Age: 38

Location: Dalton, Minnesota

My dairy industry background: Growing up on a dairy farm in West Central Minnesota gave me the opportunity to become involved in dairy at a young age.

Our family milked Holsteins and raised crops for our heifers and livestock.

If I wasn’t in the dairy industry, I would be… working in the horticulture or food industries. College classes involving plant sciences and food production were particularly interesting to me.  

I have been a member of Upper Midwest Dairy Association (UMDIA) for… 15 years.

I joined UMDIA for… the opportunity to receive educational and technical training, as well as dairy regulatory updates.

Professional networking, promoting dairy products through contests, and recognizing deserving youth with scholarship opportunities are additional reasons I have continued my involvement.

A little known fact about UMDIA is… its roots in the dairy industry are more than 100 years old. Our members are from all areas of dairy including dairy processors, field service, dairy equipment professionals, laboratory and milk quality personnel, educators, regulatory officials and producers - just to name a few.

My favorite UMDIA members/representatives are... the current board members because of their commitment and service to UMDIA.

Our board is very diverse and hard working. The individuals come from various organizations throughout the dairy industry. Each board member has the opportunity to serve on various committees that play to their individual strengths and interests.    

I feel valued as a member when… we plan and present successful events for our members.

Cheese and butter contests and auctions, as well as educational conferences, bring recognition and opportunity to our members. UMDIA is proud to promote quality dairy products through our contests and to support students pursuing dairy-industry-related degrees by awarding scholarships.

Our members make these contributions possible.

The dairy industry’s greatest opportunity is… to meet and exceed the customer’s expectations in regards to the quality and safety of the products we produce.

Dairy products will continue to make their way to new and emerging markets. It will be necessary for the industry to meet the customer’s changing requirements for food safety and quality.  

My advice to all dairy producers is… to continue to be open to change. Change, although not easy or comfortable, is a constant in the dairy industry.

Develop a network of dairy professionals who are committed to working with you to bring the highest quality products to the consumer’s table.  PD

Upper Midwest Dairy Industry Association
(612) 414-7574

Year established: Central Minnesota Dairymen’s and Creamery Operators’ Association was founded in 1909 and later merged with both Dairy Processors, Inc., and the Minnesota Sanitarian’s Association to form the Upper Midwest Dairy Industry Association.

In 2008, the Pioneer Dairymen’s Club of America was extended membership in UMDIA.

Number of members: 197 individuals

UMDIA’s mission: We are a non-profit group that promotes the dairy industry by providing information, educational services, networks and contests that encourage improvement in the quality and safety of dairy and food products.