Marking another step in the dairy industry’s efforts to accelerate innovation and increase future demand for dairy, Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI) and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy recently announced the formation of the Dairy Research Institute™ to strengthen the dairy industry’s access to and investment in the technical research needed to drive demand for dairy products and ingredients, globally.
The institute brings together leadership from across the dairy industry, scientific community, academics, government and other organizations to plan and fund leading-edge dairy research in three key priority areas: nutrition science, product development and sustainability.
The launch of the Dairy Research Institute builds upon the unprecedented efforts of dairy producers, processors and manufacturers to work together pre-competitively through the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, formed in 2008. The Dairy Research Institute is affiliated with the Innovation Center, and provides a forum for industry to identify major research needs to support dairy industry innovation, and grow dairy sales.
“The U.S. dairy industry has a long history of using science-based research to provide the knowledge, guidance and tools needed to foster innovation and promote the nutrient-rich value of dairy and the industry’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Greg Miller, executive vice president, research, regulatory and scientific affairs for DMI and president of the Dairy Research Institute. “Through partnerships and a commitment to sound science, we will support the importance of dairy in the diet and the sustainability of the products and ingredients we produce. The dairy industry needs to remain at the forefront of research to meet the challenges of today and those yet to come.”
The Dairy Research Institute builds on the legacy of nutrition and product research conducted by the National Dairy Council since 1915, and will leverage their expertise, as well as other partners, including five dairy research centers at major universities and government agencies, such as the USDA’s Agricultural Research Services and the Department of Defense’s Natick Soldier Center, and other leading scientific, health and nongovernment organizations. The Dairy Research Institute also will coordinate with the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), the National Milk Producers Federation, the Milk Processor Education Program, DMI, U.S. Dairy Export Council, Global Dairy Platform, and other industry and non-industry partners.
Congratulations to Katie Miron who was crowned the 57th Princess Kay of the Milky Way last night! Katie is a 19-year-old college student from Hugo, Minn.
As Princess Kay, Miron, who represents Washington County, will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for Minnesota’s nearly 4,700 dairy farmers. Katie is the daughter of Fran and Mary Ann Miron of Hugo, and attends the University of Minnesota, studying agricultural education. This marks the second time two people from the same family have been named Princess Kay: Miron’s sister, Ann, was crowned Princess Kay in 2007.
Twelve county dairy princesses competed for the Princess Kay of the Milky Way title. Katherine Holdvogt of Freeport, representing Stearns County, and Labecca Johnson of LaCrescent, representing Houston County, were selected as runners-up. Kelsie Trosen of Verndale, representing Wadena County, was named Miss Congeniality. Scholarships were awarded to Karen Anderson of Lester Prairie, representing McLeod County, Megan Herberg of St. Peter, representing Nicollet County, and Ashley Swenson of Nicollet, representing Nicollet County.
One of Miron’s first duties as Princess Kay will be to sit in a rotating cooler for nearly eight hours on the opening day of the Minnesota State Fair to have her likeness sculpted in a 90-pound block of butter. Each of the 11 other finalists will have her likeness carved in butter during the fair, as well. Throughout her year-long reign as Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Miron will make public appearances helping consumers make a connection with Minnesota dairy farm families who are dedicated to producing wholesome milk while caring for their animals and natural resources.
Princess Kay candidates are judged on their general knowledge of the dairy industry, communication skills, personality and enthusiasm for dairy promotion. The Midwest Dairy Association sponsors the Princess Kay program with funds provided by dairy farmers.
Have you heard about Fuel Up to Play 60 yet? This in-school nutrition and physical activity campaign is partially funded by America’s dairy producers, through their investment in the dairy checkoff. Fuel Up to Play 60 is a partnership between the National Dairy Council® (NDC), the nutrition research and education arm of the dairy checkoff, and the National Football League® (NFL).
