The Dairy Download

From smart trailers to real-time data, technology is transforming how dairy moves from farm to table. In this episode of The Dairy Download, we explore the real-world challenges of transporting temperature-sensitive products, the cold chain innovations, and how AI is changing the way the industry manages quality, risk, and on-time delivery.Tune in for insights from Skyler Sherrod, general manager of terminal operations at Western Dairy Transport, and Don Durm, vice president of supply chain solutions at PLM Fleet!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

In this episode, we're joined by two leaders who reflect on the lessons that have shaped their careers and how they can inspire the next generation of leaders — all while navigating the growth of their respective companies and moving the entire dairy industry forward.Tune in to hear from Shawna Nelson, CEO of Organic Valley, and Bob Sarver, president and CEO of Great Lakes Cheese, about their perspectives on leadership and what lies ahead for dairy!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Tune in to the latest episode of The Dairy Download to explore what is driving innovation across the dairy space, from the rapid evolution of high-protein products to the growing demand of better-for-you formulations that still deliver on taste!We're joined by Stephen Cobbe, senior technical director for dairy business development at Kerry, and Nils Shaede, marketing director at Zentis North America to discuss the biggest shifts in dairy ingredient innovation and what will define the next frontier in the category.If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Cottage cheese is back, and it's reshaping the conversation around protein, innovation, and consumer trends. In this week's episode, explore why dairy companies are investing in cottage cheese production, how consumer trends are driving innovation, and where the revitalized product fits into the future of dairy. Tune in for insights from Sarah Schmidt, vice president of marketing with Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) and Chris Ross, senior vice president of marketing and R&D with HP Hood!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Live from Dairy Forum 2026, this week’s episode of The Dairy Download features two experts who are on the pulse of what’s happening in dairy consumption, pricing, innovation and nutrition. Tune in for insights from Niamh Kelly, chief commercial officer for dairy nutrition with Glanbia Nutritionals and Marina Crocker, senior director of product category and marketing with Hilmar!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Live from Dairy Forum 2026, this week’s episode of The Dairy Download features two timely conversations on the forces shaping dairy and the rural economy. Tune in for insights from Blake Alexandre of Alexandre Family Farm and Brad Nordholm, CEO of Farmer Mac, on what they’re seeing across the industry today—and what it means for what’s ahead!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

How is dairy positioned to adapt to the new consumer? This week on The Dairy Download, we have a special episode live from Dairy Forum 2026! We hear from two guests who are keyed in on evolving dairy consumer trends: Jennifer Galardi, Senior Policy Analyst for Restoring American Wellness, The Heritage Foundation DeVos Center ; and Donna Berry, Food Scientist, Editor and Consultant, Daily Dose of Dairy. Tune in now to learn more!Thank you to Novonesis for sponsoring this episode!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

What are the biggest opportunities ahead for the dairy sector in the coming year? How can we expect protein production and demand to evolve? And what are the expectations for global milk production and worldwide dairy demand as we look toward 2026?This week on The Dairy Download, we’re excited to bring together our annual all‑star analyst panel for an in‑depth discussion of the key dairy market trends and issues shaping 2026!Tune in to hear from Mike McCully, owner of McCully Consulting; Sara Dorland, managing partner at Ceres Dairy Risk Management; and Sarina Sharp, risk manager for Ag Business Solutions and regular contributor to the Daily Dairy Report!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

What are the current trends in dairy production and consumption? In what new ways are dairy ingredients being used in other food products? How are dairy ingredients, textures, and flavors developed to meet changing consumer demand?This week on The Dairy Download, we hear three guests who can share expert insights into dairy consumer trends and dairy ingredient innovations: John Crawford, senior vice president of client insights for dairy at Circana ; as well as Kurt Riethman, senior applications manager of the Sweet Lab and Sydney Byrne, marketing manager with Sensient Flavors & Extracts. Tune in now to learn more!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

How is technology playing a role in the modernization of farm operations? How are farms able to generate new valuable data streams? How can innovations impact efficiency and animal comfort?This week on The Dairy Download, we hear from a panel of experts at the recent DairyTech conference about how cutting-edge technologies are transforming farm operations: Owen Mickley, DVM, dairy nutritionist with Vita Plus; Nicholas Randle, senior marketing lead for dairy productivity and milk quality with Zoetis; and Mitch Schwieterman, operator of SchwietermanFarm. Tune in now to learn more!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

