Why did Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) invest in social media and communication training for America’s dairy farmers when there are other pressing needs?

See a need: In 2014, dairy producers and industry partners identified “soft skills” as a top consideration when hiring and developing new employees. However, they felt communication and leadership skills were seriously lacking in emerging dairy leaders.

The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, established under the leadership of dairy farmers, is accepting nominations for the sixth annual U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards honoring exceptional dairy farms, businesses and partnerships for their socially responsible, economically viable and environmentally sound practices.

The dairy checkoff has two critical missions on behalf of America’s dairy farm families: help grow sales and build consumer trust.

The dairy checkoff’s strategy of working with partners to move more dairy is paying off as the country’s leading food service companies, processors and retailers invest in initiatives that find more homes for milk.

Your local promotion staff works in a variety of ways with partners and others to help move more dairy. Some highlights: SUDIA and the United Dairymen of Idaho partnered with Chick-fil-A to bring together menu developers from restaurant chains headquartered in the Southeast.

Agricultural students with journalism or communications training are encouraged to apply for Progressive Publishing's 2017 editorial internship program. Applications are due Dec. 16, 2016.

This is a very pivotal time for U.S. dairy. People want to know more about the foods they eat. We have a great story to share – but only if we seize the opportunity to connect consumers with dairy farmers and the broader industry and do so with full transparency.

Since its beginning in 1966, World Dairy Expo has grown to become one of the best trade shows and dairy cattle expositions around the globe. How much do you know about this place where people and cows come together? Find out with these trivia questions: