On May 4–5, 2026, the Midwest Dairy Food & Research Center (MDFRC) brought together farmer leaders, university researchers, industry partners, and dairy stakeholders in Ames, Iowa, for a two-day Research Planning Meeting focused on shaping the future of dairy research and identifying opportunities that deliver value to dairy farmers.
The meeting kicked off Monday evening at Iowa State University’s Food Sciences Building with a welcome reception, beer and cheese pairing, and pilot plant tour. Attendees then gathered for dinner at Reiman Gardens, providing an opportunity to network and continue conversations about emerging trends and priorities within the dairy industry.
On Tuesday, participants reconvened at Reiman Gardens for a full day of presentations and collaborative discussions. Highlights included a deep dive into the protein market and consumer insights, presented by Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) and Midwest Dairy, offering valuable perspectives on evolving consumer preferences and market opportunities.
Throughout the meeting, participants discussed key research focus areas, consumer needs, and industry solutions that can help strengthen the future of dairy. By bringing together diverse perspectives from farmers, researchers, and industry leaders, the group identified research opportunities that are practical, impactful, and aligned with the needs of today’s dairy farms and dairy consumers.
The discussions and insights generated during the meeting will help guide MDFRC’s future research investments and support innovation that advances dairy products and technologies across the region.