I didn’t set out to become a global advocate for U.S. dairy. My roots are in the barns and fields of our family’s fourth-generation dairy in California, where my brother and I work side by side caring for 1,200 cows.

But serving as chair of the checkoff-founded and funded U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) has shown me something that hits close to home for every farmer: Exports matter more than we often realize.

For many of us, exports can feel like something happening a world away. We’re focused on herd health, feed, weather and milk prices – not trade implications or global markets. Still, whether we think about it daily or not, exports are shaping the future of our farms. 

If you care about the milk check, you care about exports.

Global opportunity

Here’s a number that puts it in perspective: 96% of the world’s population lives outside the U.S. That’s not just an interesting fact – it’s a powerful opportunity for dairy. About one in every six tankers of U.S. milk ends up in products sold internationally, and that demand helps keep prices more stable here at home.

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With more than $10 billion invested in new dairy processing capacity in the U.S., we’ll need continued international growth to keep pace. While Americans already consume about 661 pounds of dairy per person each year, many countries are only beginning to embrace dairy’s benefits. That gap represents room to grow and room for U.S. farmers to thrive.

When I travel with USDEC to places like Mexico or Southeast Asia, I see firsthand how people respond when they meet an actual dairy farmer. They’re curious about our farms, our cows and our care for the land. Conversations like those build trust and open doors for U.S. dairy products.

Earlier this year, I was part of a meeting with Mexico’s dairy leaders – our largest export market – and watched as they engaged with Dairy Management Inc.’s latest research on dairy nutrition. They face many of the same challenges we do, helping consumers see dairy as a smart, wholesome choice. By sharing science and resources, we’re not only supporting their industry but strengthening our own. When dairy grows there, it benefits us here.

Behind every export success story is strategy and persistence. USDEC’s global teams are on the ground in key regions, identifying where U.S. dairy can compete and win. They use data to understand where consumption is rising, which markets are open to trade and where logistics make sense for processors.

We don’t spread efforts thinly – we focus on markets with the most potential, like Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Central America. We have staff members who live in those communities, understand buyer preferences and help U.S. companies navigate cultural and regulatory hurdles. That’s how we move from opportunity to actual sales.

The approach is paying off. U.S. dairy’s share in Mexico remains strong, and our presence continues to grow elsewhere. A standout example is the U.S. Center for Dairy Excellence in Singapore, created by USDEC. It serves as a hub for education, innovation and product development. It’s a place where buyers can see, taste and experience the quality of U.S. dairy up close. It’s a showcase of what happens when we invest strategically in building global relationships.

Why it matters at home

Ultimately, exports are about keeping our farms viable and competitive for the next generation. Every pound of dairy sold overseas strengthens our collective position – helping processors, co-ops and farmers manage market swings and stay resilient.

As chair, I also see how seriously USDEC treats our checkoff dollars. Every program is evaluated for impact, efficiency and value. The work isn’t about chasing numbers; it’s about creating meaningful demand and ensuring U.S. dairy continues to lead globally.

I didn’t take on this role because I needed another responsibility. I took it on because I believe in what USDEC does, and I’ve seen how it connects directly to the future of farms like mine – and yours.

So the next time you see a pizza topped with U.S. cheese in Tokyo or a sports drink powered by U.S. whey in Vietnam, remember that’s your milk, your work and your future at play. 

Together, we’re not just feeding the world. We’re securing dairy’s place in it.

This column was written by California dairy farmer Becky Nyman, who serves as chair of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. To learn more about how the dairy checkoff is growing sales and building trust, visit the checkoff's website. To learn more about the U.S. Dairy Export Council, visit the website.