Consumers are inundated with confusing messages about the foods they eat, ranging from how it’s produced, who produced it, its environmental impact and whether it’s good for them. Thankfully, most consumers still seek authenticity and have a sincere curiosity about their food and the story behind it, including wanting to know the people who brought it to their tables.

My father, Harold Sr., was an eternal optimist. He was a true believer in serving your community and industry. Every day was a good day for him, and he worked to help ensure a brighter future for the next generation of farmers.

Dairy farmers established Professional Dairy Producers Foundation to ensure our dairy farms remain viable and socially responsible for generations to come.

There is a growing appetite for Western-style food in the international diet, and the dairy checkoff is working to put U.S. dairy on menus far beyond our borders.

Implanting is a proven strategy to help improve feed efficiency and average daily gain (ADG). The basic premise of implanting is to start with the least potent implant, moving up to the most potent implant based on days on feed.

Consumers today are seeking more from the companies and industries that produce the food they purchase. They want assurances the land, animals and employees are taken care of and the products they purchase have a positive societal impact.

Our world has more conveniences than ever. Technology has afforded us the luxury that practically any item we desire – including our food – is a click away. Need groceries or ready-made meals delivered to your doorstep? There’s an app for that.

Intravenous (IV) fluids are the fastest and most effective way to reverse severe dehydration in a calf, and an intravenous catheter allows for extended fluid therapy.

Dairy producers understand competency in the financial side of the dairy business is critical to its success. Even more critical is for the next generation on our dairies to acquire these skills.

The past year was one of the most difficult in our community’s history, especially for America’s dairy farmers. As we turn the calendar and begin a new year, your checkoff staff – both national and local – are committed to placing priority focus on those areas we know are building sales of and trust in dairy.