Fuel Up to Play 60 encourages the consumption and availability of nutrient-rich foods, including low-fat and fat-free dairy, along with 60 minutes of daily physical activity. The program will be implemented in more than 60,000 schools across the United States during the 2010-11 school year, reaching 36 million students.
To jump start this year’s program, participating Fuel Up to Play 60 schools are encouraged to help the NFL celebrate the beginning of its new season during a Back to Football Friday event on Sept. 10. Thirty-four schools across the nation have an opportunity to be awarded a $10,000 grant to support new physical education equipment and resources, as well as a visit from an NFL player.
Another element new to Fuel Up to Play 60 is the “How to Build a Healthy Kid” back-to-school guidebook that was developed and produced by Newsweek at no additional cost to dairy producers. Multiple copies of the guidebook are included in kits that will be distributed to the 60,000 participating Fuel Up to Play 60 schools. The remaining copies of the guidebook will be used by national and local dairy checkoff organizations to distribute when speaking with health professionals, local school officials and organizations, community leaders, and as a tool to help secure additional partners and resources.
FUTP60 is heavily emphasized in the guidebook that includes messages of support from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and former Surgeon General David Satcher.
Fuel Up to Play 60, which has support from several leading health organizations and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, empowers youth to take action for their health by employing long-term, positive changes for themselves and their schools. It builds upon dairy producers’ long-term commitment to children’s health and nutrition since the formation of NDC in 1915. Dairy producers, through their checkoff, are making an annual commitment of $50 million over five years to support the program.
“Fuel Up to Play 60 proved its success in its first year,” said Paul Rovey, Arizona dairy producer and chair, Dairy Management Inc.™, which manages the national checkoff program. “As a dairy producer, I’m excited about the opportunity to positively impact health and wellness changes in schools across the country. We need to do our part to promote a healthy lifestyle and dairy experience for them today so they can become lifelong dairy consumers.”
Posted: August 14, 2010 at 10:00 am
By News Editor
Congratulations to Kendra Moser, Colesburg, Iowa, for being crowned the 57th Iowa Dairy Princess. The Iowa Division of Midwest Dairy Association annually sponsors the Iowa Dairy Princess contest. The young woman chosen as the Iowa Dairy Princess acts as a spokesperson for the dairy industry and Midwest Dairy Association.
Eleven women competed for the 2010 Iowa Dairy Princess title and were judged on their knowledge of the dairy industry, communication skills, enthusiasm for promotion and personality. Both the Princess and the Alternate will also receive scholarships sponsored by Midwest Dairy Association.
Moser is the daughter of Todd and Lynn Moser. She plans to attend Luther College in Decorah this fall. Meyer also won the presentation portion of the contest. She represented Clayton County in the competition.
Alyssa Meyer, Sumner, Iowa was named Alternate Iowa Dairy Princess. The Alternate shares duties with the winner, helping to expand the reach of the dairy princess program. Meyer represented Bremer County in the contest. She will attend Iowa State University this fall. Meyer also received the Miss Congeniality award from her fellow contestants. Her parents are Mike and Laure Meyer.
Moser and Meyer will participate in public appearances, speaking engagements and other promotional activities across the state of Iowa over the next 12 months.
Elles, age 20, is the daughter of Nico and Milly Niessen. She represented the Dairy Farmers of America in the 2010 Indiana Dairy Princess Scholarship Program. Elles is a sophomore at Indiana University School of Nursing.
Retiring Princess Audrie Koester of Wadesville ended her reign by turning over the title to Elles and wished her well as she represents the Indiana Dairy Industry throughout the coming year. Elles will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for Indiana’s dairy farmers during the year by making a number of public appearances and participating in promotional events. As the Indiana Dairy Princess, Niessen receives a $1000 scholarship from the American Dairy Association along with other gifts of appreciation from sponsors.
