Milk Without Borders: From the Gobi Desert to Your Table

Milk might seem simple — but the story spans across the globe. In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne sits down with Tom Suber to explore how milk travels from local farms to global markets. From cheese and milk powder to whey protein, today’s dairy industry is shaped as much by international demand as it is by what we consume at home.Beyond economics, the cultural side of milk — from cow’s milk in the U.S. to camel, goat, sheep, and even fermented mare’s milk in Mongolia is explored. Drawing on their shared experience in the Gobi Desert, Marianne and Tom reflect on how milk plays a role in tradition, storytelling, and daily life far beyond nutrition.What We Cover• How the U.S. dairy industry evolved into a global export powerhouse• The economics behind dairy pricing and trade flows• Cultural perspectives on milk — from cow to camel to mare’s milk• Why shelf-stable milk is more common in Europe than in the U.S.• How current trends, like whole milk in school and GLP-1 medications may impact dairy consumption and ultimately, farmer economicsThe conversation wraps with today’s hot topics, including whole milk in schools and how changing health trends, like GLP-1 medications may influence dairy consumption….and why differences in packaging, refrigeration, and culture shape what ends up in your fridge.Guest:Tom Suber- Global trade strategist and former President, US Dairy Export CouncilLinkedIn