The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) is searching for the second class of the Board Mentor Program. The two-year program develops and identifies future dairy leaders, increases knowledge and understanding of UDIM programs, and spreads the word about dairy promotion programs.

Current UDIM board members are actively involved with the participants through 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. Communication workshops will help participants fine-tune their leadership skills.

“It’s important for the future of Michigan’s dairy community that we attract new ideas and develop future dairy farmer leaders,” said Jim Reid, UDIM president. “This program helps grow the next generation of leaders.”

Board Mentor Program participants will attend two of the 2019 UDIM board meetings beginning with the April meeting; learn about dairy promotion program updates and UDIM history; develop leadership and communication skills; and participate in dairy promotion events to see how UDIM’s programs connect to consumers.

The first class included Jason Griffin of Hastings; Kent Inniger of Middleton; Abigail O’Farrell of West Branch; Katelyn Packard of Manchester; and Sanne Van Loon of Saint Louis.

The UDIM Board Mentor program was a great experience,” says Packard. “I saw firsthand how meetings are conducted in a board room setting, and I gained valuable insight into how decisions are discussed and made at the highest level. I gained valuable leadership and management skills, which I will be able to take home and adapt to my own work environment on my family’s farm. I also really enjoyed learning more about UDIM.”

Additional program information can be found at Milk Means More.

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.