Contestants were judged on poise, personality, speaking ability, education and dairy background. Judges for the contest included Leah Beyer – Director of Livestock for the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council, David Blower – Associate Publisher and Editor for Farm World and Martha Rardin – Director of Nutrition and Dietetics for Hendricks Community Hospital. Miss Niessen’s presentation was on the importance of ‘Going Green’ and ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.’
Indiana has more than 1600 dairy farms that produce the wholesome, nutritious product – milk. Indiana dairy farmers produce over 3 billion pounds of milk annually and the state is the second-largest producer of ice cream. As Dairy Princess, Elles will be educating the public and her peers on the importance dairy in Indiana’s economy and Hoosier’s health.
Congratulations to Kari Barry who was crowned the 2010 Western Illinois Dairy Princess on June 24. The pageant marked the Western Illinois Dairy Council’s 55th annual promotion banquet.
The Western Illinois Dairy Princess, and the banquet that serves as a backdrop for the ceremony where she is named, has been a tradition since 1955. Barry, the newest title-holder, will participate in promoting wholesome and nutrient-rich milk products, riding in parades, helping with dairy judging activities, speaking at dinners and working milk shake stands at county fairs.
The contestants were judged on an interview and prepared speech.
Barry, the daughter of Rick and Kris Barry, of Liberty, Ill., will be a junior at Liberty High School this fall, where she is involved with basketball, volleyball, FFA, 4-H, SAA, Science Club, Spanish Club and the student council. Barry has helped on her family farm since she was young, milking, feeding calves, scooping grain, and baling hay and straw. Barry also helps on her grandparents’ farm near Liberty.
The banquet also honored the Gene and Lorrie Klauser family, which was presented with the Heritage Farm Award. The Klauser family has been milking since 1972, always as their family farm. One of the children remembered “sitting at the side of the bulk tank on a bucket eating an egg and cheese sandwich with a glass of milk.” The Klausers raised 10 children and currently have 21 grandchildren with two more expected this fall. They’ve been married for 40 years. The Klausers milk about 100 cows with an equal number of young stock, owning about 890 acres near Liberty.
Congratulations to Heidi Hintz, 18, Flasher, N.D. for being crowned the 64th North Dakota Dairy Princess!
The title allows her to serve as the official goodwill ambassador for about 180 North Dakota dairy farmers during the next year.
Hintz is the daughter of Robert and Debra Hintz. She is a graduate of Flasher High School and will major in music education and agriculture at Dickinson State University. Hintz also received scholarships from the Milk Producers Association of North Dakota, Friends of Dairymen and Midwest Dairy Association.
Five candidates competed for the North Dakota Dairy Princess title. Nancy Leier, 19, of Hague, was named runner-up and Miss Congeniality. She is the daughter of Larry and Rosalind Leier and is majoring in agronomy at Bismarck State College. She also received scholarships from the Milk Producers Association of North Dakota and Friends of Dairymen.
Throughout her year-long reign as North Dakota Dairy Princess, Hintz will make appearances to educate consumers about dairy farmers’ commitment to providing wholesome milk and dairy products, and caring for their animals and the environment. She will visit classrooms to educate children on the importance of including dairy products in their diet every day.
Dairy princess candidates were judged on personality, knowledge of the dairy industry, enthusiasm for promotion and communication skills. The dairy princess program is sponsored by the state’s dairy farmers through the North Dakota Division of Midwest Dairy Association.
The Midwest Dairy Association welcomes Emily Schmitt of Hawkeye, Iowa as their industry relations summer intern.
Schmitt’s duties will include writing press releases and other communications materials, coordinating appearances and promotions, attending industry meetings and other events, and assisting industry leaders in coordinating special dairy events that further extend Midwest Dairy initiatives. Schmitt will also play a key role in planning dairy promotions at the 2010 Iowa State Fair, August 12-22.
“I’m excited to help Midwest Dairy further its promotion efforts,” Schmitt said. “This position combines my study of public relations with my dairy background, allowing me to stay connected to the dairy industry while practicing communication skills I will use in my career.”
Schmitt is an incoming senior at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. She is a communication arts major with an emphasis in public relations and minor in leadership. On campus, Schmitt works for the college’s communication and marketing department and contributes to the Wartburg Magazine. She is a writer and editor of The Trumpet, the college’s weekly newspaper, and is an account executive of Tower Agency, Wartburg’s student-run public relations firm. Schmitt also chairs the homecoming publicity committee, serves as a student senator and is captain of the dance team.
Growing up on her family’s 250-cow dairy farm, Schmitt has developed a strong background and passion for the dairy industry. She is a former Fayette County dairy princess and was active in 4-H and FFA dairy projects and contests in high school.
Congratulations to the dairy farmers who were recently elected to leadership positions for Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI), the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) and the United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA).
Current DMI officers are:
Chair – Paul Rovey, Glendale, Ariz.; Vice Chair – W. Ryan Anglin, Bentonville, Ark.; Secretary – John Larson, Okeechobee, Fla.; and Treasurer – David “Skip” Hardie, Lansing, N.Y.
DMI, which manages the national dairy producer checkoff program, is funded by the NDB and the UDIA.
Current NDB officers are:
Chair – Paula Meabon, Wattsburg, Pa.; Vice Chair – Stephen Maddox, Riverdale, Calif.; Secretary – Kenton Holle, Mandan, N.D.; and Treasurer – Grant Kohler, Midway, Utah
The 36-member NDB, formed in May 1984 under the authority of the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983 and Dairy Promotion and Research Order, carries out coordinated promotion and research programs to help build demand and expand domestic and international markets for U.S.-produced dairy products and ingredients. NDB oversees the national dairy producer checkoff.
Current UDIA officers are:
Chair – William Siebenborn, Trenton, Mo.; 1st Vice Chair – Neil Hoff, Windthorst, Texas; 2nd Vice Chair, American Dairy Association® (ADA) Chairman – Billy Travis, Princeton, Ky.; 2nd Vice Chair, National Dairy Council® (NDC) Chairman – Lester Hardesty, Greeley, Colo.; 2nd Vice Chair, UDIA Member Relations – Paul Broering, St. Henry, Ohio; Secretary – Steve Frischknecht, Manti, Utah and Treasurer – Allen Merrill, Parker, S.D.
The UDIA is a federation of state and regional dairy producer-funded promotion organizations that provide marketing programs that are developed and implemented in coordination with its members. The UDIA is overseen by a board comprised of dairy producers elected by their respective boards of their member organizations.
Current ADA officers are:
Chair – Billy Travis, Princeton, Ky.; Vice Chair – Jerrel Heatwole, Greenwood, Del.; Secretary – Earl Horning, Manchester, Mich.;Treasurer – Gerald Fieser, DeLand, Fla.
ADA is the domestic marketing arm of DMI.
Current NDC officers are:
Chair – Lester Hardesty, Greeley, Colo.; Vice Chair – Bob Strasser, Nashville, Tenn.; Secretary – Joan Smith, Sauquoit, N.Y.; and Treasurer – Lynn Ramsey, Emory, Texas
NDC, founded in 1915, is the producer-funded nutrition education and research arm of DMI and provides nutrition information through national, state and regional dairy council organizations.
Are you, or do you know, a dairy producer who would be a good canidate for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board? Nominate them today – applications are due by June 18, 2010.
The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint 12 individuals from those nominated to succeed members whose terms expire Oct. 31. The 12 new members will serve 3-year terms beginning Nov. 1, and ending Oct. 31, 2013.
USDA will accept nominations from the following regions: Region 2 (California); Region 3 (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming); Region 4 (Arkansas, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas); Region 6 (Wisconsin); Region 9 (Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia); Region 10 (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia); Region 11 (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania); and Region 12 (New York). Five members will be appointed for Region 2 (California), and one member for each of the remaining seven regions.
