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

Discover the Latest Milk Fat Research on Whole Milk and Dairy Foods

DMI's Dr. Chris Cifelli, Senior Vice President of Nutrition Research at National Dairy Council, speaks with DMI's Scott Wallin about how the checkoff is expanding the body of science around whole milk, cheese, and yogurt.

With more than 80 studies conducted over the last 20 years, the milk fat research shows that these foods not only help support childhood growth but may also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and fit into heart-healthy diets.

Cifelli explains how the unique makeup of dairy fat—especially components like oleic acid—plays a vital role in supporting better health. He also underscores the need to translate this science into clear messages for both consumers and health professionals and how the checkoff constantly shares these messages with nutrition professionals.

Looking ahead, his research team will continue to explore how dairy contributes to lowering cardiometabolic disease risk and the benefits of dairy's unique fatty acids.

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. Chris Cifelli, Senior Vice President of Nutrition Research, Dairy Management Inc.

In this inaugural Regional Rundown segment of the Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast, DMI's Theresa Reps is joined by Nick DePalma and Kim Villani from the American Dairy Association Northeast (ADANE) to spotlight their impactful work with retailers. They discuss two major initiatives – the Dairy Aisle Performance Program and the Dairy Aisle Reinvention Program – and how these efforts drive sales, improve product availability and create better shopping experiences for consumers. From tackling out-of-stock challenges and enhancing dairy case hygiene to using data-driven insights to expand dairy shelf space, Nick and Kim share how these programs help prioritize milk and dairy products in more than 40 retail chains across the Northeast. Farmers will also hear how these strong retailer relationships benefit their bottom line and how consumer trends like protein snacking and local farm storytelling are shaping dairy's future in stores. Tune in to learn more!

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: Nick Depalma, Vice President of Retail Services, American Dairy Association North East
• Guest: Kim Villani, Senior Director of Retail Services, American Dairy Association North East

Learn About The Top Global Markets Targeted by the U.S. Dairy Export Council

DMI's Scott Wallin explores how your dairy checkoff resources are driving global demand for U.S. dairy with Becky Nyman, a fourth-generation California dairy farmer and chair of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), and Rick Ortman, USDEC's Senior VP of Strategic Insights.

Rick highlights USDEC's mission to make U.S. dairy the supplier of choice worldwide—backed by rigorous market research and strategic insights while Becky shares the importance of uniting farmers, processors, and manufacturers under one global voice.

With nearly 20% of all U.S. milk production already feeding international markets, they make it clear why exports are critical to sustaining dairy businesses and attracting the next generation to the farm.

From boosting dairy demand in Mexico to building strong ties in Southeast Asia through USDEC's Center for Dairy Excellence in Singapore, the conversation reveals how mission trips, health research, and hands-on partnerships are strengthening trust in U.S. dairy across the globe.

Tune in to find out!

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: Becky Nyman, California dairy farmer and Chair, U.S. Dairy Export Council

· Guest: Rick Ortman, Senior Vice President of Strategic Insights, U.S. Dairy Export Council

Barb O'Brien, CEO of DMI, discusses the State of the Industry report with its authors, Will Loux, analyst with NMPF and U.S. Dairy Export Council, and Mike McCully, DMI consultant. DMI commissioned the report in early 2024 and highlights the unprecedented $8-10 billion in new and expanded dairy infrastructure.

Key findings include the significant impact of new cheese plant capacity, consumer recovery from high inflation, and structural changes in the dairy industry in China. The report emphasizes the checkoff's need to invest in strategies focused on new product innovations and research, new technologies, and a strong commitment to meeting global demand, as well as the ability to adapt to changing market dynamics.

Tune in to find out!

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

Host & Guest:

· Host: Barb O'Brien, CEO and President of Dairy Management Inc.

· Guest: Will Loux, Senior Vice President, Global Economics Affairs of U.S. Dairy Export Council

· Guest: Mike McCully, President of McCully Consulting

Domino's leaders, Jim Zimmer and Kris Holley, along with DMI's Rebecca MacKay Allen, speak with DMI's Scott Wallin about the success of the Domino's Smart Slice program with schools.

They highlight the 16-year partnership, which has grown from 300 to 21,000 schools, serves over 59 million slices of pizza, and sells an additional 3 million pounds of cheese.

They also discuss future goals, including international expansion and improving pizza crust to enhance cheese sales. The long-time partnership's success is attributed to shared values and community focus between dairy farmers and Domino's franchisees.

Tune in to find out!

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: Jim Zimmer, Marketing Manager for Domino's Strategic Sales.

· Guest: Kris Holley, Director for Domino's Strategic Sales.

· Guest: Rebecca MacKay Allen, Senior Vice President, Growth Platforms and Partnerships for Dairy Management Inc.