Behind the Numbers: The True Impact of the Dairy Checkoff (Sponsored Podcast)

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. Host: Scott Wallin, Vice President of Farmer Communications & Media Relations, Dairy Management Inc. Guest: Dr. Oral Capps, Executive & Regents Professor, Texas A & M University This episode is sponsored by Dairy Management Inc. This is episode 44 on the Your Dairy Checkoff Podcast.