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The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) announced the second class of the Board Mentor Program. Participants include Jessica Duran of Webberville, Kellie Jeppesen of Stanton, Jeremy Karsten of Posen and Annie Link of Alto. After gathering feedback from participants in the first class, the UDIM board decided to extend the program to a two-year term. Participating in the program for the second year are Jason Griffin of Hastings, Katelyn Packard of Manchester and Sanne Van Loon of Saint Louis.

UDIM launched the 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.

“As a dairy farmer, I appreciate seeing how UDIM staff works on behalf of dairy farmers to connect with consumers online and in-person to share dairy stories and nutrition information about the foods we provide,” said Griffin after his first year participating in the program.

Current UDIM board members will be actively involved with the program through sharing organization and program information with the group. Participants will be tasked with sharing this information with their peers and fellow dairy producers who have questions about checkoff.

“Promotion of dairy foods has always been a passion of mine. It goes back to my experience as a teacher and my passion for education,” said Jim Reid, UDIM president and Jeddo, MI dairy farmer. “We’re excited to see the interest in the UDIM Board Mentor Program and look forward to meeting with both classes of participants to share with them how we’re promoting dairy across the state.”

Board Mentor Program participants will attend two of the four 2019 UDIM board meetings, 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.

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.