The Dairy Download

Dairy continues to shape the way restaurants innovate—appearing across menus in familiar favorites and trend-forward applications. This episode of The Dairy Download explores how dairy is being used to deliver flavor, functionality and versatility and how it's evolving in today’s foodservice landscape. Tune in for insights from Bret Thorn, Senior Food and Beverage Editor at Nation’s Restauran...

From integrated marketing campaigns to farmer-led storytelling, this episode of The Dairy Download explores the strategies dairy organizations are using to strengthen consumer connections and build brand relevance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. In this discussion, we examine how companies are leveraging social media, influencer partnerships and authentic content to engage audiences, enha...

From advancing innovation in milk protein to unlocking the benefits of fiber and prebiotics, this episode of The Dairy Download explores the science and strategy driving the next generation of dairy products. In this discussion, we look at how dairy companies are meeting the rising demand for high-protein functional foods, while balancing nutrition with taste and texture. Tune in for insights from...

From bringing global products to new consumers to honoring deep cultural roots in dairy, this episode highlights the connections shaping the industry during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In this discussion, we explore how teams are balancing authenticity with innovation, what global partnerships mean for dairy farmers in the U.S., and how cultural values continue to drive sus...

From smart trailers to real-time data, technology is transforming how dairy moves from farm to table. In this episode of The Dairy Download, we explore the real-world challenges of transporting temperature-sensitive products, the cold chain innovations, and how AI is changing the way the industry manages quality, risk, and on-time delivery. Tune in for insights from Skyler Sherrod, general manager...

In this episode, we're joined by two leaders who reflect on the lessons that have shaped their careers and how they can inspire the next generation of leaders — all while navigating the growth of their respective companies and moving the entire dairy industry forward. Tune in to hear from Shawna Nelson, CEO of Organic Valley, and Bob Sarver, president and CEO of Great Lakes Cheese, about thei...

Tune in to the latest episode of The Dairy Download to explore what is driving innovation across the dairy space, from the rapid evolution of high-protein products to the growing demand of better-for-you formulations that still deliver on taste! We're joined by Stephen Cobbe, senior technical director for dairy business development at Kerry, and Nils Shaede, marketing director at Zentis North...

Cottage cheese is back, and it's reshaping the conversation around protein, innovation, and consumer trends. In this week's episode, explore why dairy companies are investing in cottage cheese production, how consumer trends are driving innovation, and where the revitalized product fits into the future of dairy.  Tune in for insights from Sarah Schmidt, vice president of marketing with A...

Live from Dairy Forum 2026, this week’s episode of The Dairy Download features two experts who are on the pulse of what’s happening in dairy consumption, pricing, innovation and nutrition. Tune in for insights from Niamh Kelly, chief commercial officer for dairy nutrition with Glanbia Nutritionals and Marina Crocker, senior director of product category and marketing with Hilmar! If your company is...

Live from Dairy Forum 2026, this week’s episode of The Dairy Download features two timely conversations on the forces shaping dairy and the rural economy. Tune in for insights from Blake Alexandre of Alexandre Family Farm and Brad Nordholm, CEO of Farmer Mac, on what they’re seeing across the industry today—and what it means for what’s ahead! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of...

How is dairy positioned to adapt to the new consumer?  This week on The Dairy Download, we have a special episode live from Dairy Forum 2026! We hear from two guests who are keyed in on evolving dairy consumer trends: Jennifer Galardi, Senior Policy Analyst for Restoring American Wellness, The Heritage Foundation DeVos Center ; and Donna Berry, Food Scientist, Editor and Consultant, Daily Dose of...

What are the biggest opportunities ahead for the dairy sector in the coming year? How can we expect protein production and demand to evolve? And what are the expectations for global milk production and worldwide dairy demand as we look toward 2026? This week on The Dairy Download, we’re excited to bring together our annual all‑star analyst panel for an in‑depth discussion of the key dairy market t...

What are the current trends in dairy production and consumption? In what new ways are dairy ingredients being used in other food products? How are dairy ingredients, textures, and flavors developed to meet changing consumer demand? This week on The Dairy Download, we hear three guests who can share expert insights into dairy consumer trends and dairy ingredient innovations: John Crawford, senior v...

