with Tricia Sheehan, vice president of crisis preparedness and issues management for Dairy Management Inc., and Hannah Thompson-Weeman, the newly announced president and CEO for the Animal Ag Alliance, about on-farm crisis preparedness and issues management.

There are issues that happen on the farm every day. But the types of crisis and issues that are hitting from outside your dairy - that are foreign forces – that's where organizations such as DMI and the Animal Ag Alliance are there to help.

DMI monitors what type of media traction is out there - from news reports to social media and online conversations. Your checkoff helps dairy farmers navigate the social pressures and become prepared for the media and their community so that they can provide their response to a difficult situation.

Learn from our guests and hosts how they navigate through a crisis and what to do to become better prepared on your own farm.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 11 - How do you get consumers to trust you? Farmers talk about what works.

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 20:07:37 +0000

In this episode of Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, dairy farmer hosts, Connecticut's Amanda Freund (@cowpots) and Washington's Austin Allred (@royalfamilyfarming), as they have a conversation with dairy farmers, New Mexico's Tara Vander Dussen (@taravanderdussen) and Kansas's Melissa Hildebrand Reed (@hildebrandfarmsdairy), about how they share their story with consumers in real life ways that build trust and sales for dairy.

Consumers have become more and more separated from farm life. For them to understand how life has changed on the farm, these dairy farmers have taken to both in person and online consumer outreach to connect directly with the public, answer their questions and become their connection to agriculture. They do this by sharing their stories about sustainability, cow care and life on the farm.

You'll get insights into how these dairy farmers plan their days, schedule their time, the platforms they use and how often they do it. Don't miss this episode!

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 10 - How Do Exports Impact U.S. Milk Markets?

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 16:07:53 +0000

In this episode of Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, Mississippi dairy farmer Michael Ferguson and Idaho dairy farmer John Brubaker discuss the importance of exports with Krysta Harden, CEO and President of U.S. Dairy Export Council.

In 2021, 18% of all milk produced in the United States was sold outside of the country. U.S. Dairy Export Council works to establish relationships with international consumers and builds markets for U.S. milk.

Dairy exports have evolved to meet global demands for high-quality, high-value dairy products. The work of U.S. Dairy Export Council is driven by dairy farmers to build trust and sales across the world which impacts all dairy farmers throughout the country.

Learn more from Krysta Harden and dairy farmers who have personally been involved with U.S. Dairy Export Council's mission to enhance demand for U.S. dairy products

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 9 - Dairy Innovation: Who is doing it and how does it work?

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 19:09:32 +0000

In this episode of Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, California dairy farmer Tyler Riberio and New York dairy farmer Emma Andrew-Swarthout chat with Michelle McBride, founder and CEO of GoodSport Nutrition, and Bill Graves, SVP of Product Research at Dairy Management, Inc. about dairy product innovation.

Did you know that your Dairy Checkoff supports six Dairy Foods Research Centers and dairy applications labs across the country to help bring new dairy products to market?

Dairy product innovation through the University Dairy Research Centers can impact sales and trust in dairy as these experts work with the dairy industry to develop new products that go beyond consumer expectations in emerging domestic and international markets.

Learn more as a local entrepreneur shares her experience working with the dairy farmer-funded Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research to create an all-natural sports drink made from the goodness of milk.

Our experts will discuss how the University Research Centers work and the impact they have on new dairy product innovation

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 8 - Does dairy fuel elite athlete performance?

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 15:39:53 +0000

In this episode of Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, join our dairy farmer hosts, Wisconsin's Laurie Winkelman and West Virginia's Joe Shockey, as they have a conversation with Liz Jalkiewicz, registered dietitian and the nutrition specialist with the American Dairy Association North East, and Julie Ostrow, registered dietitian and the Vice President of dairy experience and wellness with Midwest Dairy, about why farmers might not see dairy's benefits shared more broadly in the area of sports nutrition?

It's easy to feel frustrated seeing social influencers touting dairy alternatives on the internet or other non-dairy options promoted at your local gym but that's where your checkoff dollars come in, prompting evidence-based information to influential audiences to set the record straight. The work dairy checkoff is doing in the realm of sports nutrition range anywhere from targeting high school athletes, enhancing college athletics programs, and providing dairy nutrition education and outreach programs to health professionals that can include sports dietitians.

Learn more as these two experts discuss how checkoff is partnering with credentialed health professionals to spread the goodness of dairy and how even farmers can share this information with their local athletic groups.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 7 - Have you ever had 800,000+ visitors on your farm?

