Supporting the Next Generation of Leaders
To support the next generation of dairy leaders, Midwest Dairy offers a variety of programs, scholarships, and internships which pave the way for continued success in the dairy industry. These opportunities are available throughout the 10-state region for high school and college students who are from dairy farms or are passionate about the dairy industry.
Dairy Ambassadors
The Dairy Ambassador Program is a leadership opportunity for students interested in dairy. Dairy Ambassadors have the opportunity to connect with consumers and share their dairy story while networking with their peers and industry professionals. Ambassadors spend the year representing dairy farmers in their respective states, attending on- and off-farm events engaging with consumers to grow trust in dairy. At the end of their year, ambassadors are eligible for scholarships.
Dairy Princess Program
Midwest Dairy invests in Dairy Princess Programs in Iowa and Minnesota, which offer leadership opportunities to shape young dairy advocates. Dairy princesses represent dairy farmers from their respective states and attend events throughout the year of their reign with the goal of connecting with consumers to build trust in dairy.
Follow Iowa Dairy Princess and Princess Kay and learn more about there activities and events on Facebook!
Dairy Scholarships
To support the education of the next generation of dairy leaders, Midwest Dairy offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to colleges located in our 10-state region. Scholarship opportunities vary by state and region and are open to students who are from dairy farms or are studying dairy-related majors. In addition to scholarship opportunities funded by Midwest Dairy, Dairy Management Inc. offers checkoff-funded scholarships at a national level as well.
Midwest Dairy employees, consultants, and their families are not eligible for Midwest Dairy scholarships.
Dairy Internships
To help grow the future dairy and agriculture industry workforces, Midwest Dairy offers unique internship opportunities throughout our 10-state region. These are available to college-age students interested in pursuing degrees in communication, public relations, marketing, food science, or agribusiness. Typically offered during the summer months, Midwest Dairy internship opportunities offer students unique learning experiences, including behind-the-scenes access of princess programs, independent project management, portfolio building opportunities, a taste of managing aspects of the checkoff’s state fair involvement, and more.
Checkoff success stories
Learn more about how the dairy checkoff’s investment in developing young dairy leaders is helping to build consumer confidence in dairy and to shape the future of the dairy industry. From virtual and in-person training opportunities, on- and off-farm events, princess programs, and more, Midwest Dairy is proud to provide opportunities for young dairy leaders to grow!