UDA MAGAZINE
PLATINUM ACHIEVEMENT
UDA Ranks Among the Top 1% in Latest Ecovadis Sustainability Assessment
Board of Directors
Craig Caballero, President Executive Committee
Jim Boyle, Vice President
Robert Van Hofwegen, Secretary/Treasurer
David Feenstra, Member at Large
Dan Boschma, Member at Large
Directors
Ian Accomazzo, Buckeye
Arie de Jong, Maricopa
Ben Dickman, Coolidge
Tom Dugan, Stanfield
Dan Gladden, Palo Verde
Gary Fehr, Willcox
Jen Millican, Buckeye
Justin Stewart, Gila Bend
Paul Rovey, Buckeye
Casey Dugan, Casa Grande
UNITED DAIRYMEN is published quarterly for the dairy cooperative members of the United Dairymen of Arizona, 404 W Broadway Rd , Tempe, AZ 85282
Additional distribution includes agencies, businesses and individuals associated with the production of milk Paid subscriptions are not available Membership list is not available for public use. Acceptance of advertising does not assure that merchandise or services advertised have been approved by United Dairymen of Arizona, the health department or other regulatory agencies. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of the written material or representations that appear in the advertisement. Editor- Roxy Helman
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Official Appointment of Craig Caballero as CEO of UDA
Beyond Gold: UDA Earns Platinum on Ecovadis Sustainability Assessment
Dairy Remains Crucial to 2025 Dietary Guidelines
Mastitis Susceptibility in the Transition Period
Anna Nguyen, MPH Arizona DHIA Microbiologist
Checkoff Strategy Focuses On Dairy’s Link to Brain Health
Dairy Management Inc.
What can DairyKind do for you?
Michelle Schack, DVM, DairyKind
UDA Golf Outing Returns!
Game Day APP Ready Strategies to Avoid Heat Stress This Summer
National Dairy Leaders to Convene in Arizona
Theresa Sweeney-Murphy, NMPF
Arizona Milk Producers Update
Official Appointment of Craig Caballero as CEO of UDA
We are delighted to announce a significant development at United Dairymen of Arizona (UDA). Following a unanimous vote by our Board of Directors, Craig Caballero has been officially appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Craig has served as the interim CEO and has significantly shaped UDA's strategic direction during this period. His comprehensive understanding of our operations and deep roots in our founding have uniquely equipped him to lead UDA. Craig's journey from being a co-op member to serving as Chairman of the Board for the last seven years underscores his profound connectivity and commitment to our values and vision
"I intend to lead UDA with a focus on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and strategic partnerships that benefit not only our co-op members but also our consumers, our community, and our industry. I thank you for the trust and support shown in me, and I approach this new chapter with a sense of responsibility and passion for the work that lies ahead." Says Craig.
The transition has been seamless, ensuring continuity and fortified leadership during transformative times for UDA. His appointment has been met with widespread endorsement from within our ranks, affirming our collective trust and confidence in his capabilities to guide UDA towards a thriving future
Please join us in congratulating Craig on his well-deserved appointment, and looking forward to the innovations and leadership he will bring to his role.
Beyond Gold: UDA Earns Platinum on Ecovadis Sustainability Assessment
United Dairymen of Arizona (UDA) has scored a remarkable 82/100, earning a platinum rating from EcoVadis. This rating is a solid nod to our team's hard work toward integrating sustainable practices across every thread of our operations. Gaining this rating places UDA among the top 1% of companies rated by EcoVadis worldwide a clear sign that our hard work is paying off.
The dedication of our employees, producer members, and industry partners is truly the driving force behind this achievement," says Brandon Clark, Director of Sustainability at UDA. "We’re incredibly proud of this platinum rating—it's proof that when we work together across the entire value chain, we can keep improving every day. Our focus remains simple: doing better, consistently and thoughtfully, for the good of our communities, our industry, and the environment.
EcoVadis rates companies based on four core areas:
Environmental impact
Labor practices
Ethics
Sustainable procurement
Being near the top of this scale means we’re steering in the right direction, setting a strong example in our industry.
The heart of UDA continually pulses towards better, sustainable methods. Every innovation, from water conservation systems to energy-efficient technologies, is implemented to ensure we care for our slice of the earth. A crucial aspect of our approach includes strict sourcing standards to ensure our partners mirror these sustainable values, creating an efficient and responsible supply chain.
Engaging our community and committing to sustainable agriculture ensures we stay connected with our environment and its people These solid actions have been integral to our high EcoVadis score, grounding our efforts in tangible results
This platinum rating is a milestone, not the final goal. We invite you all to be a part of our sustainable journey Dive deeper into our sustainability initiatives and support a business that puts the future first This platinum rating marks a milestone in our journey, not the final destination We are committed to meeting standards and setting new ones, championing environmental stewardship as the cornerstone of our operations.
Dairy Remains Crucial to 2025 Dietary Guidelines
With the next iteration of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans due next year, organizations such as the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) are submitting the latest evidence and strategic recommendations to the committee of experts to keep dairy at the forefront of consumption for a healthy lifestyle.
The federal government crafts new iterations of the twice-a-decade guide to science-based advice on what to eat and drink for health and well-being, which also helps shape federal nutrition programs such as school meals and food assistance. The NMPF submitted the following comments to the committee:
Foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt provide a unique package of nutrients American often lack, such as calcium, vitamin D, potassium, protein and iodine. Dairy also reduces chronic disease risk, lowers blood pressure, improves blood sugar control, and protects bone health. And dairy is especially important for children, who need adequate calcium and protein for growth and development.
Dairy Remains Crucial to 2025 Dietary Guidelines
When the current guidelines were released in 2020 it was noted that 89 percent of the population was not consuming enough dairy, making it even more imperative that dairy continue as its own food group with three recommended servings per day in the 2025 guidelines. The guidelines are subject to advocacy efforts, activist agendas and more, with most being unfounded and with other goals in mind other than nutrition. For example, some vegan and environmental activists are wanting to replace some dairy foods with plant-based alternatives in the guidelines to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As we all know, plant-based alternatives are not nutritionally equivalent to dairy foods nor provide the same health effects such as:
Children who consume plant-based alternatives instead of dairy may be at risk of nutritional deficiencies, growth impairment and bone fractures.
Pregnant women who avoid dairy may not get enough iodine which is essential for fetal brain development.
Lower income consumers who choose plant-based alternatives may face higher food costs and lower nutrient density.
Dairy foods are essential for optimal nutrition and health in providing a unique package of nutrients and therefore need to be included in the upcoming dietary guidelines. Continue following NMPF’s work in supporting dairy in dietary guidelines by heading here: The Valuable Dietary Impact of Dairy | NMPF
Mastitis Susceptibility in the Transition Period
Anna Nguyen, MPH, Arizona DHIA Microbiologist
The body’s first-line defense and the collection of microorganisms living in and on cows play large roles during the transition, or peripartum, period. Immunocompetence, or the body’s ability to successfully fight infection, varies due to metabolic and hormone changes happening between calving and lactation. High-yield dairy cows are at high risk of mastitis during this period for a few reasons.
Innate immunity provides first-line defenses against entering pathogens. The cow’s immune cells express traits that suppress immune activity to balance hormones as the fetus grows. During lactation these cells mainly express antimicrobial properties. Changes in immune functions predispose the cow to mastitis. In the udder, healthy microorganisms called microflora, also contribute to mastitis risk during the transition period Some microflora prevent growth of mastitis bugs, and the more diverse the microflora, the stronger the defense. Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy influence how well udder microflora thrive.
Cows experience a negative energy balance during the transition period where they lose more energy than they intake Energy demand increases as changes during the gestation-lactation cycle, requiring them to go from providing for the fetus to producing large milk quantities after calving. This transition forces metabolic processes to shift dramatically. Metabolic stress affects immunocompetence making cows susceptible to mastitis.
The transition period provides a unique window to take milk samples for culture. Fresh cow samples can identify subclinical and dry-off mastitis cases. There are a variety of probiotic products that support dairy cows through this transition. Boosting immunity during this period by feeding cows mineral- and vitamin-rich diets can help them maintain metabolic needs and resist infection. Consult with your veterinarian for the best options for your herd. As always, Arizona DHIA is your one-stop-shop for nutritional and udder health herd laboratory support.
Checkoff Strategy Focuses On Dairy’s Link to Brain Health
Dairy Management Inc.
The first 1,000 days of a baby’s life – encompassing pregnancy through the child’s second birthday – is a critical period for brain development. During this time, a baby’s brain grows from about 10,000 brain cells in the first month of pregnancy to a staggering 10 billion by the sixth month.
Nutrition is a key driver of this development and dairy can significantly impact a child’s cognitive development and overall success in life, thanks to nutrients including iodine and choline.
Expecting mothers and new parents are seeking guidance on how to best nourish their child and lay the foundation for lifelong health, particularly regarding cognitive development To address this, dairy checkoff organizations and MilkPEP are collectively elevating awareness and understanding of dairy’s contributions to the 1,000-day period.
Checkoff Strategy Focuses On Dairy’s Link to Brain Health
The strategies include:
Media Partnerships: Good Housekeeping and USA Today will each publish two articles in September, introducing readers to the science-backed importance of the first 1,000 days Follow-up articles will discuss key nutrients needed during pregnancy that are found in dairy This campaign, which runs through October, includes print ads and social media promotions through Good Housekeeping and USA Today’s channels
Social Media Strategy: The checkoff and MilkPEP will engage social media influencers to share relevant content with their followers. These influencers, including young parents, will discuss the role of dairy in their experiences, post recipes featuring dairy, and offer tips for incorporating more milk, cheese and yogurt into family meals.
Health & Wellness Engagement: National Dairy Council launched a multi-year initiative with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to develop a nutrition education program for pediatricians and pediatric trainees. NDC will continue to engage leading health organizations such as the National Medical Association and will be at AAP’s annual meeting in October. Additionally, through the checkoff’s Mayo Clinic collaboration, dairy-focused nutrition content is featured on Mayo Clinic Press’ website as well as on a dedicated Parenting Hub, including information specific to the first 1,000 days.
Checkoff-Produced Content: the checkoff will continue promoting stories such as Dairy Foods for Infant Brain Development & Cognition and Top Benefits of Dairy For Cognitive Development in Infancy via Facebook, X and Instagram
Be
What Can DairyKind Do For You?
Michelle Schack, DVM
DairyKind is dedicated to supporting dairy producers by offering comprehensive training resources that cover crucial aspects of cattle care. UDA member dairies have access to 15 essential courses on the DairyKind website. These courses are designed to meet the FARM program’s required training standards while addressing cattle needs in all their vulnerable stages. Topics include stockmanship, milking, calf care, maternity, and lameness, providing a well-rounded education for farm employees and managers.
But DairyKind doesn’t stop there. We've expanded our training library to include over 35 courses that delve deeper into key areas of dairy farming. From understanding the importance of colostrum to mastering proper milk sampling techniques, these courses offer specialized knowledge to help you elevate your farm's practices. For example, our disbudding course walks you through the steps of disbudding dairy calves with both heat and paste methods.
Our training modules are used in diverse ways some farms implement them as part of new employee training, while others rely on them for corrective action plans under the FARM program. One critical example involves tail injuries. 14.8% of U.S. dairy farms were flagged for a higher-than-acceptable prevalence of broken tails. In response, DairyKind created a Tail Handling training course to help farms demonstrate their commitment to reducing these injuries. This course can be assigned to employees as part of a corrective action plan, reinforcing practices that improve animal well-being on farm.
DairyKind’s content library grows each year, with new courses based on customer feedback and industry needs. To upgrade your subscription and gain access to these additional resources, contact us at info@dairykind.com. Quality dairies start with trained professionals.
Birdies for Boys and Girls Club of the Valley Sponsorship Opportunities
Join us for a day of fun on the green while supporting a great cause! Our annual charity golf tournament is back and all proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club The Boys and Girls Club is a non-profit organization that provides a safe and positive environment for children to learn, play, and grow.
We invite you to become a sponsor for our event and make a difference in the lives of young people in our community.
Friday, Nov 8, 2024
Course Activity - $2,500
Includes golf and dinner for one foursome, signage at course activity hole.
Golf activity options: Beat the Pro (1), Golf Games (3), Bar Cart (2)
Foursome + Hole Sponsor- $1,100
Includes golf and dinner for one foursome, signage at a designated hole on the course.
Hole Sponsor - $300
Includes signage at a designated hole on the course.
Individual- $200
Additional Opportunities
50/50 Raffle | Raffle Prizes | Longest Drive | Closest to the pin | Mulligan tickets
19th hole contest! Purchase a 19th hole ticket at registration, and submit your guess for how long you think it will take for your team to finish, closest to the finish time wins!
Includes golf and dinner for one person. Location Arizona Grand Golf Course
Time 12:00 PM Shotgun start person scramble
Game day APP ready!
Move over pumpkin spice – fall is for football and being game day ready every weekend! We have you covered with great appetizers that not only are easy and likeable by sports fans everywhere but also bring in the spice and flavors of the season. Add the below recipes to your list for easy and delish game day apps that will give you time to simply cheer on your team and enjoy your gathering with family and friends or visit Undeniably Dairy https://www usdairy com/recipes/appetizersnacks for more game day appetizer inspo!
Whipped Cottage Cheese
Chili Crisp Dip
Ingredients:
15 ounces reduced-fat cottage cheese, or full Lemon zest, (from 1 lemon)
Lemon juice, (from 1 lemon)
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chili crisp, (or to taste)
Directions:
Combine cottage cheese lemon juice, lemon zest and olive oil in a food processor. Process until smooth, stopping as needed to scrape down sides with a rubber spatula, until mixture has a smooth, whipped consistency. Transfer dip to serving bowl. Top with a drizzle chili crisp and swirl to create a pretty presentation.
Refrigerate or serve immediately with your favorite dippers such as fresh cucumbers, radishes, or crackers.
Jalapeno Popper Wontons
Ingredients:
24 wonton wrappers
1/4 cup butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 medium jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs removed and finely diced
2 tablespoons scallions (green onion), chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush wonton wrappers on both sides with melted butter and arrange in a mini muffin tin, making sure the edges of the wonton wrappers are facing outwards (not collapsing in on the muffin tin wells). Bake 7 minutes.
Combine cream cheese, jalapeños, green onions, 3/4 cup of cheddar and all the mozzarella cheese in a medium bowl Stir until thoroughly combined.
Remove par-baked wontons from the oven and allow to cool for 2 minutes. Fill each wonton cup with the cream cheese mixture. Then top with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake jalapeño popper wonton bites for 1214 minutes more or until cheese is melted and wonton is golden brown and crisp. Serve warm
National Dairy Leaders to Convene in Arizona
By Theresa Sweeney-Murphy, NMPF
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) will host its annual meeting Oct. 21-22 in Phoenix, bringing together dairy leaders from across the nation to address critical industry issues and highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities for dairying in the Southwest.
Co-hosted with the United Dairy Industry Association and the National Dairy Board, the event will feature discussions on topics that matter most to United Dairymen of Arizona farmer-owners and the broader dairy community. Attendees will gain valuable insights into key export markets, including the dairy products and ingredients that promise the greatest returns. NMPF economists will offer in-depth analysis of the current dairy economy, a forecast for 2025 and insights into factors that will influence milk supply, demand and pricing in the year ahead
Young dairy leaders from across the country will be there, participating in NMPF’s annual Young Cooperators (YC) Leadership and Development Program. The program this year will give members a chance to explore Arizona’s rich agricultural history while learning a modern perspective on farming in the region The program also provides a platform for YCs to engage in meaningful discussions on issues, with a focus on building skills for effective cooperative governance and navigating labor pressures.
NMPF is excited about this meeting, and excited to be having it in Arizona. It’s an invaluable opportunity to shine a spotlight on the Southwest’s significant contributions to the U S dairy industry, not only celebrating its heritage but also recognizing its bright future. Arizona remains at the forefront of progress as dairy farming evolves, poised to lead in areas like sustainability, labor management and dairy exports.
We at NMPF look forward to discussing key challenges, sharing ideas and collaborating to create a stronger future for all U S dairy farmers.
RETAIL
Lactose-free milk sales + 12% YoY
In partnership with the Dbacks, left-fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. delivered messaging in English and Spanish, promoting lactose-free milk; all the taste and nutrition of milk but without the lactose. Signage was displayed at milk coolers and coffee aisles in 127 Fry’s Stores, gathering 8.8+M impressions.
Another successful partnership with Bashas’ allowed shoppers to gain entry to win a one year supply of milk with every $35 purchase of dairy products including milk, cottage, cheese, sour cream, ice cream, and/or cheese in a single transaction during the month of June. Promotions were run on social media, radio, and Bashas’ print and digital Weekly Ads.
in dairy sales YoY
emails sent: 315,638 emails opened: 50,152
View Recipes
To drive purchases of dairy products, an email campaign was created to provide meal prep ideas and food storage tips for consumers planning camping excursions.
Links in the email led to content on campingfriendly recipes, a blog on food storage tips, local dairy products, sustainability, and nutrition.
The targeted audience included consumers who live in a 5-mile radius of Albertsons & Frys locations; own or rent an RV, cabin, and/or camping equipment; and purchased dairy in the past six months.
Fry’s: + 8.8% in custom milk sales YoY
Albertsons : + 8.8% in cottage cheese sales YoY
A new partnership with local restaurant, Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers provided a unique opportunity to drive dairy sales. Using Gurriel’s moniker “Pina Power” a limited-edition Pina Colada Milkshake was offered on the menu at 17 locations during NDM. Through their “Cold Beers Cares”nonprofit division, a portion of proceeds from every milkshake sold was donated to the Yuma Food Bank for purchases of milk.
Vegas Sun Op-Ed Article read all about it!
Fry’s Food Store shoppers were provided the opportunity to meet Gurriel by making a cash donation for purchases of fresh milk to benefit St. Mary’s Food Bank. Gurriel signed limited edition posters, and posed for pictures with the 150+ fans who contributed to this hunger relief initiative. Dairy Council of Nevada awarded Celestial Manna food pantry a $1,000 grant for their outstanding use of a recent dairy cooler grant. Funds were used for dairy product purchases.
The D-Backs hosted Hunger Awareness Night, encouraging ballpark attendees to donate ten dollars for food bank milk purchases in exchange for a chance to win D-backs branded prizes. The first 50 fans to donate $50 or more got a signed Lourdes Gurriel Jr. poster. All donations went to United Food Bank, Mom's Pantry, and NourishPHX. AZMP matched up to $2,000 in donations.
NDM
CONSUMER COMMUNICATIONS
I N F L U E N C E R C A M P A I G N S
AZ social media influencer, @Sibster, created three Instagram Reels to promote dairy throughout the month of June. Messaging included information on local dairy products, enjoyment, and sustainability. (Click on the links below each photo to view Instagram videos.)
The Nevada team partnered with Olympic gold medalist BMX racer, Connor Fields, Olympic medalist diver, Krysta Palmer, and music artist Grace Hays to create engaging content on the value of dairy as a nutrition powerhouse
Local AZ pediatrician, @dr gary kirkilas delivered valuable content for parents. Four separate videos posted during June included expert messaging on milk's nutrition, affordability, the importance of nutrition in early brain development, and dairy's versatility in recipes for a variety of cultures.
Milk: an affordable source of nutrition
Milk delivers on nutrition. Nutrition for healthy brain development
Dairy foods contribute to a diverse and balanced diet
mason jar ice cream
aguas frescas milk jug lanterns
Connor Fields
Krysta Palmer Grace Hays
CONSUMER COMMUNICATIONS
"The Dairy Games", a social media campaign created in celebration of NDM, aimed to highlight the connection between a love for sports whether it be watching the Olympics, participating as recreational athletes, or families enjoying an active lifestyle and the powerful nutritional benefits of dairy products, particularly as a recovery beverage. The goal of the campaign was to entertain, inspire joy, and celebrate all things dairy. The campaign featured partnerships with social media influencers, giveaways across Nevada, and extensive media outreach.
6.3 million total impressions
+ 1,491 new social media followers 168% YoY increase to the Dairy Month landing page
Coverage on seven media outlets drew 152M unique visitors (UVM) per month (people who have had the opportunity to view a story that has appeared on an online website).
AZ and NV social platforms and websites deliver messaging to general consumers; health, nutrition, and school professionals; and youth audiences. National Dairy Month, World Milk Day, nutrition and recipe content were top features this quarter.
COMMUNITY MARKETING
As part of the D-backs partnership, the AZ team participated in the popular family promotion, Kids Free Weekend. Daisy the cow was on sight, along with several popular mascots, for photo ops. Over 1,000 Daisy coloring books, illustrating milk’s farm to table story, were distributed over the weekend.
total kids attendance: 8,098
At the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, a month of events included an appearance by Daisy, a cow-themed bracelet craft, butter making class in the KIDchen, and snacks for camp attendees. Milk, cheese curds, and empty half pint cartons were provided by AZMP and Shamrock.
total attendance: 26,251
Through a partnership with the Phoenix Zoo, AZMP activated promotions for Earth Day, Dia del Niño, and the newly launched Farm Day. An interactive display was created to highlight how cows are cared for with shade, bedding, fans, and misters.
engaged with 600+ families
As a long term sponsor of the Las Vegas chapter of Girls on the Run, an organization designed to encourage physical activity among middle school-aged girls, Dairy Council of Nevada (DCNV) was on site to provide chocolate milk at the finish line of the Spring 5K race. Daisy helped lead the pre-race warm up along with Lucky, the Henderson Silver Knights mascot. MilkPEP’s Every Woman's Marathon was promoted to racers.
1500 attendees
300 half pints of chocolate milk distributed
“What do you love about dairy?” Click to watch!
To celebrate Dia del Nino and 5 de Mayo, radio ads featuring dairy nutrition and health facts, recipes, and dairy trivia to win raffle tickets for Henderson Silver Knights hockey tickets were aired throughout the month. Additionally, DCNV attended a 5 de Mayo community event to provide recipes and nutrition education resources, in Spanish, for all Latino attendees.
100 on-air ads = 195,000 impressions event attendees: 250
NDM
SUSTAINABLE NUTRITION
To support new innovative research in food science, Dairy Council of Arizona (DCAZ) offered a $2,000 grant to the University of Arizona (UofA) Nutrition Department, where a student grew different S. boulardii and K. lactis probiotic yeasts to produce palatable yogurt and kefir dairy products. Both the yogurt and kefir were deemed acceptable under FDA guidelines These results suggest that adding new probiotics to mainstream dairy products may be an acceptable alternative to increase probiotic intake in the general population.
“Kailah’sdevelopment....demonstratedapotentiallyvaluablewayfor consumerstoimprovegutmicrobiomediversityandimmunity,reduce inflammationandpotentiallyimprovebonehealth.....makesitpossible toconductpracticalstudiesinhumansubjectstoinvestigatenew healthbenefitsforprobioticfoods”.-Dr.KimKrumhar
The AZ Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AZAND) hosted its annual conference, bringing together 110 registered dietitians (RDs/RDNs) and diet technicians (DTRs). DCAZ sponsored a speaking session led by the mother-daughter duo Ellen and Sara Karlin, titled 'Food for Thought: The Vital Link between Dietary Patterns and the Oral Microbiome.' Sara Karlin, a pediatric dentist, emphasized the importance of maintaining effective oral hygiene habits, while Ellen Karlin, a registered dietitian, connected nutrition research to oral health. The session highlighted dairy foods for their unique nutritional benefits in preventing tooth decay and cavities.
45 direct interactions
Ellen’s post to Instagram drew 67 audience engagements
Two hundred dairy-themed books were donated to the University of Las Vegas (UNLV) Pediatrics Clinic for ROAR (Reach Out and Read Program). In addition, 14 baskets were delivered to all Las Vegas Women, Infants, Children (WIC) clinics. Each basket included various office supplies, resources, and a menu card highlighting services provided by DCNV. To further extend outreach, contacts for pediatricians and OBGYNs were obtained through the DataCaptive program, allowing for outreach to healthcare providers
500+ pediatricians and OBGYNs reached
At a "baby shower" event for pregnant and new moms, DCNV promoted dairy as an excellent source of iodine, a nutrient of major importance for pregnant women, as well as shared the Mayo Clinic's Parenting Hub and Dairy Page. Dairy trivia, mom-themed dairy merch, nutrition handouts in English and Spanish, and a cow-themed baby basket raffle grabbed interest of the 200 attendees. All who signed up for the raffle received a follow-up email with links to diary nutrition education, including the Mayo Clinic resources
YOUTH WELLNESS
Dairy Council of Nevada and Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) joined forces to create ads in English and Spanish to promote the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a hunger relief initiative that offers up to two meals, including milk, each day to children during summertime. Ads aired on local TV and multiple digital platforms including Spotify, Facebook, and Instagram.
NDA Director, J.J. Goicochea
Nitrogen Ice Cream Making Demo
Dairy Council of Nevada hosted an Educator Enrichment Workshop to promote community resources, Fuel Up STEM lessons, and in-school services to educators that integrate dairy nutrition and sustainability The event including guest speakers and tabling partners from various community organizations.
29 educators; Extended reach: 725 students.
total attendance: 10K
The Las Vegas Science and Technology Festival is one of Nevada’s largest educational events, drawing students, teachers, and families with young children. The festival showcases STEM resources through over 100 participating organizations, making STEM engaging and accessible for everyone. DCNV, in collaboration with the NV Farm Bureau, introduced Moonique, a life-sized mechanical cow that can be milked, offering a hands-on opportunity to teach kids about agriculture and where their milk comes from.
STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts
Over 250 families attended STEAM Night at Sonoran Foothills K-8 School DCAZ supported the event by providing cow themed swag and hosted a MILK PEP STEM Mess With Your Milk: Color Swirl science experiment.
Milk contains water and fat. When dish soap is added to milk, the soap molecules bond with milk’s fat molecules. This bond pushes everything out of its way, including water molecules and food coloring.
YOUTH WELLNESS
The State Leadership Conference is an annual event where Future Farmers of America (FFA) students engage in workshops, professional career development, and team-building activities. This year, DCAZ and AZMP sponsored a booth, and posed the question, “If you could ask a dairy farmer any question, what would it be?” Annabelle Newton, a student from Florence High School, was selected as the raffle prize winner with her question, Additionally, DCAZ and AZMP sponsored the teachers’ lounge, providing agricultural educators with STEAM lessons, an information sheet on how to order materials from the catalog, and custom cow-print socks. Following the event, ag teachers were emailed to further nurture these new relationships.
"What sparked your passion to be a dairy farmer?"
total interactions: 500+
Ag educator grab bags distributed: 100 follow up emails to new contacts: 99
For NDM, Dairy Council of Nevada awarded two smoothie equipment kits to two schools in Nevada to increase dairy consumption. The schools will activate a new smoothie program as part of the meal programs in the new school year.
student enrollment: 554
Lucky Green Smoothie
Tune in to the latest, Your Dairy Checkoff podcast episode: How Checkoff Helps Taco Bell With Dairy Product Innovations.
Listen in as California dairy farmer and United Dairy Industry Association board member Arlene Vander Eyk has a conversation with Mike Ciresi, Vice President and On-site Dairy Scientist for Dairy Management Inc. about working at Taco Bell’s test kitchen. They discuss Taco Bell's approach to dairy product innovation, the performance of dairy products since partnering, and what future dairy offerings may look like.
Tune in to find out!
To learn more about the national dairy checkoff and your local dairy checkoffs, please visit www.usdairy.com. Listen Here