The 36-member National Dairy Promotion and Research Board is authorized to design programs to strengthen the dairy industry’s position in domestic and foreign markets. The national program is financed by a mandatory 15-cent per hundredweight assessment on all milk marketed commercially by dairy producers.
Congratulations to Accel Castillo, an eighth-grader from Palm Springs Middle School, for being named the top individual in the inaugural Fuel Up to Play 60 competition! Castillo beat 198,825 peers from around the country to claim the honor. Castillo’s prize includes a meeting Miami Dolphins wide receiver Davone Bess and a school assembly. Fuel Up to Play 60 is a school wellness program launched by the National Dairy Council and National Football League.
In addition to hosting Bess at his school, Castillo will receive various prizes, including a $500 NFLShop.com gift card, customized Dolphins team jersey and autographed Dolphins helmet. He also will attend the Dolphins rookie mini clinic and will receive VIP treatment to a preseason training session experience, plus tickets to a home Miami game this season.
Fuel Up to Play 60 is a school wellness program that empowers students to get healthy and be active by implementing changes. The student-led endeavor relies on leaders such as Castillo to put into action measures that will make a difference in the lives of their peers. The goal of the program is to assure that students “fuel up” with nutrient-rich foods such as low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains in order to exercise for at least 60 minutes each day.
Castillo said the Fuel Up to Play 60 program has made a big difference in his quality of life. “Before FUTP60, I would eat whatever I wanted,” Castillo said. “Now I try and watch and limit the junk food that I eat. I feel and look much better. I lost almost 20 pounds this school year and now I can play all day long.”
Nationwide, more than 60,000 schools participated in the program. In Florida, 2,179 schools participated with St. Petersburg Bay Point Middle School earning top honors in the state. Enslow Middle School in Huntington, W. Va., was the top-scoring school in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Congratulations to Alison Bos and Amber Heinrich for their summer internships with Midwest Dairy Association. Bos will be working primarily in the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas to assist the organization with its dairy image and industry relations duties. Heinrich will serve the state of Illinois and will assist with the organization’s work in industry relations and dairy farmer image activities.
Bos is the daughter of Alby and Angela Bos of Billings, Mo. She is a junior at Missouri State University in Springfield majoring in agriculture education and communications. She rides on the university’s equestrian team and serves as secretary of the Horseman’s Association. Bos is a Dean’s List student and was selected as the Delta Tau Alpha Outstanding Freshman last fall.
Bos grew up on a dairy farm where her family milked a small herd of registered Brown Swiss until 2004 – she continues to build a Brown Swiss herd from heifers she purchased later and shows them across the country.
Heinrich’s family farms in Maquoketa, Iowa, where they operate a dairy, beef and diversified crop farm. Heinrich’s responsibilities will include writing news releases and website materials, participating in dairy breakfasts, helping to oversee the renovation of the Dairy Building at the Illinois State Fair and promoting June Dairy Month events. She will play a major role in Midwest Dairy Association activities in the Dairy Building at the 2010 Illinois State Fair, August 12-22.
Heinrich will be a junior at Iowa State University, majoring in animal science and dairy science/pre-vet. She is involved in Pre-Vet Club, FFA, Women in Science and Engineering, and serves as a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Ambassador. She has also worked at the Iowa State dairy farm as a research assistant and will be a dairy science teacher’s assistant this fall.
Congratulations to the twelve young ladies named as finalists in the 57th Princess Kay of the Milky Way! Good luck to each of you!
The contestants’ names were announced at the conclusion of a statewide workshop for about 90 young women who live or work on dairy farms and serve as county dairy princesses. Seventy-three of them completed judging for the finalist positions, going through a personal interview and a mock media interview, and presenting a prepared speech.
Being a Princess Kay finalist means the princess will have her likeness carved in butter during the Minnesota State Fair, and participate in the Princess Kay contest. Princess Kay is crowned at the State Fair Band Shell the night before the fair opens, and is the first of the 12 to be sculpted.
