Midwest Dairy’s Winter 2025 Dairy Promotion Update celebrates the resilience, innovation, and community spirit of dairy farmers across the 10‑state region. From leadership development to consumer engagement, the stories showcase how checkoff dollars are driving measurable impact and shaping the future of dairy.
Leadership for the Future
Seventeen farmers graduated from Class 3 of the Dairy Experience and Agricultural Leadership (DEAL) Program. The final phase in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, included corporate board participation, media training, and networking with industry leaders. Graduates praised the program for broadening their perspective on checkoff investments and strengthening connections across the Midwest and Southeast. Class 4 is set to begin in February 2026.
Undeniably Dairy Grants in Action
Midwest Dairy awarded more than $355,000 in grants to 136 projects in 2025, bringing dairy to life in creative ways:
- Illinois: The Bohnert Birthing Barn introduced urban fairgoers to calf care, reaching 10,000 visitors.
- Iowa: At RAGBRAI, Black Soil Dairy hosted a Milk and Cereal Bar for 15,000 cyclists and fans.
- Kansas: StateLine Dairy welcomed 200 guests to tour robotic milking systems.
- Minnesota: Annexstad Dairy Farms partnered with local groups for a farm‑to‑table dinner with 55 community influencers.
- Nebraska: Hilgenkamp Farms engaged families at the Fremont 4‑H Pancake Feed.
- South Dakota: Hammink Dairy’s Dairy Fest drew 1,400 attendees with tours, games, and a gala.
Celebrating National Dairy Month
June 2025 campaigns under the theme Love Dairy. Love Local. boosted retail sales and consumer awareness. Partnerships with Jewel‑Osco, Cub Foods, Hy‑Vee, Schnucks, and others generated millions of impressions and sold over 5 million incremental pounds of milk. Jewel‑Osco’s omnichannel campaign alone delivered a $15.44 return on ad spend, while Schnucks achieved a remarkable $39.87 incremental return.
Dairy Innovation Accelerator
Midwest Dairy launched its first Accelerator program with VentureFuel, connecting startups to mentors across the dairy value chain. The eight‑week program culminated in a live pitch event at The Hatchery in Chicago. RoseBud Ice Cream won the $20,000 grand prize for its squeezable soft‑serve pouches, while Zoguri earned runner‑up honors with probiotic dairy supplements. The initiative demonstrates how farmer investments fuel innovation and expand dairy’s relevance in modern markets.
State Fair Season
State fairs across the Midwest provided opportunities to connect with consumers through butter sculptures, interactive booths, and dairy treats. Highlights included Illinois’ record‑breaking sales of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough shakes and Iowa’s Fair After Dark event, which engaged Gen Z audiences in conversations about food and sustainability.
Midwest Dairy’s Winter 2025 update underscores the power of collaboration, creativity, and community. From leadership training to retail campaigns and innovation accelerators, dairy farmers are making every drop count while building trust and demand for real dairy.
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