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 21:18:26 +0000

In this episode of Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, our farmer hosts have a conversation with Allison Ryan from MVP Dairy, and Brittany Snyder from the Adopt A Cow Program about virtual farm tours, especially how to handle when things go wrong with a live audience.

Many state and regional checkoffs including national and local farmers give virtual farm tours to industry professionals like dietitians and dairy buyers as well as tens of thousands of school children every year. While virtual tours don't give the smell and feel of the farm, they have proven to reach thousands of people via recording no matter where and who they are. But what happens when things go sideways while you are live because farmers know all too well anything can happen on the farm! Tune in as Georgia dairy farmer Katelin Benkoski and Iowa dairy farmer Dan Venteicher converse with these tour giving experts on how to address those awkward situations, technology fails, and even tough questions from the crowd.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com.

Episode 6 - Dairy donations feel good but do farmers benefit?

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 19:50:43 +0000

Who pays for dairy donations during holiday food drives? Do they really translate to future sales and lifelong consumers? Dairy Farmers Joanna Shipp and Sam Schwoeppe have a conversation with a local retail milk buyer and a dairy donation specialist to discuss how dairy donations work, who benefits and if they are sustainable.

Increasing dairy sales and consumer trust is a goal for many companies and organizations across the industry, and dairy farmers often ask why dairy products are donated or given away when they can be sold.

In this episode of Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, our farmer hosts have a conversation with Fran Mathis from Busch's Fresh Market  and  Steve Terzo from American Dairy Association North East about why the dairy industry donates dairy products to hunger assistance programs and the impact it has on dairy consumption and sales.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit usdairy.com.

Episode 5 - Is The Dairy Checkoff Really Working And Worth The Money?

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 13:28:07 +0000

Why hasn't my milk price gone up if checkoff is doing its job? What value has checkoff brought my farm lately?

Dairy Farmers Jess Peters from Pennsylvania and Larry Hancock from Texas do a deep dive on how the national and local dairy checkoffs are working to drive trust and sales of dairy products, and ensures farmers have a voice once milk leaves the farm.

In this episode of Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, our farmer hosts will have a conversation with Lucas Lentsch and Peter Vitaliano about the value of the dairy checkoff.

In 1983, Congress created the dairy checkoff on behalf of U.S. dairy farmers to deal with the ongoing surplus of milk. Today, the national and local dairy checkoffs work on behalf of America's dairy farmers and dairy importers to drive trust in and sales of U.S. dairy products, and ensures farmers have a voice once milk leaves the farm.

This happens through a unified effort between national and local farmer leadership and staff who represent your voice in the dairy industry with consumers, invest in research, insights and expertise, and collaborate with partners to achieve shared goals.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit usdairy.com.

Episode 4 - Does Dairy Benefit From The NFL Partnership?

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 15:51:34 +0000

How does the dairy checkoff's NFL partnership benefit our Fuel Up To Play 60 program in schools and help sell more dairy products?

The NFL is the most popular U.S. sport in terms of game attendance, TV ratings, and merchandise. Many beverage brands including soda and water advertise with the NFL, why not just do that and advertise milk?

In this episode, listen to our farmer hosts - Jen Millican, Arizona dairy farmer and Dwayne Faber, Washington/Oregon dairy farmer - have a conversation with our Fuel Up To Play 60 expert, DMI's Anne Warden, and Fuel Up To Play 60 Indiana Program Advisor, Cassie Brooks, as they discuss how partnering with the NFL has increased the impact of the nation's largest in-school wellness program and benefits the dairy farmers beyond a 30-second big game ad.

Episode 3 - Does Increasing Pizza Chain Sales Really Help Dairy Farmers?

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 13:50:27 +0000

Tune in to the latest episode of Your Dairy Checkoff podcast to learn how checkoff partnerships with Dominos and Pizza Ranch are helping grow the category in a post-pandemic world.

Dairy farmer hosts Carrie Mess of Wisconsin and Jenni Tilton-Flood of Maine are joined by Jon Moss from Pizza Ranch and Paul Ziemnisky of Dairy Management, Inc. to talk about how creative pizza partnerships are driving the category forward.

Find the episode at www.dairycheckoffpodcast.com or on your favorite podcast platform.

Episode 2 - What Really Drives School Milk?

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 15:35:47 +0000

What is the #1 factor driving school milk consumption? Listen to episode 2 of Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast where farmer hosts Alex Peterson and Audrey Donahoe join a school food service director and research expert in a conversation on how school milk is sourced and served to students.

Episode 1 - Reaching Gen Z: The World of Gaming

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 16:48:58 +0000

The first episode, "Reaching Gen Z: Through the World of Gaming," features a conversation about how the dairy checkoff is looking to online video gaming to reach this consumer segment (ages 10 to 23). With 90 percent of Gen Z active in gaming, this platform provides a great opportunity to share dairy's farm-to-table story in an engaging, interactive way. Gaming is a $100 billion industry, larger than sports, film and music combined.

Episode 34: Reaching Millennial Parents and Gen Z through Creative Partnerships

Tue, 25 May 2021 19:12:01 +0000

Roxane Hill, executive director from The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children's Museum of Kansas City and Samantha Carter, manager, marketing communications, discuss the 2020 partnership launched between Midwest Dairy and Wonderscope that brought together an outdoor agricultural exhibit for the museum that is helping connect museum-goers with dairy's sustainability story.

In this episode, we learn more about how Midwest Dairy's partnership with Wonderscope is reaching two groups with immense buying power - millennial parents and their children, some of whom are in Gen Z - and how this growing collaboration presents a significant opportunity for dairy.

Episode 33: A Deeper Dive into Dairy Farming and Sustainability

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 17:33:50 +0000

In the latest episode of Midwest Dairy's Dairy on the Air podcast – A Deeper Dive into Dairy Farming and Sustainability – Midwest dairy farmer and AMPI Chairman of the Board, Steve Schlangen, and Midwest Dairy Vice President, Agricultural Affairs, Bob Lefebvre, share how all dairy farmers – no matter the size of their operation – can help be part of the solution for the dairy value chain to accomplish U.S. Dairy's 2050 environmental stewardship goals.

Episode 32: Bringing the farm to the classroom through technology in the Adopt a Cow program

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 15:28:57 +0000

In this episode, Brita Gibart, a teacher from Farmington, Minnesota, and Lorilee Schultz, a dairy farmer from Orangeville, Illinois, join host Andy Vance in a discussion exploring the impact of the Adopt a Cow program on students, teachers and dairy farmers. The discussion touches on how the Adopt a Cow program, a partnership between Discover Dairy and Midwest Dairy, brings real-life details about dairy farming directly into the classrooms of students across the Midwest Dairy region and provides an opportunity for dairy farmers to share about how they care for their animals, the environment and their communities.

Episode 31: Driving Dairy Demand Through Synergistic Partnerships

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 15:14:14 +0000

In a discussion with Dairy on the Air host Andy Vance, Jon Moss, Chief Brand Officer/Senior Vice President at Pizza Ranch, shares how strategic partnerships between Pizza Ranch and Midwest Dairy have been mutually beneficial for driving demand during the pandemic and beyond. Moss details the original partnership that celebrated National Dairy Month in 2020 by offering free extra cheese to customers who purchased online. Moss also described how this initial partnership has now led to a more extensive partnership between Pizza Ranch and Midwest Dairy, along with other organizations with similar goals. This partnership has helped successfully launch Pizza Ranch's frozen breakfast pizza line, which is a win-win for all involved, generating incremental sales and customer satisfaction across the board.

Episode 30: Fueling dairy's success through e-commerce channels

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 17:16:55 +0000

This week's episode features an in-depth discussion with Paul Ziemnisky, Executive Vice President of Global Innovation Partnerships at Dairy Management Inc. Ziemnisky shares his insights on the dairy industry's growing relationship with Amazon and what this means for dairy now that more consumers are grocery shopping online due to the pandemic.

Episode 29: Showcasing Dairy and the Power of Resilience

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 16:46:54 +0000

This episode features an in-depth discussion with Olympic track & field star and gold medalist Morolake Akinosun and details how the persistence and resilience she's shown in her career mirrors the resilience dairy farmers exude on the farm each and every day. She also talks about the important role dairy foods have played in her athletic success and in nourishing her body for whatever comes next in her career.

Episode 28: Dairy's Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 15:40:54 +0000

Sustainability is crucial when it comes to how people perceive and shop for dairy, as consumers are asking for, and even paying more for, products that align with their values, such as sustainability. Listen in as Krysta Harden, Executive Vice President of Global Environmental Strategy at Dairy Management Inc., discusses the industry's leadership role in sustainability efforts.

Episode 27: Dairy - The Environmental Solution

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 16:37:45 +0000

This conversation includes the perspectives of Midwest Dairy farmer Suzanne Vold as well as Bob Huffman of First District Association and Brian Zook of Bel Brands USA, who share how their unique parts of the dairy community are working toward the industry's 2050 Environmental Stewardship Goals.

