Midwest Dairy kicked off Class 3 of the Dairy Experience and Agricultural Leadership Program (DEAL), welcoming 17 new dairy leaders in 2024. This 18-month program provides an opportunity for young dairy farmers across the region to learn how to engage with consumers, conduct media interviews, network with industry and peers, and gain a deeper understanding of the dairy checkoff.
New in 2024, Midwest Dairy was excited to partner with The Dairy Alliance, the dairy checkoff organization for dairy farmers in eight states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. This partnership enables young dairy farmers in those states to participate in our DEAL program alongside participants from Midwest Dairy. Our goal was for dairy farmers from Midwest Dairy’s region to learn from and network with dairy farmers from other parts of the country. Two farmers from Kentucky and North Carolina are enrolled in Class 3.
“We are eager to partner with Midwest Dairy on this leadership opportunity for farmers across the Southeast. This program has proven successful in building leaders that support local communities and serve as advocates for agriculture,” said Farrah Newberry, Vice President of Agricultural and Environmental Affairs at The Dairy Alliance. The DEAL Program consists of three phases, each involving in-person meetings and local assignments, such as meeting with local leaders and participating in a consumer event. The first phase focuses on the dairy checkoff and discovering each participant’s strengths and how to use them effectively. This first phase took place in February when Class 3 of the held its first meeting in Nashville, TN. The Dairy Alliance was excited to host the event and kick off DEAL Class 3. During this meeting, the farmers had the opportunity to learn more about one another, network, and gain a deeper understanding of the dairy checkoff program.
Phase 1 began with a leadership training session focused on four key personality traits. Attendees explored their strengths and learned how to apply them when collaborating. The following day, participants delved deeper into the dairy checkoff program. Midwest Dairy staff facilitated a discussion on the organization’s history, mission, and strategic plan. Denise Jones, Senior Manager of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs for the Dairy Alliance in Kentucky and Tennessee, also provided insights. The morning concluded with a presentation by Stan Erwine, Senior Vice President of Farmer Relations at Dairy Management Inc. (DMI). Stan discussed the history and purpose of dairy promotion and DMI, emphasizing the importance of their collaborative relationship with Midwest Dairy and the Dairy Alliance in maximizing the effectiveness of checkoff funds.
Participants also traveled to Chapel Hill for a farm tour at Nash Family Creamery, where they enjoyed delicious ice cream from their creamery to finish the tour. To wrap up the day, they participated in a fun group activity – Hopping aboard a trolley for the Soul of Music City Tour, which helped them explore the musical roots of Nashville. On the third and final day, they focused on getting to know each other better.
Class 3 of DEAL convened in Chicago, Illinois, in November for Phase 2 of the program. The theme for this phase was “Engaging with Consumers.” The event provided learning opportunities to equip DEAL members with skills to connect with consumers in person and online.
The meeting began by exploring consumer insights to better understand dairy trends in retail and how Gen Z perceives dairy products. Kim Bremmer from Ag Inspirations presented communication strategies to help DEAL members share scientific information and effectively engage with consumers. The next day, participants discussed engaging with consumers online, with Don Schindler of Dairy Management Inc. leading the presentations. He emphasized the importance of an online presence for sharing stories and creating a digital legacy. Don also covered creating captivating social media videos and shared best practices for answering tough questions online.
The group also toured The Hatchery, a Midwest Dairy partner. They explored its facilities and listened to three entrepreneurs who won the Midwest Dairy pitch contest. DEAL members were also thrilled to sample the delicious foods created by these entrepreneurs. On the final day of the meeting, participants gained insights into Gen Z and learned how Midwest Dairy is engaging with this audience in meaningful ways. The meeting concluded with an interactive group activity where DEAL members planned a local dairy promotion event based on the scenario provided. With the goal of “Bringing Dairy to Life,” this hands-on workshop allowed them to apply what they learned throughout the meeting.
DEAL members also had the opportunity to network with each other. Helping these farmers develop relationships with other like-minded dairy farmers is a key component of this program, and this class has become a tight-knit group. On the post-event survey, one farmer said, “There were a lot of great discussions. I enjoyed the hands-on activities during the sessions. I loved the tour of The Hatchery and meeting and trying the pitch contest winners’ products.” Another farmer commented, “I enjoyed all the sessions and discussions that took place.”
The third and final phase of the program will take place in the summer of 2025.
Congratulations to the participants of DEAL Class Three listed below:
- Amber Selman, IA
- Jennifer Bronner, IA
- Katherine Boelen, IA
- Kendra Holland, IL
- Amanda Zigan, MN
- Brittany Moorse, MN
- Cole Hoscheit, MN
- Elizabeth Golombiecki-Anderson, MN
- Kevin Korbel, MN
- Quinci Schmidt, MN
- Jess Wohler, KS
- Todd Pauly, KS
- Aaron Stewart, MO
- Nicolas Dotson, NO
- Allison Alder, NE
- Rachel Gray, NC
- Caden Cowherd, KY