The dairy princess program is sponsored by Minnesota’s dairy farmers through Midwest Dairy Association’s Minnesota Division. The current Princess Kay is Elizabeth Olson of Hutchinson in McLeod County.
The finalists are:
* Karen Anderson, 20, McLeod County, daughter of David and Donna Anderson of Lester Prairie;
* Michaela Bengtson, 18, Kandiyohi County, daughter of Jerome and Kristine Bengtson of Kandiyohi;
* Kristin Boyum, 19, West Otter Tail County, daughter of Al and Jean Boyum of Battle Lake;
* Joylynn Hadrich, 19, Stearns County, daughter of Dale and Corrine Hadrich of Avon;
* Megan Herberg, 21, Nicollet County, daughter of Steven and Kathy Herberg of St. Peter;
* Katherine Holdvogt, 18, Stearns County, daughter of Alvin and Bernie Holdvogt of Freeport;
* Labecca Johnson, 19, Houston County, daughter of Richard and Linda Johnson of LaCrescent;
* Kathleen Miron, 19, Washington County, daughter of Fran and Mary Ann Miron of Hugo;
* Brittany Moorse, 20, Lyon County, daughter of Greg and Becky Moorse of Minneota;
* Angela Sellner, 19, Brown County, daughter of David and MaDonna Sellner of Sleepy Eye;
* Ashley Swenson, 18, Nicollet County, daughter of Paul and Cindy Swenson of Nicollet; and
* Kelsie Trosen, 20, Wadena County, daughter of Allen and Karen Trosen of Verndale.
NDPRB, through Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), annually awards up to 19 $1,500 scholarships to eligible undergraduate students (sophomore through senior) enrolled in college/university programs that emphasize dairy. Majors include: communications/public relations, journalism, marketing, business, economics, nutrition, food science, and Ag education. In addition, the NDPRB awards a $2,500 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship to the outstanding scholarship recipient.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, an interest in a career in a dairy-related discipline, and demonstrated leadership, initiative and integrity. Candidates are expected to complete an application form, submit a transcript of all college courses, and write a short statement describing their career aspirations, dairy-related activities and work experiences. The application information is evaluated by a NDPRB Scholarship Committee composed of an external review panel and at least two Board members. The recommendations of the Scholarship Committee are summarized by NDPRB staff and the scholarships are then awarded.
Students may be awarded scholarships in multiple years. Scholarship winners must be enrolled during the entire academic year for which the scholarship is awarded. Announcement of winners will be made to both awardee and university department chairman on or about July 30, 2010.
Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:
1. Academic performance.
2. Courses related to dairy.
3. Apparent commitment to a career in dairy.
4. Involvement in extra-curricular activities, especially those relating to dairy.
5. Evidence of leadership ability, initiative, character and integrity.
Congratulations to the students at Huntington, West Virginia’s Enslow Middle School for winning the national Fuel Up to Play 60 competition! As the national winner, Enslow wins a HOPS Sports System and a cafeteria makeover (valued at $40,000), which will help Enslow’s students make their improvements permanent. The students will also be featured on FuelUpToPlay60.com and NFLRush.com.
Students at schools across the country are taking action for their health, proving that small, yet significant improvements when it comes to eating healthy and getting active can be the first steps toward eliminating childhood obesity. More than 60,000 schools across America participated in the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, and students throughout the nation logged the healthy choices they were making for themselves and their school over the course of the year as part of an online challenge.
Fuel Up to Play 60 is a school wellness program launched by the National Football League and National Dairy Council (NDC) with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); it empowers students at schools like Enslow Middle School to get healthy and be active by implementing changes. Enslow students held a taste test to add healthy lunch options to their cafeteria and also started a walking club, which helped students incorporate more physical activity into their school day and to track their progress with a walking journal. Huntington is no exception when it comes to soaring rates of obesity among children, as one-third of all American children are overweight or obese.(1) But Enslow students have shown how a program like Fuel Up to Play 60 can help youth take small steps toward developing and maintaining lifelong healthy habits, with the goal of repeating the success seen in Huntington in communities all across America.
