Dairy Checkoff Elects New Officers

Why It Matters

Stable, farmer‑led governance ensures the checkoff’s $300 million budget continues to fund demand‑building and research initiatives critical for dairy’s domestic and export growth.

Key Takeaways

• Marilyn Hershey re‑elected chair of Dairy Management Inc.
• New DMI vice chair, secretary, treasurer named from Colorado, California
• NDB appoints Lolly Lesher as chair, expanding research focus
• UDIA elects Charles Krause as chair, guiding regional marketing
• National Dairy Council leadership includes Audrey Donahoe as chair

Pulse Analysis

The dairy checkoff, a producer‑funded program worth roughly $300 million annually, is administered by Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) in partnership with the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) and the United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA). These organizations pool levy contributions from dairy farmers to finance advertising, consumer education, and scientific research aimed at boosting milk consumption both at home and abroad. By coordinating national campaigns with regional initiatives, the checkoff creates a unified brand narrative that helps differentiate dairy products in a crowded food market.

Leadership continuity is a cornerstone of the checkoff’s effectiveness. Marilyn Hershey’s re‑election as DMI chair signals confidence in her farm‑based perspective, while the addition of new officers from Colorado and California brings fresh regional insights. At the NDB, Lolly Lesher’s appointment as chair aligns with a renewed emphasis on research into product innovation and sustainability, areas that are increasingly important to retailers and consumers. UDIA’s new chair, Charles Krause, will oversee localized marketing programs that adapt national messaging to state‑specific consumer preferences, ensuring that promotional dollars are spent efficiently.

The refreshed governance structure positions the dairy sector to address several industry challenges. With rising plant‑based competition, coordinated advertising can reinforce dairy’s nutritional benefits and versatility. Moreover, the leadership teams are poised to allocate research funds toward climate‑friendly production practices, a key demand driver for environmentally conscious shoppers. As global trade dynamics evolve, the checkoff’s unified voice will also support export initiatives, helping U.S. dairy producers capture market share in emerging economies. Overall, the new officers are set to steer the program toward sustained demand growth and innovation across the dairy value chain.