How is technology playing a role in the modernization of farm operations? How are farms able to generate new valuable data streams? How can innovations impact efficiency and animal comfort? This week on The Dairy Download, we hear from a panel of experts at the recent DairyTech conference about how cutting-edge technologies are transforming farm operations: Owen Mickley, DVM, dairy nutritionist wi...

How are emerging risks shaping the dairy supply chain today? What technologies are strengthening supply chain security and agility? How can companies reduce risk and future-proof their operations? This week on The Dairy Download, we hear from a panel of experts at the recent DairyTech conference about all things risk, innovation, and supply chain resilience: Jenny Drake, senior vice president of o...

How is protein setting dairy beverages apart in this space? How are ready-to-drink beverages appealing to today's consumers? What can we expect to see in the future of this category? This week on The Dairy Download, we hear from two experts in the ready-to-drink beverages: Emily Johnston, vice president of brand marketing for Quest Nutrition at Simply Good Foods; and Matt Lally, senior direct...

What fall-inspired flavors are dairy companies and brands offering? How do seasonal flavors appeal to consumers? And what goes in to developing unique flavors?  This week on The Dairy Download, we hear from two experts about all things fall flavors: Ryan Murphy , senior director of marketing with Prairie Farms; and Jessica Dillon, senior brand director for The Laughing Cow and Babybel at Bel Brand...

How can dairy companies identify and assess cybersecurity risks? How can professionals stay ahead of evolving threats? What emerging risks should organizations prepare for in the years ahead? This week on The Dairy Download, we are joined by experts on cybersecurity: Jonathan Braley, director of the Food and Agriculture I SAC; and Chris Gaucher, senior manager of cyber security with Hilmar. Tune i...

What's shaping the future of organic dairy products? How has demand for organic evolved and how has the marketplace changed? What are the challenges and opportunities faced by organic producers?  This week on The Dairy Download, we are joined by experts with insights into the market for organic dairy products: Tom Chapman, co-CEO for the Organic Trade Association; and Cheree Tauschek, executi...

We are celebrating five years of The Dairy Download with a very special episode featuring two dairy trade association leaders! How is the dairy industry evolving? What challenges and opportunities are dairy farmers and processors facing today? How are policy decisions being made in Washington, D.C. affecting the industry nationwide? This week on The Dairy Download, we are joined by Michael Dykes,...

What is driving consumer demand for beef? What role are dairy-beef crosses playing in the beef market now and in the future? What is being done to improve the productivity of dairy-beef animals? This week on The Dairy Download, we are joined by experts who help us dive into beef-on-dairy: Brett Stuart, founding partner of Global Agri-Trends, and Lee Leachman, CEO of Leachman Cattle. Tune in now to...

Pizza and dairy go hand in hand. What cheese trends are popular in the pizza world? What are pizzeria operators looking for in terms of pizza cheese? What is in store for the future of pizza? This week on The Dairy Download, we are joined by experts in pizza and cheese: Kelly Norton, senior director, enterprise brand for Grande Cheese Company, and Derek Lee, restauranter and owner of Pizza Brutta....

Ice cream consumers today are chasing bold flavors, cleaner labels, and nostalgic experiences. How do consumer trends impact flavor and product development? Where is the future of ice cream heading? How will the supply chain react to new demands?  This week on The Dairy Download, we hear from three ice cream experts: Logan Cisewski, technical sales manager and application specialist at IRCA Group,...

Butterfat levels continue to climb in the nation’s dairy herd. How is domestic demand impacting this trend? What nutritional factors move the needle when it comes to producing more butterfat? What can the dairy industry do to utilize this extra butterfat? Listen to this week's episode of The Dairy Download to hear from two experts who are tuned in to milk production and demand across the coun...

How has technology impacted the way dairy farms are managed? How have the components of milk—like fat and protein content—changed in the dairy herd over time, and what’s driving those changes? What's next for dairy farmers as processing capacity expands? Listen to this week's episode of The Dairy Download to hear from four special guests who work at the dairy farm level. They also happen...