The Summer 2026 edition of Midwest Dairy’s Dairy Promotion Update highlights how dairy farmers’ checkoff investments are creating opportunities to grow dairy demand, build consumer trust, and strengthen the future of the dairy industry across the Midwest. Drawing from a strategic focus on key metropolitan markets, Midwest Dairy continues to connect with consumers where food trends, purchasing decisions, and perceptions about dairy are most influenced.
A major feature of this issue explores Midwest Dairy’s efforts to keep dairy a valued part of school nutrition programs. Through partnerships with educators, nutrition professionals, and school meal leaders, Midwest Dairy is supporting initiatives that promote milk consumption, provide nutrition education, and create classroom connections to agriculture. Programs such as Adopt a Cow and Fields of STEM help students learn where their food comes from while building trust in modern dairy farming.
The magazine also celebrates a successful year-long partnership with the Big 12 Conference, which brought dairy messaging to more than 2.6 million consumers through championship events, fan activations, sampling opportunities, and digital engagement. By linking dairy with sports, performance, and memorable fan experiences, Midwest Dairy continues to reach younger audiences and keep dairy relevant in popular culture.
Innovation remains a key priority, showcased through the 2026 Midwest Dairy Accelerator. The program supports emerging food and beverage entrepreneurs who are developing dairy-forward products that meet evolving consumer preferences. Six finalist companies, ranging from protein-rich snacks and frozen desserts to innovative cheese and dairy-based products, are receiving mentorship and business development support to help bring new dairy opportunities to market.
Additional features highlight Midwest Dairy’s foodservice partnerships, including a collaboration with Godfather’s Pizza that uses creative marketing campaigns to showcase real cheese and drive dairy consumption through popular menu items and convenience retail locations. The issue also introduces the fourth class of the Dairy Experience and Agricultural Leadership (DEAL) Program, which helps cultivate future dairy leaders through training, networking, and education about the dairy checkoff.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate Midwest Dairy’s commitment to advancing dairy through consumer engagement, education, innovation, leadership development, and strategic partnerships that create lasting value for dairy farmers and the industry.
Dairy Promotion Update: Summer 2026