Efforts to implement a sweeping overhaul of school food in Huntington have received national attention, but students at Enslow Middle School found success on their own through their involvement with the Fuel Up to Play 60 program. By making manageable changes, students helped each other “fuel up” with nutrient-rich foods often missing from their diets – such as low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains – and “play” for 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
As a private-public partnership effort, Fuel Up to Play 60 shares the ambitious yet attainable goals outlined in First Lady Michelle Obama’s childhood obesity platform “Let’s Move!” which aims to curb child obesity within a generation. In its first year, more than 60,000 schools enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60. Together with the involvement of supporting organizations – including Action for Healthy Kids, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dietetic Association, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Medical Association and School Nutrition Association – the Fuel Up to Play 60 program will further its progress by aiming to reach even more schools nationwide in the years ahead.
“Fuel Up to Play 60 inspired our students and let them know that they have a legitimate say in their health. I think these changes can really take hold, in large part because the students were the ones who determined what would work best for our school,” said Lisa Riley, Enslow’s Fuel Up to Play 60 Program Advisor. “We had too many kids not participating in P.E. class, so our students decided on starting a walking club – not only to get the other students active, but to also help increase their academic performance.”
The Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB) have approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 budget.
The $31,405,000 budget total is $1,840,000 larger than the previous year reflecting a record level of milk production in the state. The budget will support WMMB’s in-state and national dairy promotion, marketing and education programs from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.
WMMB’s FY2011 budget continues to support cheese marketing in all 50 states in the national retail grocery and foodservice market segments. Activities include trade show promotions, educational tours, cheese usage training/education and special events showcasing Wisconsin’s award-winning cheese industry. Next year’s budget supports increased activity in the national food retail and foodservice channels with more in-store promotions and product demonstrations and brand equity partnering with Wisconsin manufacturers and marketers. Increased activity in the pizza category is also planned. The budget also supports the Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research, which administers the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker® Program and provides research and technical assistance to cheese and dairy processors.
Communications activities in the budget include national advertising, nutrition education programs conducted by the Wisconsin Dairy Council and statewide promotion programs for fluid milk and other Wisconsin dairy products. Also included are June Dairy Month activities and other in-state seasonal promotions such as fall chocolate milk and holiday promotions. Support for Wisconsin’s Alice in Dairyland program and the year-round grassroots promotion activities conducted by County Dairy Leader Groups in 63 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties are also part of the FY2011 budget.
Other communications activities include the Wisconsin Chef Ambassador Program, which enlists support of nationally-recognized chefs in telling the Wisconsin cheese story, and national product publicity activities aimed at placing stories about Wisconsin cheese in consumer food magazines. The budget also includes increased use of online and social media technology and the Dairy Impact Initiative, which includes the Dairy Doing More online e-magazine which communicates the economic importance of the dairy business to our communities and our state.
Congratulations to Emily Jungemann for being named the 55th South Dakota State Dairy Princess! Emily was crowned on March 31 in Sioux Falls during the Central Plains Dairy Expo.
Jungemann, 20, is the daughter of Russell and Janet Jungemann and is a student at South Dakota State University majoring in dairy production and pre-veterinary studies. Throughout the coming year, she will represent South Dakota dairy farmers at a variety of appearances, helping consumers to understand how milk is produced in a wholesome and responsible way. She receives a $1,000 scholarship from Midwest Dairy Association’s South Dakota Division.
Natalie Thyen, 18, Waverly, was named runner-up. Her parents are Dan and Becky Thyen and she is a student at Lakes Area Technical Institute in Watertown studying to become a medical assistant. She was awarded at $500 scholarship from the Central Plains Dairy Expo.
