The Dairy Download IDFA

Delicious, festive, and popular – beverages like eggnog, cream, and coffee drinks see the spotlight during different seasons throughout the year. On a new The Dairy Download, two guests with an eye on the market for beverages share what beverage trends mean for dairy demand.

How does demand for dairy products shift around the holidays? Dawn Burns, marketing manager of category growth with Organic Valley, shares the ups and downs of dairy demand around the holiday season and highlights all the fun ways consumers can enjoy seasonal dairy beverages like eggnog!

Next, we hear from Doug Young, one of the founding members of the dairy cooperative Cayuga Milk Ingredients and the co-founder and owner of Spruce Cowffee and Spruce Haven Farm. Doug discusses how he sees coffee as an ideal complimentary beverage to dairy, and what the power of combining these products can mean for overall dairy demand.

The episode is sponsored by Infor.

"Infor provides dairy-specific cloud software that addresses catch weight, formula management, regulatory compliance, and delivery forecasting with full supply chain traceability. Find out how at infor.com/dairy"

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Melissa Lembke at mlembke@idfa.org.

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Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Integrity, courage, commitment – veterans of the U.S. armed forces possess unique values and skillsets that lift up the dairy industry. This Veteran’s Day, we talk with two veterans who have successfully transitioned from active duty to leadership roles within the dairy industry.

How can veterans translate their military experience into marketable skills that companies look for when hiring? What difficulties do many veterans face when transitioning to civilian work? Air Force veteran Walter McClung, now the maintenance and facilities manager at Hilmar Cheese, shares how his military background has helped him manage employees and gives his insight into what other veterans can contribute to the industry.

Next, we hear from Mark Benson, chief procurement officer and vice president of government affairs and global responsibility at Leprino Foods. Before working in the dairy industry, Mark served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he managed leadership development trainings and was responsible for procurement and distribution for his battalion. Mark shares with us how he shifted from the service to corporate America, and what lessons he has brought with him from his time in the Marine Corps.

The episode is sponsored by Infor.

"Infor provides dairy-specific cloud software that addresses catch weight, formula management, regulatory compliance, and delivery forecasting with full supply chain traceability. Find out how at infor.com/dairy"

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Melissa Lembke at mlembke@idfa.org.

Like the show?
Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Skim milk, or whole? The Dietary Guidelines for Americans has long held that Americans should limit saturated fats from dairy products for a healthy diet. But does that recommendation conflict with the latest science on dairy fats? In the latest episode of The Dairy Download, we talk with two nutrition experts about current efforts to update dietary guidelines and where fat-filled choices fit in.

First up is Dr. Linda Snetselaar, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, as well as the chair of preventative nutrition education and director of the university’s nutrition center. As a member of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, Dr. Snetselaar helped guide our current understanding of good nutrition. Where does dairy fit into those recommendations? What changes to the guidelines may be ahead, particularly when it comes to full-fat options? Dr. Snetselaar tells us more.

Next, we speak with Dr. Ian Givens, a professor of food chain nutrition at the University of Reading in the UK, and the director of the university’s Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health. What impacts do dairy, meat and other animal-based foods have on the prevention of disease? Could cheddar cheese benefit heart health? Might your breakfast food choices reduce the chance of developing dementia? Dr. Givens sheds light on the pros and cons of high-fat foods.

The episode is sponsored by Fogg Filler.

"Fogg has been providing rinsing, filling, capping, sorting, and sanitizing equipment for the dairy industry for more than 65 years. From single-serve to gallon bottles of milk, cream, and kefir, Fogg can fill it. Visit go.foggfiller.com/dairydownloadpod and see how we can provide bottling equipment for your dairy application."

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Melissa Lembke at mlembke@idfa.org.

Questions or comments about the show? We want to hear from you.

Send a note to dairydownload@idfa.org and your feedback could be included on a future episode.

From Mexico to the Middle East, people around the world enjoy dairy products exported from the U.S. In the latest episode of The Dairy Download, we speak with Alexis Taylor, USDA under secretary for trade and foreign affairs, about her role in keeping the U.S. a go-to for international dairy business.

In an in-depth interview, Under Secretary Taylor tells our hosts more about the current global trade landscape. How are U.S. officials working to rectify issues with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement? What steps are being taken to establish stronger trade ties with India? And what can we expect from the Biden Administration in the coming months when it comes to trade policy?

We discuss those topics and more.

The episode is sponsored by Infor.

"Infor provides dairy-specific cloud software that addresses catch weight, formula management, regulatory compliance, and delivery forecasting with full supply chain traceability. Find out how at infor.com/dairy"

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Melissa Lembke at mlembke@idfa.org.

Questions or comments about the show? We want to hear from you.

Send a note to dairydownload@idfa.org and your feedback could be included on a future episode.

What makes hot chocolate, pumpkin pie and strawberry daiquiris even better? Often, it’s a dollop of dairy – of the whipped variety. In the latest episode of The Dairy Download, we speak with two leaders innovating the whipped cream space and bringing a dash of aerosol goodness to your favorite treats.

First up is Tracy Luckow, co-founder and president at Whipnotic. Setting out to shake up a childhood favorite, Luckow and her sister created an all-natural product with new flavors and innovative packaging. Luckow discusses the evolution of Whipnotic’s cans – including its flavor buttons and nozzles – and how she’s navigating dairy aisles to put more whipped cream in consumer hands.

Next up, we speak with Mohan Valluri, vice president of sales and product development at Alamance Foods. Whether on their coffee or late-night snack, about 60% of the American population enjoys whipped cream in some format on a daily basis. Valluri discusses Alamance’s efforts to put more of its foamy offerings in sweet dishes, and how options like its Whip Creamy Ranch and Blue Cheese whipped toppings are finding their way into savory recipes.

The episode is sponsored by Infor.

"Infor provides dairy-specific cloud software that addresses catch weight, formula management, regulatory compliance, and delivery forecasting with full supply chain traceability. Find out how at infor.com/dairy"

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Melissa Lembke at mlembke@idfa.org.

Questions or comments about the show? We want to hear from you.

Send a note to dairydownload@idfa.org and your feedback could be included on a future episode.

From reducing methane emissions to implementing recyclable packaging, U.S. dairy is making environmental sustainability a priority. In the latest episode of The Dairy Download, our guests shed light on innovative ways dairy companies are leading on climate action.

First up is Britt Lundgren, Senior Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs at Stonyfield Organic. With funding from a USDA’s Climate-Smart Commodities grant, Stonyfield is taking steps to reduce emissions and shift to bio-based and recycled packaging. How is the company leveraging supply chain partnerships to meet those goals? What other promising opportunities does Stonyfield see in the next five to 10 years? Lundgren shares her insights.

Next, we speak with Chris Adamo, Vice President of Public Affairs and Regenerative Agriculture Policy for Danone North America. Earlier this year, Danone unveiled ambitious plans to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030. How are tools like feed additives and digesters moving the ball forward? How are Danone’s producers embracing the movement toward sustainability? Adamo weighs in. 

The episode is sponsored by Serac.

"Serac, your reliable partner for hygienic bottle & cup filling solutions. We listen, adapt & deliver machines for your unique needs. Trust Serac, designed & built in America!”

If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Melissa Lembke at mlembke@idfa.org.

Questions or comments about the show? We want to hear from you.

Send a note to dairydownload@idfa.org and your feedback could be included on a future episode.