At Penn State Extension’s Women in Dairy Conference held on Nov. 19, Joanna Shipp, a seventh-generation dairy farmer from Virginia and chair of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, reflected on what the next 20 years of dairy could look like in the U.S.

Last year marked an unexpected, yet fulfilling, time for U.S. dairy exports as demand for U.S. product soared in 2024, reaching record levels. Such success is due in part to established and emerging global markets for U.S. dairy.

The culinary world is buzzing with the latest food trends – TikTok recipes, fusion dishes and celebrity chefs putting their stamp on everything from burgers to breakfast bowls. But behind every trend, there is a timeless player: dairy. Whether it is the rich decadence of cream, the sharp tang of cheese or the creamy delight of a milkshake, dairy has remained a staple of food culture for generations.

As we navigate a rapidly changing landscape in food production and consumer preferences, the U.S. dairy industry finds itself in a moment of opportunity. The dairy checkoff – led by its mission to drive trust and sales – continually looks at what is happening now, what is coming next and how to future-proof the industry for decades to come. 

Hansen Dairy’s "A Very Dairy Christmas" is a holiday event like no other, offering families a unique blend of festive cheer and farm life. Set in a cozy winter wonderland on Hansen’s dairy farm, this event goes beyond the typical holiday experience.

Are you excited for Halloween but tired of handing out the same types of candy year after year? If this seems familiar to you, I have several ideas to make this Halloween season unique and healthy.