In this episode of Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, economist Dr. Oral Capps of Texas A&M University breaks down more than a decade of independent research measuring the impact of the dairy checkoff. Speaking from the 2025 Joint Annual Meeting, Dr. Capps shares how checkoff investments across food service partnerships, fluid milk innovation, whole-fat dairy science and exports are delivering strong, measurable returns for U.S. dairy farmers.

He explains the rigorous, peer-reviewed process behind his analysis, the role of third-party credibility and why programs like lactose-free milk, whole milk, butter and product innovation have contributed to a turnaround in fluid milk consumption. Dr. Capps also offers a farmer-focused perspective on what the checkoff means for the all-milk price and what the industry could look like without these efforts.

This is a revealing look at the data, the methodology and the real-world outcomes demonstrating that checkoff investments are paying off—and strengthening dairy's future.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest

Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

Guest: Dr. Oral Capps, Executive & Regents Professor, Texas A & M University

DMI's Katie Bambacht, Vice President of Nutrition Affairs at the National Dairy Council, speaks with DMI's Scott Wallin about how the checkoff is working directly with schools to improve school lunches (with dairy being front and center) by collaborating with the School Nutrition Association.

Katie explains that nearly 30 million students participate in school meal programs daily, with dairy providing significant nutrients, while emphasizing the critical role of school meals in addressing food insecurity and improving academic performance.

She also covers the "Made with School Lunch" campaign, which aims to change perceptions of school meals, and the "Smart Swaps" initiative, which helps schools meet evolving USDA standards while maintaining dairy offerings.

The discussion also touches on the potential of whole milk in schools and future projects with the School Nutrition Association.

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest:

· Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Katie Bambacht, Vice President of Nutrition Affairs, National Dairy Council

In this Regional Rundown segment of the Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, host Theresa Reps talks with Brooke Williams, Director of Communications for the American Dairy Association Indiana, about the deep connection between dairy farmers and the Indianapolis 500 tradition.

Williams explains how the Indy 500's iconic "Winners Drink Milk" moment began in 1936 and sparked a beloved tradition that continues today. Each year, two Indiana dairy farmers are chosen to present milk to the winning driver, undergoing media training and public engagement to represent dairy farmers statewide. The partnership generates enormous visibility for dairy—over $7 million in media value and more than 8 million race-day viewers in 2025. This year's innovations included a collaboration with Prairie Farms, featuring special-edition milk bottles and school cartons with Indy 500 themes, which boosted milk sales and fan engagement.

Williams emphasizes that the Indy 500 tradition not only celebrates the winning driver but also honors the dedication of dairy farmers everywhere—reminding listeners that "Winners drink milk."

To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit dairycheckoff.com.

Host & Guest

Host: Theresa Reps, Director of Farmer Outreach, Dairy Management Inc.

Guest: Brook Williams, Director of Communications, American Dairy Association Indiana