Explore every episode of the podcast The Dairy Download
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 121 - Nutritional Bang For Your Buck and the Future of Dairy Accessibility | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:37:32 | |
Access to affordable, nutritious food is top of mind for families, retailers, policymakers and food assistance organizations. In this episode ofThe Dairy Download, we explore the critical role dairy plays in helping Americans access nutrient-dense foods while stretching their food dollars further. Tune in for insights from Stephanie Johnson, Senior Vice President and Head of Government Affairs at the National Grocers Association, and Danny Leckie, CEO of HATCH for Hunger. This conversation examines how grocery retailers, nonprofit organizations, and the dairy industry can work together to improve affordability, nutrition, and food security for communities across the country. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 120 - The Art and Science of Ice Cream Innovation | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:39:32 | |
July is National Ice Cream Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate how ice cream continues to delight consumers through a combination of timeless favorites and innovative new flavors, formats, and experiences. In this episode of The Dairy Download, we are excited to spotlight two companies that continue to balance innovation, tradition and the joy of America's favorite frozen treat. Tune in for insights from Kinsey MacDonald, innovation manager, and Taylor Janisse, product developer at Hudsonville Ice Cream, along with Renato DePaolis II, CEO of Hoffmann Oberweis Dairy and Cedar Crest Ice Cream. From award-winning flavor innovations and consumer trends to high-protein ice cream, this conversation dives deep into what's shaping the next generation of ice cream and driving growth across the category. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 111 - The Cottage Cheese Comeback | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:44:26 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 110 - Insights on Today's Dairy Consumer | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:33:56 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 109 - Dairy Farming and Rural Economic Outlook | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:40:39 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 108 - Adapting to the New Consumer | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:42:46 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 107 - Dairy Market Outlook | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:35:54 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 106 - Dairy Ingredient and Consumer Trends | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:44:09 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 105 - Innovations on the Farm | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:35:40 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 104 - Building Resilience in the Modern Supply Chain | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:37:17 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 103 - The Rise of Protein Products and Ready-To-Drink Beverages | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:40:04 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 102 - Fall Flavor Trends in Dairy | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:37:43 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 119 - Investment Across New York's Dairy Supply Chain | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:30:59 | |
New York is home to one of the nation's leading dairy regions and continued investment of $2.8 Billion across the dairy supply chain is helping drive growth, innovation and opportunity for farmers, processors and local communities. This episode of The Dairy Download explores how dairy leaders are working to meet evolving consumer demand, strengthen the industry's future and support the economic vitality of the Northeast. Tune in for insights from Thomas Chartrand, CFO of Byrne Dairy, and Allyson Jones-Brimmer, Executive Director of the Northeast Dairy Producers Association, as they discuss dairy investment in New York, emerging opportunities and challenges for the industry and what's next for dairy production and processing in the region. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 101 - Managing Cybersecurity Risks in Dairy | 20 Oct 2025 | 00:39:19 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 100 - Inside the Organic Products Market | 29 Sep 2025 | 00:37:23 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 99 - Five Years In: The Future of Dairy | 15 Sep 2025 | 00:39:30 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 98 - Beef-on-Dairy | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:40:39 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 97 - The Role of Dairy in Pizza Production | 18 Aug 2025 | 00:38:56 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 96 - Ice Cream Flavor Innovations and Ingredients | 04 Aug 2025 | 00:36:45 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 95 - Butterfat on the Rise | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:38:14 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 94 - Dairy Farmers in The Dairy Download Family | 27 Jun 2025 | 00:40:01 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 93 - Dairy Processing Capacity | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:39:49 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 92 - Sweeteners and Flavors for Dairy | 02 Jun 2025 | 00:37:48 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 118 - Trends Driving Dairy in Today's Restaurant Industry | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:38:20 | |
Dairy continues to shape the way restaurants innovate—appearing across menus in familiar favorites and trend-forward applications. This episode of The Dairy Download explores how dairy is being used to deliver flavor, functionality and versatility and how it's evolving in today’s foodservice landscape. Tune in for insights from Bret Thorn, Senior Food and Beverage Editor atNation’s Restaurant News, and Ryan Smith, President and CEO of Rubix Foods! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 117 - Social Media and the Future of Dairy Consumer Engagement | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:40:17 | |
From integrated marketing campaigns to farmer-led storytelling, this episode of The Dairy Download explores the strategies dairy organizations are using to strengthen consumer connections and build brand relevance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. In this discussion, we examine how companies are leveraging social media, influencer partnerships and authentic content to engage audiences, enhance transparency and elevate the voice of the dairy industry. Tune in for insights from Austin Blythe, Marketing Director with Tillamook County Creamery Association and Valerie Morrow, Director of Social Media at Dairy Farmers of America! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 116 - Powering the Future of Dairy with Protein and Fiber Innovation | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:38:21 | |
From advancing innovation in milk protein to unlocking the benefits of fiber and prebiotics, this episode of The Dairy Download explores the science and strategy driving the next generation of dairy products. In this discussion, we look at how dairy companies are meeting the rising demand for high-protein functional foods, while balancing nutrition with taste and texture. Tune in for insights from Venkat Sunkesula, vice president of research and development at Idaho Milk Products, and Junrui Cheng, PhD, senior nutrition scientist at Ingredion! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 115 - Asian and Pacific Islander Culture and Collaboration in Dairy | 18 May 2026 | 00:36:08 | |
From bringing global products to new consumers to honoring deep cultural roots in dairy, this episode highlights the connections shaping the industry during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In this discussion, we explore how teams are balancing authenticity with innovation, what global partnerships mean for dairy farmers in the U.S., and how cultural values continue to drive sustainability and growth across dairy communities. Tune in for insights from Sudeep Jain, director of quality at Michigan Milk Producers Association and Julian Reti Kaukau, head of Māori engagement and partnerships at DairyNZ! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 114 - Milk Hauling and Transportation in the Dairy Supply Chain | 04 May 2026 | 00:32:39 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 113 - Career Development, Leadership and Succession Planning | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:37:38 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||
| Ep. 112 - Innovation, Ingredients, and Inclusions | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:42:55 | |
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 lgold@idfa.org. | |||