How are emerging risks shaping the dairy supply chain today? What technologies are strengthening supply chain security and agility? How can companies reduce risk and future-proof their operations?This week on The Dairy Download, we hear from a panel of experts at the recent DairyTech conference about all things risk, innovation, and supply chain resilience: Jenny Drake, senior vice president of operations with Grande Cheese Company; Jeremy Ridley, technical director with MADCAP; Jonathan Braley, director of the Food and Ag-ISAC; and Thomas Chadwick, strategic risk consultant and assistant vice president with Marsh McLennan. Tune in now to learn more!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

How is protein setting dairy beverages apart in this space? How are ready-to-drink beverages appealing to today's consumers? What can we expect to see in the future of this category?This week on The Dairy Download, we hear from two experts in the ready-to-drink beverages: Emily Johnston, vice president of brand marketing for Quest Nutrition at Simply Good Foods; and Matt Lally, senior director of analytics and insights at Shamrock Farms. Tune in now to learn more!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

What fall-inspired flavors are dairy companies and brands offering? How do seasonal flavors appeal to consumers? And what goes in to developing unique flavors? This week on The Dairy Download, we hear from two experts about all things fall flavors: Ryan Murphy , senior director of marketing with Prairie Farms; and Jessica Dillon, senior brand director for The Laughing Cow and Babybel at Bel Brands USA. Tune in now to learn more!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

How can dairy companies identify and assess cybersecurity risks? How can professionals stay ahead of evolving threats? What emerging risks should organizations prepare for in the years ahead?This week on The Dairy Download, we are joined by experts on cybersecurity: Jonathan Braley, director of the Food and Agriculture I SAC; and Chris Gaucher, senior manager of cyber security with Hilmar. Tune in now to learn more!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

What's shaping the future of organic dairy products? How has demand for organic evolved and how has the marketplace changed? What are the challenges and opportunities faced by organic producers? This week on The Dairy Download, we are joined by experts with insights into the market for organic dairy products: Tom Chapman, co-CEO for the Organic Trade Association; and Cheree Tauschek, executive vice president of membership with Organic Valley. Tune in now to learn more!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

We are celebrating five years of The Dairy Download with a very special episode featuring two dairy trade association leaders!How is the dairy industry evolving? What challenges and opportunities are dairy farmers and processors facing today? How are policy decisions being made in Washington, D.C. affecting the industry nationwide?This week on The Dairy Download, we are joined by Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association and Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation to discuss how the industry has grown and adapted over the past five years and what the future looks like for dairy. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

What is driving consumer demand for beef? What role are dairy-beef crosses playing in the beef market now and in the future? What is being done to improve the productivity of dairy-beef animals?This week on The Dairy Download, we are joined by experts who help us dive into beef-on-dairy: Brett Stuart, founding partner of Global Agri-Trends, and Lee Leachman, CEO of Leachman Cattle. Tune in now to learn more!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Pizza and dairy go hand in hand. What cheese trends are popular in the pizza world? What are pizzeria operators looking for in terms of pizza cheese? What is in store for the future of pizza?This week on The Dairy Download, we are joined by experts in pizza and cheese: Kelly Norton, senior director, enterprise brand for Grande Cheese Company, and Derek Lee, restauranter and owner of Pizza Brutta. Tune in now to hear this piping hot new episode! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Ice cream consumers today are chasing bold flavors, cleaner labels, and nostalgic experiences. How do consumer trends impact flavor and product development? Where is the future of ice cream heading? How will the supply chain react to new demands? This week on The Dairy Download, we hear from three ice cream experts: Logan Cisewski, technical sales manager and application specialist at IRCA Group, along with Rich Draper, CEO and co-founder of The Ice Cream Club, and Heather Draper, director of The Ice Cream Club.If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Butterfat levels continue to climb in the nation’s dairy herd. How is domestic demand impacting this trend? What nutritional factors move the needle when it comes to producing more butterfat? What can the dairy industry do to utilize this extra butterfat?Listen to this week's episode of The Dairy Download to hear from two experts who are tuned in to milk production and demand across the country: Corey Geiger, lead economist for dairy production and processing in CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange research division; and Steve Martin, MS, PAS, founder and ruminant nutritionist with DNMC Milk.If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

How has technology impacted the way dairy farms are managed? How have the components of milk—like fat and protein content—changed in the dairy herd over time, and what’s driving those changes? What's next for dairy farmers as processing capacity expands?Listen to this week's episode of The Dairy Download to hear from four special guests who work at the dairy farm level. They also happen to be family members of our podcast hosts! Ron and Randy Franck, Iowa dairy farmers and Phil's family by marriage; and John and Chris Noble, New York dairy farmers and Kathleen's father and brother.If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Where is the industry seeing increases in dairy processing capacity? What factors are driving this change? How are dairy farmers responding to this growth in demand? Listen to this week's episode of The Dairy Download to hear from two guests who are tuned in to the factors influencing dairy processing capacity increases across the country: Rick Naerebout, CEO of Idaho Dairymen's Association; and Betsy Erdelyi, managing director with BMO Harris Bank.If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

