Milk Theory

Today on Milk Theory, we’re diving into the essential link between academia and the dairy industry. Stephanie Clark, Manager of Academic Engagement at ADPI, joins us to share her unique path—from childhood goat-keeping to becoming a leader in dairy science. Stephanie pulls back the curtain on the ADPI Ambassador Program, a vital initiative designed to bridge the gap between students and industry professionals. We discuss: How the program is fighting misinformation around dairy topics like lactose and rBST. The life-changing impact of mentorship in the dairy sector. How you can get involved: We’re looking for mentors and volunteers nationwide. Ready to shape the next generation of dairy leaders? Learn more at adpi.org/ambassador-program.

Live from the ADPI annual meeting, Andy Powers (VP of Technical Services) discusses ADPI's sustainability work, including the Center of Excellence, the Navigator guide for new sustainability professionals, and efforts to standardize product carbon footprinting within ingredient standards. They cover the balance between farm and processing emissions, water resource concerns, verification and audit readiness, and how ADPI plans to provide training, benchmarks, and industry-wide guidance to drive transparency and continuous improvement. To learn more about ADPI, go to www.adpi.org

In this episode, Reese Clark interviews K.J. Burrington, ADPI's Vice President of Technical Development, about his journey from baking to dairy and the practical applications of milk permeate. They explore Permeate's clean flavor, mineral-driven nutrition and hydration benefits, uses in beverages and baked goods, dry vs. liquid formats, and highlights of the Dairy 360 training program and conference. Click the link to learn more about ADPI.

Welcome to the final episode of Milk Theory's conversation with Jeremy Pike, Director of Sustainability at Idaho Milk Products. Jeremy explains why sustainability is here to stay, and why acceptance and leadership buy-in are essential. He shares practical advice for dairy companies: start by tracking what you already do, leverage existing programs like nutrition and workforce initiatives, engage producers, and take small steps such as attending industry events and setting up basic KPIs.  To learn more about Idaho Milk Products' sustainability efforts, go to www.idahomilkproducts.com/sustainability 

In Episode 5, Jeremy Pike, Director of Sustainability at Idaho Milk Products, explains how the company embeds sustainability across its operations — from signing the U.S. Dairy Stewardship Commitment and conducting a materiality assessment to assigning KPIs and joining the Sustainable Dairy Partnership. He describes tracking scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, setting science‑based targets, and using transparent reporting to prove leadership and educate the broader dairy industry. To learn more about Idaho Milk Products' sustainability efforts, go to www.idahomilkproducts.com/sustainability 

In this episode, Jeremy Pike, Director of Sustainability at Idaho Milk Products, explains how the plant separates milk into cream, protein, and permeate, recaptures the water contained in milk for plant use, and reduces municipal water demand. He also describes how excess permeate becomes animal feed and how pretreatment solids are used as a soil amendment, creating efficient resource loops. The conversation also covers the company’s community focus, employee safety and workplace culture, traceability benefits from large nearby dairies and the plant’s local economic contribution, illustrating a holistic approach to sustainability. To learn more about Idaho Milk Products' sustainability efforts, go to www.idahomilkproducts.com/sustainability 

Welcome to Milk Theory episode three. Jeremy Pike, Director of Sustainability at Idaho Milk Products, explains how Idaho Milk Products is vertically integrated and what that means, and how the owner dairies use cross-vent barns, ration-based feeding with upcycled co-products, and crop rotation to improve efficiency and soil health. The episode also covers manure management systems that separate solids for bedding and use anaerobic digesters to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) or electricity, closing the loop between farm and plant for a more sustainable dairy supply chain. To learn more about Idaho Milk Products' sustainability efforts, go to www.idahomilkproducts.com/sustainability 

Welcome to Milk Theory Episode 2. Jeremy Pike, Director of Sustainability at Idaho Milk Products, breaks down scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and how the company measures and manages its environmental impact. He covers direct plant emissions from natural-gas dryers and company trucks, indirect emissions like purchased electricity and supply-chain impacts from purchased milk, and how owning a fleet improves data visibility and creates opportunities to reduce diesel use and increase efficiency. To learn more about Idaho Milk Products' sustainability efforts, go to https://www.idahomilkproducts.com/sustainability 

Welcome to Milk Theory, the podcast that decodes the future of food. In this episode, we interview Jeremy Pike, Director of Sustainability at Idaho Milk Products, about the company’s comprehensive sustainability efforts, reporting, and the role of dairy in long-term environmental and community health. They discuss the meaning of sustainability in dairy, industry frameworks, consumer misconceptions about emissions, and why the company published a detailed sustainability report to increase transparency and accountability. To learn more about Idaho Milk Products' sustainability practices, go to www.idahomilkproducts.com/sustainability