Episode 26: How the 21st Century Eater is Shaping the Future of Food

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 05:04:27 +0000

Food futurist Mike Lee, founder of The Future Market and co-founder/co-CEO of Alpha Food Labs, joins host Andy Vance in this episode to have a candid dialog about consumer trends and their impact on dairy.

Episode 25: The New Normal - Post COVID-19 Dairy Category

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 21:19:13 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered consumer habits, and dairy has felt that impact in various ways. Larry Levin, executive vice president of market and shopper intelligence at IRI, joins host Andy Vance on the latest episode of Dairy on the Air to discuss how the pandemic increased demand for dairy and what the industry can do to sustain positive gains.

Episode 24: Learning from Today's Consumer: Opportunities for Dairy

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 19:53:55 +0000

Dairy farmer Jonna Schutte, and Sydney Milton, dairy category manager from Casey's General Stores, discuss key takeaways from the recent Dairy Experience Forum as well as opportunities for dairy.

Episode 23: Partners in Promotion to Drive Dairy Sales in the U.S. and Around the World

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 06:30:28 +0000

In this episode, Paul Ziemnisky and Rebecca MacKay from DMI's global innovation partnerships team provide insights into how checkoff works with partners to increase dairy demand in the U.S. and beyond.

Episode 22: Greenhouse Gas Guru Sets Record Straight

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 15:22:45 +0000

Dr. Frank Mitloehner, animal science professor and air quality specialist, shares insights to paint an accurate, positive picture of the dairy industry's contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.

Episode 21: A Checkoff CEO's Perspective on Dairy's Strengths and Opportunities

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 19:29:17 +0000

This episode features a conversation with Midwest Dairy CEO, Molly Pelzer, who assumed the leadership role in late September following 35 years of service to dairy farmers. Pelzer shares her vision for Midwest Dairy and talks about the strengths and opportunities which present themselves to the industry.

Episode 20: Leveraging an NFL Partnership

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 14:55:20 +0000

Podcast host and farm broadcaster Andy Vance sits down with Chicago Bears staff, Matt Black, corporate partnerships manager and Kevin Anderson, partnership activation specialist, to discuss why the franchise shares Midwest Dairy's commitment to childhood nutrition and increased activity.

Episode 19: Dairy's Role in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Management

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 13:18:45 +0000

Cara Schrager, registered dietitian and clinical programs manager at Joslin Diabetes Center; and Julie Mattson Ostrow, registered dietitian and vice president of Dairy Experience-Wellness at Midwest Dairy discuss current and emerging research which points to dairy's positive effects on type 2 diabetes prevention and management.

Episode 18: Millennials Matter to Dairy Industry Success

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 15:59:26 +0000

In this episode, host and Midwest Dairy CEO Lucas Lentsch sits down with Eve Pollet, senior vice president of strategic intelligence at Dairy Management Inc., to discuss why Millennials matter to the dairy industry and how the dairy industry can engage and innovate to better connect with this influential generation.

Episode 17: Building Trust in Dairy

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 18:16:34 +0000

The Undeniably Dairy campaign, now in its second year, is making strides in building consumer trust in dairy. In this episode of Dairy on the Air, host and Midwest Dairy CEO Lucas Lentsch sits down with Beth Engelmann, chief marketing communications officer at Dairy Management, Inc. and Victor Zaborsky, vice president of marketing at MilkPEP, to discuss the industry's collaborative efforts to tell the Undeniably Dairy story.

Episode 16: Generation Z Presents Big Opportunities for Dairy Industry

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 15:25:31 +0000

In this episode of Dairy on the Air, youth trends expert Jeff Fromm talks to guest host Andy Vance about the evolving Generation Z consumer base and how it presents big opportunities for the dairy industry.

EPISODE 15: A Sustainability Case Study with Ben and Jerry's

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 09:30:00 +0000

In the first episode with a guest host, Andy Vance, Strategic Account Director at Feedstuffs, fills in for Lucas Lentsch and welcomes Cheryl Pinto from Ben and Jerry's to discuss sustainability and consumer attitudes.

Episode 14: Leaders Collaborate to Guide Checkoff Strategy

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 15:40:57 +0000

Podcast host Midwest Dairy CEO Lucas Lentsch is joined by fellow CEOs Chad Vincent, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Doug Ackerman, Dairy Alliance to discuss how they guide the work of checkoff. The leaders share how their collaborative approach is resulting in stronger alignment with national, regional and local objectives to increase relevance with consumers, build trust in dairy farming and boost dairy sales.

