Your Dairy Checkoff

In the first episode with a guest host, Andy Vance, Strategic Account Director at Feedstuffs, fills in for Lucas Lentsch and welcomes Cheryl Pinto from Ben and Jerry's to discuss sustainability and consumer attitudes. 

Podcast host Midwest Dairy CEO Lucas Lentsch is joined by fellow CEOs Chad Vincent, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Doug Ackerman, Dairy Alliance to discuss how they guide the work of checkoff.  The leaders share how their collaborative approach is resulting in stronger alignment with national, regional and local objectives to increase relevance with consumers, build trust in dairy farming and boos...

Research highlighting the health benefits of dairy is helping the wellness community rethink previously held beliefs about dairy fat and cholesterol. Dr. Jim Painter, a registered dietitian and professor emeritus, shares his journey from dairy skeptic to dairy advocate.

Dairy is the one of the most requested foods at food banks and one of the least donated items. Julie Yurko, CEO of the Northern Illinois Food Bank, joins Lucas Lentsch to discuss how Midwest Dairy is partnering with food banks to make sure milk and other dairy products are available to families in need 

Much like dairy farmers who are committed to youth programming and providing safe and nutritious products to consumers of all ages, Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, joins Midwest CEO, Lucas Lentsch to discusses his constant commitment to nutrition, training and youth development.

Partnerships are paving the way to meeting consumers' needs and boost dairy sales. Listen in as Marilyn Hershey, Dairy Management Inc. board chair, shares stories that showcase how collaborations with companies such as McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Dominos are building consumers' trust in dairy and driving demand.

Listen in as Tom Gallagher, CEO Dairy Management Inc and Lucas Lentsch, CEO of Midwest Dairy, discuss how checkoff is working to take advantage of new opportunities for dairy.     

Dr. Lloyd Metzger from the Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center (MDFRC) shares how MDFRC research helps solve industry challenges to deliver dairy products that consumers desire and also fuels a strong market that benefits dairy farmers. 

Hear how the investment in nutrition research is building knowledge and insights to create new opportunities in dairy. Join Dr. Greg Miller,  from the National Dairy Council, Allen Merrill, dairy farmer and Midwest Dairy Board Chairman and Lucas Lentsch, Midwest Dairy CEO, as they discuss the results of dairy research and sustainable nutrition.   

Retailers are the critical link between dairy farmers and consumers. Hear how Midwest Dairy is working with retailers to drive milk sales. 

Continuing the discussion on export opportunities, Midwest Dairy CEO, Lucas Lentsch, visits with Nebraska dairy farmer and Dairy Management Inc. board member, Lowell Mueller, about his recent trade mission trip to Japan and Hong Kong, his observations about exports and the opportunities for the dairy industry.

With 95 percent of the world's population living outside the United States, there is tremendous opportunities for U.S. dairy in the global market. Join Midwest Dairy CEO, Lucas Lentsch, and Tom Vilsack, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council as they discuss how checkoff is driving demand globally.

Food is a love language. Sharing and enjoying a meal together helps people connect with each other. Listen in as Midwest CEO Lucas Lentsch, food influencer Lauren Lane and dairy farmer Adriane Heins share their new perspectives following the Bringing Dairy to Life event in Kansas City that that brought foodies, social influencers, chefs and dairy farmers together for connections and conversations....

Join Midwest Dairy CEO Lucas Lentsch and dairy farmers Barb Liebenstein and Alex Peterson in part two of their Dairy Experience Forum discussion as they discuss innovation, the future of food and the opportunities for the dairy industry. 

These days, there is so much competition in the dairy aisle, and consumers are often confused by the amount of information available. How can the dairy industry join the conversation? In this first episode, Midwest Dairy CEO Lucas Lentsch and dairy farmers Barb Liebenstein and Alex Peterson discuss their reactions to the inaugural Dairy Experience Forum and the consumer focus group that kicked off...