Larissa Neugebauer, Dimock, the 19-year-old daughter of Jim and Ellen Neugebauer, was named Miss Congeniality.
The six candidates for the title were judged on their general dairy knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry, communications skills and ability to reach key consumer audiences. The Dairy Princess program is sponsored by Midwest Dairy Association through the dairy checkoff.
The Hoard’s Dairyman Notebook has released a new video blog featuring Steve Maddox, Riverdale, Calif. Steve and Hoard’s took a few minutes to talk about recent dairy checkoff initiatives. Maddox currently serves on the Dairy Management, Inc. (DMI) board.
Wisconsin dairy producers looking for a special family outing have the opportunity to receive discounted tickets to see the Milwaukee Brewers. “Dairy Day at Miller Park” on Sunday, May 16, 2010 is sponsored by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB).
The Brewers will host the Philadelphia Phillies for a night game beginning at 7:05 p.m. that will be nationally televised on ESPN. The expected sell-out crowd of 42,000 fans who visit Miller Park will have the opportunity to taste dairy products before the game, learn why dairy is one of our state’s most important industries and take home a dairy-themed souvenir.
All active Wisconsin dairy producers will be offered discounted tickets in reserved sections. Discounted ticket options include Terrace Reserved seats for $11.00 each (regularly $15) and Loge Outfield Box seats for $26.00 each (regularly $30). All active dairy producers were mailed a postcard with ordering instructions and a discount code.
If you are a Wisconsin dairy producer with an active license number and did not receive a postcard but would like to order tickets, contact WMMB at 1.800.383.9662 ext. 232 or e-mail producer@wmmb.org. Tickets for this offer must be purchased by April 24, 2010. They are available in limited quantities, so call today! Tickets are not available for this special discount offer at the ticket windows or from the Brewers Website.
“Dairy Day at Miller Park” will start in the afternoon with what’s gearing up to be a mini-festival outside the stadium. Prior to game time, fans will sample milk, ice cream and cheese products from a number of Wisconsin companies. The fun and education will continue inside the stadium as each fan is given a souvenir that celebrates the 1970′s as part of 40 seasons of the Milwaukee Brewers – a collectible Brewers Bobble Head doll, featuring Hank Aaron, complete with the Wisconsin Cheese logo. This collector’s item will remind people for years to come of the important role the dairy business plays in Wisconsin.
Are you active on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube as a way to stay connected with family and friends? Did you know that these websites can also be an effective way for dairy producers to become advocates for their industry? To learn more, sign-up for a free free 90-minute webinar on Thursday, April 15. Sponsored by Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI), which manages the national dairy checkoff program, the webinar will show you how these applications can be used to share positive dairy stories and communicate with consumers about modern dairy farming practices.
Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI), which manages the national dairy checkoff program, launched the myDairy Social Media program in 2009 to help dairy producers and dairy enthusiasts use social media proactively to share their dairy stories and counter negative or misleading information about the dairy industry. The myDairy program currently mobilizes over 1,000 dairy enthusiasts from across the country to engage in social media networks, building a strong, positive online dairy presence to help counter misinformation and maintain public confidence in dairy foods and the people who produce them. The myDairy program provides tips to navigate and use popular social media sites, along with key messages to incorporate into dairy stories, and opportunities to connect with other dairy enthusiasts and the general public.
The myDairy webinar will discuss why social media is a powerful communication tool, highlight the most popular applications and provide examples of dairy enthusiasts’ online conversations.
To register for the webinar and/or to become a myDairy advocate and learn more about the program, email myDairy@rosedmi.com.
Marking another step in the dairy industry’s efforts to accelerate innovation and increase future demand for dairy, Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI) and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy recently announced the formation of the Dairy Research Institute™ to strengthen the dairy industry’s access to and investment in the technical research needed to drive demand for dairy products and ingredients, globally.