How are sweeteners developed to meet the flavor profile and nutrition needs for dairy products? How can flavors like vanilla be used to enhanced yogurts and frozen desserts? What innovations are on the horizon in this space?Join us for this week's episode of The Dairy Download to hear from two guests who work at the forefront of innovation in sweeteners and flavors: Melissa Kaczmarczyk, PhD, MPH, principal scientist for North America, global nutrition with Tate & Lyle; and Darian Rottmann, vanilla specialist with Lochhead Vanilla.If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

How can dairy drive performance for athletes and gamers? What are the benefits of drinking milk both for nutrition and hydration? How can we increase public awareness of the sports nutrition implications of dairy products?Join us for this week's episode of The Dairy Download to hear from two guests who are keyed in to all things dairy and sports nutrition: Leslie Bonci, owner of the nutrition consulting company Active Eating Advice - Be Fit, Fed, and Fearless; and Jen Grubb, senior marketing manager at MilkPEP.If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

What exciting opportunities are on the horizon for the dairy supply chain? Where is the industry seeing growth, and where are there opportunities for investment? How can the industry come together to tackle today's challenges? Join us for this week's episode of The Dairy Download to hear three CEOs who are leading forward in the dairy industry. Daragh Maccabee, CEO of Idaho Milk Products; Joe Diglio, President and CEO of Michigan Milk Products; and Seth Teply, President and CEO, U.S. and Canada for Tetra Pak share their perspectives on where things stand today and what the future looks like for the industry.If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

What tariffs are currently in place? How will these tariffs impact dairy industry growth? What is the long term outlook for U.S. trade relations?Join us for this week's episode of The Dairy Download to hear from a panel of three experts on trade and the U.S. dairy market. Jeffrey Weiss, partner at Steptoe LLP; Matt Gould, senior director at Ever.Ag; and Joe Glauber, PhD, research fellow emeritus in the director general's office at the International Food Policy Research Institute will discuss recent tariff actions and the potential implications for dairy.If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Many cultured dairy products like kefir and skyr have established a growing presence in the U.S. market. What makes these products popular among U.S. consumers? What market trends lie ahead for these products?Tune in to this week's episode of The Dairy Download to hear insights from two experts driving cultured dairy brands: Julie Smolyansky, president and chief executive officer of Lifeway Foods, and David Greci, brand director for Siggi's, as they talk about the journey to bring these cultured dairy products to U.S. consumers and how the market continues to grow.If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Strong leadership is critical to ensure that the dairy industry continues to grow, innovate and thrive. What makes a good leader? How can leaders step up to support their teams and continue building a successful future for the dairy industry?Listen to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to hear from two distinguished leaders in the dairy industry: Sheryl Meshke, CEO of Associated Milk Producers Inc., and Patricia Stroup, former senior vice president and chief procurement officer at Nestlé and managing director of Nestrade SA, as they share their insights on leadership and the future of dairy.Like the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Dairy provides 13 essential nutrients that are central to good health for Americans. However, there are still barriers to accessing these benefits for many communities across the country. What health and nutrition benefits do dairy products offer to improve health outcomes? How can the dairy industry partner with physicians to communicate dairy's health benefits?Listen to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to hear from two experts on nutrition access: Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, and Dr. Virginia Caine, president of the National Medical Association.If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

U.S. Secretary of Heath and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has elevated the "Make America Healthy Again" movement, pledging to implement its agenda through federal policymaking, while Congress forms a MAHA Caucus to explore legislative avenues. How will this movement affect policy change in food, agriculture, and nutrition?Hear from two experts on food policy: Brian Ronholm, director of food policy for Consumer Reports, and Helena Bottemiller Evich, founder and editor-in-chief of Food Fix.Want an even deeper dive into MAHA? Sign up for IDFA's three-part webinar series here. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!

Snacking is another great opportunity for Americans to consume dairy in their day-to-day lives. What trends are on the rise for snack foods? And how does dairy fit in as a healthy snack option? Listen to this week’s episode of The Dairy Download to hear from two experts on dairy products for snacking: Rod Hogan, senior vice president of new platform development at Sargento, and Dhriti Batra, brand director for Lactalis Heritage Dairy's cultured dairy business.If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at [email protected] the show?Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts!