World Dairy Diary

Dairy Checkoff Working at Expo

Dairy farmer representatives of the National Dairy Board were working as hard as the dairy checkoff does here the first day of the World Dairy Expo.

I had the opportunity to chat with NDB chairman Paula Meabon of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin producer and representative on the board Randy Roecker about some of the dairy checkoff funded programs that they are most excited about.

Paula is thrilled with the “Fuel Up to Play 60″ health and fitness initiative for children in partnership with the National Football League. “We’re in 64,000 schools, we’ve got 36 million children involved with Fuel up to Play 60 to learn how not only to eat right with dairy, but the four food groups,” Paula says. “Exercise and the star power of the NFL.”

Randy is excited about the dairy checkoff food partnerships with companies like McDonalds. “A lot of you have seen the advertising for the new frappe and the smoothie line. I hope everyone has tried them by now,” Randy said. “Just those two use millions and millions of pounds of milk. The smoothie alone has a lot of yogurt involved in it.” He adds that McDonalds new Angus wrap uses a whole piece of cheese, as opposed to just a half in the Big Mac snack wrap. He’s also pleased with partnerships the checkoff has with Dominos and Yoplait.

Listen to or download my interviews with Paula and Randy here: Dairy Checkoff Interview

2010 World Dairy Expo Photo Album

Thanks to our World Dairy Expo sponsors:
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USDA Appoints Dairy Board Members

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the appointment of 12 members to the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. All appointees will serve 3-year terms beginning immediately.

Newly appointed to the board are: George E. Marsh, Oregon (Region 1); Ray S. Prock, California (Region 2); Arlene J. Vander Eyk, California (Region 2); Brian W. Esplin, Idaho (Region 3); Neil A. Hoff, Texas (Region 4); Paul A. Fritsche, Minnesota (Region 5); Patricia M. Boettcher, Wisconsin (Region 6); Mark E. Erdman, Illinois (Region7); Susan D. K. Troyer, Indiana (Region 9); and Ronald R. McCormick, New York (Region 12). Reappointed to serve second terms were Randy G. Roecker, Wisconsin (Region 6) and Rita P. Kennedy, Pennsylvania (Region 11).

The 36-member board is authorized by the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983. The Secretary selected the appointees from nominations submitted by eligible producer organizations, general farm organizations, and qualified State or regional dairy products promotion, research or nutrition education programs.

USDA Announces Dairy Board Members

USDA has announced the appointment of eight new members and reappointment of five incumbents to the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.

Newly appointed were: John B. Fiscalini, Modesto, Calif. (Region 2, shortened term); Ronald E. Shelton, Greeley, Colo. (Region 3); Harold A. Wick, Austin, Colo. (Region 3); Byron A. Lehman, Newton, Kan. (Region 4); Kenton W. Holle, Mandan, N.D. (Region 5); Sharon K. Laubscher, Wonewoc, Wis. (Region 6); Larry B. Jaggers, Glendale, Ky. (Region 8); and Ellen H. Paradee, Grand Isle, Vt. (Region 13).

Reappointed to serve second terms were: Ronald L. Koetsier, Visalia, Calif. (Region 2); William R. D. Anglin, Bentonville, Ark. (Region 4); Carl F. VanDen Avond, Luxemburg, Wis. (Region 6); Douglas D. Nuttelman, Stromsburg, Neb. (Region 7); and Carl A. Schmitz, Wadesville, Ind. (Region 9).

The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, composed of 36 dairy farmers representing 13 regions of the contiguous United States, administers a coordinated program of promotion, research and nutrition education.