Episode 13: From Dairy Skeptic to Dairy Advocate

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Research highlighting the health benefits of dairy is helping the wellness community rethink previously held beliefs about dairy fat and cholesterol. Dr. Jim Painter, a registered dietitian and professor emeritus, shares his journey from dairy skeptic to dairy advocate.

EPISODE 12: Delivering Dairy to Families In Need

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 15:39:35 +0000

Dairy is the one of the most requested foods at food banks and one of the least donated items. Julie Yurko, CEO of the Northern Illinois Food Bank, joins Lucas Lentsch to discuss how Midwest Dairy is partnering with food banks to make sure milk and other dairy products are available to families in need

EPISODE 11: Developing Future Leaders

Thu, 16 May 2019 09:00:00 +0000

Much like dairy farmers who are committed to youth programming and providing safe and nutritious products to consumers of all ages, Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, joins Midwest CEO, Lucas Lentsch to discusses his constant commitment to nutrition, training and youth development.

Episode 10: The Power of Partners: Collaborating to Meet the Needs of Consumers

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 20:53:00 +0000

Partnerships are paving the way to meeting consumers' needs and boost dairy sales. Listen in as Marilyn Hershey, Dairy Management Inc. board chair, shares stories that showcase how collaborations with companies such as McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Dominos are building consumers' trust in dairy and driving demand.

EPISODE 9: A Look at the Big Picture for Dairy

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 18:51:04 +0000

Listen in as Tom Gallagher, CEO Dairy Management Inc and Lucas Lentsch, CEO of Midwest Dairy, discuss how checkoff is working to take advantage of new opportunities for dairy.

Episode 8: Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center: Applying Research to Solve Industry Challenges

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 04:54:03 +0000

Dr. Lloyd Metzger from the Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center (MDFRC) shares how MDFRC research helps solve industry challenges to deliver dairy products that consumers desire and also fuels a strong market that benefits dairy farmers.

Episode 7: Dairy Research and Sustainability in Action

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 22:17:44 +0000

Hear how the investment in nutrition research is building knowledge and insights to create new opportunities in dairy. Join Dr. Greg Miller, from the National Dairy Council, Allen Merrill, dairy farmer and Midwest Dairy Board Chairman and Lucas Lentsch, Midwest Dairy CEO, as they discuss the results of dairy research and sustainable nutrition.

Episode 6: Revitalizing the Dairy Case

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 23:21:14 +0000

Retailers are the critical link between dairy farmers and consumers. Hear how Midwest Dairy is working with retailers to drive milk sales.

Episode 5: Building Relationships with Global Consumers

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 03:35:36 +0000

Continuing the discussion on export opportunities, Midwest Dairy CEO, Lucas Lentsch, visits with Nebraska dairy farmer and Dairy Management Inc. board member, Lowell Mueller, about his recent trade mission trip to Japan and Hong Kong, his observations about exports and the opportunities for the dairy industry.

Episode 4: Driving U.S. dairy demand around the globe

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 22:49:25 +0000

With 95 percent of the world's population living outside the United States, there is tremendous opportunities for U.S. dairy in the global market. Join Midwest Dairy CEO, Lucas Lentsch, and Tom Vilsack, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council as they discuss how checkoff is driving demand globally.

Episode 3: Around the Table: Connections and Conversations

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 19:15:46 +0000

Food is a love language. Sharing and enjoying a meal together helps people connect with each other. Listen in as Midwest CEO Lucas Lentsch, food influencer Lauren Lane and dairy farmer Adriane Heins share their new perspectives following the Bringing Dairy to Life event in Kansas City that that brought foodies, social influencers, chefs and dairy farmers together for connections and conversations.

Episode 2: Innovation and the Future of Food

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 21:37:14 +0000

Join Midwest Dairy CEO Lucas Lentsch and dairy farmers Barb Liebenstein and Alex Peterson in part two of their Dairy Experience Forum discussion as they discuss innovation, the future of food and the opportunities for the dairy industry.

Episode 1: The Changing Consumer

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 02:07:02 +0000

These days, there is so much competition in the dairy aisle, and consumers are often confused by the amount of information available. How can the dairy industry join the conversation? In this first episode, Midwest Dairy CEO Lucas Lentsch and dairy farmers Barb Liebenstein and Alex Peterson discuss their reactions to the inaugural Dairy Experience Forum and the consumer focus group that kicked off the event.