17 farmers graduate from Class 3 of the DEAL Program

Earlier this summer, 17 farmers graduated from Class 3 of Midwest Dairy’s Dairy Experience and Agricultural Leadership (DEAL) Program. The final phase brought DEAL members to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for a two-day event focused on Midwest Dairy leadership and media training.

On day one, DEAL members participated in the corporate board meeting. Following the meeting, DEAL members had the opportunity to network with corporate board members at dinner. The next day, DEAL members participated in media training facilitated by Padilla, Midwest Dairy’s corporate communications partner. They shared tips, techniques, and best practices for handling media interviews. Afterward, DEAL members practiced their new skills through mock newspaper and TV interviews. The event concluded with a presentation from Aaron Putze, Chief Officer of Strategy and Brand Management for the Iowa Soybean Association, on the power of relationships.

Dairy farmers in DEAL Class 3 provided overwhelmingly positive feedback about their experience. One farmer said, “I think that DEAL has given a broader perspective for the ways that checkoff dollars are being used.” Another farmer commented, “I really enjoyed not only meeting other young dairy farmers across the Midwest and southeast regions while becoming friends with them but also meeting so many strong leaders within agriculture.”

Midwest Dairy is looking forward to DEAL Class 4 kicking off in February 2026. As in Class 3, dairy farmers from Midwest Dairy and the Dairy Alliance will attend Phase 1 of the program to learn about their personality strengths and how to use them when working with others. They will also take a deeper dive into the dairy checkoff and spend time together networking and building relationships.

Congratulations to the graduates of DEAL Class 3. Their curiosity, drive, and enthusiasm for the dairy industry are inspirational. Midwest Dairy is excited to watch their journey unfold as they step into leadership and advocacy roles that will shape the future of dairy. The energy, dedication, and time invested in this program will serve them well!