The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

It’s been said that leaders are developed, not born. With that in mind, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) board of directors launched a Board Mentor Program to develop and identify future dairy leaders, increase knowledge and understanding of UDIM programs, and spread the word about dairy promotion programs.

“UDIM’s work promoting dairy foods keeps milk, cheese and yogurt top-of-mind with consumers and builds confidence in dairy farmers’ on-farm practices,” said Jim Reid, UDIM president and Jeddo, Michigan dairy farmer. “It’s important for the future of Michigan’s dairy community that we also attract new ideas and develop future dairy farmer leaders.”

The Board Mentor Program engages Michigan dairy farmers, who are not members of the UDIM board, by actively involving them in board meetings and dairy promotion programs, giving them better insight into the promotional activities and connections being made with consumers to drive dairy sales.

Current UDIM board members will be actively involved with the program through recruiting participants, and sharing organization and program information. Participants will be tasked with sharing this information with their peers and fellow dairy producers who have questions about checkoff. Communications workshops will help participants fine-tune their skills by the end of the program.

Applications for the Board Mentor Program will be accepted on the Milk Means More website from September 1 through December 1, 2017. Participants will be selected by a UDIM board committee by January 15, 2018. Those selected must commit to:

  • Attend two of the four UDIM board meetings between March and October of 2018. Dates will be provided when participants agree to the mentor program.
  • Attend sessions before or after each board meeting on dairy promotion program updates, UDIM history or leadership and communication development.
  • Participate in one of the following dairy promotion events to see how the programs connect to consumers:
    • Fuel Up to Play 60 Rally
    • Jump with Jill assembly
    • Or, other UDIM event

For more information, please call Jolene Griffin, Director of Industry Relations at 224.567.1894 or email Jolene@milkmeansmore.org.

About the United Dairy Industry of Michigan

The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) is dedicated to serving Michigan’s hard working dairy farm families and promoting Michigan’s locally produced dairy products. UDIM is the umbrella organization for the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of Michigan. These non-profit organizations provide dairy product promotion and nutrition education services on behalf of their funding members.