What is mentorship to you?
We asked the same question to our staff to learn more about mentorship and IDFA's Women in Dairy Mentoring Circle program. The sign-up period for the program is open now until Friday, June 12.
This program offers the opportunity to join a year-long mentoring circle to network, exchange knowledge, share insights, and support your professional development.
Learn more, sign up, and get moving on the next step in your career! 👇
/idfa-women-in-dairy-mentoring-circles-interest-form-2026-2027
IT'S BACK! 🇺🇸 🍦
The best bipartisan party in town returns Wednesday, June 10 for IDFA’s 42nd Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party!
Join us from 4-6pm at Union Square Park just outside the U.S. Capitol Building for one of D.C.'s most anticipated events for professionals working in food and agriculture, bringing together members of Congress, congressional staff, and their families in a fun event showcasing America’s favorite frozen treats.
We can't wait to see you there!
/events/idfas-42nd-annual-capitol-hill-ice-cream-party
How is AI transforming the way milk gets transported from farm to processor to customer?
We sat down with Don Durm, Vice President of Supply Chain Solutions at PLM Fleet to discuss the latest innovations in milk hauling that are chaining the supply chain game.
Catch that and a whole lot more in episode 114 - Milk Hauling and Transportation in the Dairy Supply Chain on The Dairy Download! 👇
/thedairydownload
As the legislation moves to the Senate, dairy is emerging as a key part of nutrition policy and incentive‑based programs that expand access to healthy foods.
For IDFA members, this moment matters. The Farm Bill is the primary vehicle to advance priorities like the Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program (DNIP)—building on the success of the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives (HFMI) pilot.
We sat down with Chelsie Keys, IDFA’s senior vice president of government relations, to break down what’s at stake and why dairy is gaining traction on Capitol Hill.
Read the full blog 👇
/news/idfa-insights-why-the-farm-bill-matters-for-dairyand-what-idfa-members-should-know
What's the secret sauce to delivering high-quality dairy products?
We sat down with Skyler Sherrod, General Manager of Terminal Operations at Western Dairy Transport, LLC to discuss the unique challenges milk hauling companies have in transporting perishable foods to the masses to assure top-notch quality.
Catch that and a whole lot more in the full episode, Ep. 114 - Milk Hauling and Transportation in the Dairy Supply Chain, of The Dairy Download! 👇
/thedairydownload
From smart trailers to real-time data, technology is transforming how dairy moves from farm to table. In this episode of The Dairy Download, we explore the real-world challenges of transporting temperature-sensitive products, the cold chain innovations, and how AI is changing the way the industry manages quality, risk, and on-time delivery.
Tune in for insights from Skyler Sherrod, general manager of terminal operations at Western Dairy Transport, LLC, and Don Durm, vice president of supply chain solutions at PLM Fleet!
Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!
Chocolate has reclaimed its place as America’s favorite ice cream flavor! Where does your favorite flavor stack up? Learn more at the link in our bio!
After vanilla took the top spot in 2024, this year’s results show chocolate back at No. 1, with butter pecan also rising ahead of vanilla among U.S. consumers. Dive into IDFA’s biannual National Ice Cream & Frozen Novelty Trends Survey to get a clear snapshot of how Americans’ tastes are evolving.
Get ready! In just two weeks, IDFA will officially open applications for Cohort 8 of the NextGen Leadership Program, our premier experience for emerging dairy industry leaders ready to take the next step in their career!
NextGen brings together a select class of IDFA members for an immersive, year-long program designed to sharpen leadership skills, expand strategic thinking, and prepare participants to tackle today’s business challenges and what’s ahead. If you are a rising leader in the dairy industry, or know someone who fits the bill, now is the time to dive in!
Learn how to apply 👇
/nextgen-leadership#apply
What makes the IDFA Leadership Symposium a great networking opportunity for rising leaders?
We had the chance to catch up with Wesley Eveland, Director of Procurement at Hilmar to discuss why he thinks the networking made at Leadership Symposium lead to lifelong career connections.
Gain high-impact leadership training tailored to the dairy industry through the University of Wisconsin-Madison, expand your professional network, and earn an advanced leadership and management certificate.
Register today for Leadership Symposium! We'll see you in Madison, June 22-25 👇
/events/leadership-symposium-2026
What makes the IDFA Leadership Symposium such a valuable experience for attendees?What makes the IDFA Leadership Symposium such a valuable experience for attendees?
We spoke with Morgan Gruhlke, Director of Strategic Sourcing at Sargento to discuss why he thinks this conference provides tangible takeaways you can immediately bring back to your company.
Gain high-impact leadership training tailored to the dairy industry through the University of Wisconsin-Madison, expand your professional network, and earn an advanced leadership and management certificate.
Register today for Leadership Symposium! We'll see you in Madison, June 22-25 👇
/events/leadership-symposium-2026
Sustainability is efficiency. And American dairy farmers are increasing their efficiency every year. Between 2007 and 2020, production rose by 28% while emissions per unit of milk fell by 13%.
At the same time, the dairy industry has committed to investing in ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in renewable energy production. There are currently 400 digesters operational across the U.S. to transform manure into renewable energy. These systems have reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by nearly 15 million metric tons over the last 25 years.
What are "Individual Development Plans" and why do they work so well for career growth in dairy?
We sat down with Shawna Nelson, CEO at Organic Valley to discuss why having a plan is the best way for employees to create career paths that can provide meaning, growth, and long-term success.
Catch that and a whole lot more in the full episode of The Dairy Download! 👇
/thedairydownload
