California Ag Network

Tag: International Dairy Foods Association

  • David Ahlem, Board Advisor and Former CEO and President of Hilmar, and Mike McCloskey, Co-Founder & CEO Emeritus of Select Milk Producers, Honored with IDFA Laureate Award

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today recognized the extraordinary leadership of David Ahlem, board advisor and former CEO and president of Hilmar, and Mike McCloskey, co-founder & CEO emeritus of Select Milk Producers, chairman & CEO of Fair Oaks Farms, and founder of fairlife, with the IDFA Laureate Award during the association’s annual Dairy Forum. Now in its seventh year, the IDFA Laureate Award is given to leaders in the dairy industry who have made significant, prolonged contributions to the development and growth of dairy. Candidates from across the dairy industry as well as suppliers and academics are eligible, and the awardee is chosen by a panel of industry professionals.

    “We are truly pleased to be able to recognize two of the dairy industry’s most exceptional leaders. David Ahlem and Mike McCloskey embody everything that makes our industry remarkable—from visionary leadership and innovation to integrity and a commitment to the people who help dairy thrive,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “IDFA is proud to honor David and Mike with the Laureate Award, our highest recognition, and to celebrate their lasting impact and legacy of leadership.”

    David Ahlem currently serves as board advisor at Hilmar. Prior to his retirement in 2025, Ahlem led Hilmar as the chief executive officer and president of the company since September 1, 2015. He joined Hilmar in 2004 and has functioned in several leadership roles, which have deepened his passion for the dairy business and expanded his experience. His expertise includes dairy policy, strategic management, and customer relations. A proactive member of the dairy industry, Ahlem has participated with leadership peers in a variety of associations. He previously served as chair of the International Dairy Foods Association Executive Council, and as a board member of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and the Dairy Institute of California.

    “I am deeply honored to receive the IDFA Laureate Award and to be recognized by an industry that has given me so much over the course of my career,” said Ahlem. “This recognition truly belongs to the owners, employees, dairy farmers, industry peers and customers I’ve had the privilege of working alongside these past 22 years. We’ve embraced innovation and worked to demonstrate the power and promise of dairy to improve lives. I am inspired every day by the people in this industry and deeply grateful for the time, talent and trust they invest to build an even stronger future together.”

    Mike McCloskey is co-founder and CEO emeritus of Select Milk Producers, the sixth-largest milk cooperative in the United States. He is also the founder of fairlife and serves as chairman and CEO of Fair Oaks Farms, a leading agrotourism destination in the Corn Belt of Northwest Indiana. Dr. McCloskey began his career in veterinary medicine, earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Mexico, followed by a two-year postdoctoral residency in Dairy Production Medicine at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

    “I am humbly honored to receive the IDFA Laureate Award,” said McCloskey. “This recognition belongs to the many colleagues and friends who made it a spectacular journey, and to the broader dairy community that continues to move our industry forward. Through collaboration among dairy farmers, processors, and partners, we’ve driven innovation, grown markets, and provided nutritious dairy foods that strengthen communities and our economy. It has been a true privilege to be part of this work, and I’m grateful to be recognized by my peers with this award.”

    Previous recipients of the IDFA Laureate Award are: Tim Galloway, chairman of Galloway Company (2025); Mike Durkin, former president and CEO of Leprino Foods (2025); Ricky Dickson, former CEO and president of Blue Bell Creameries (2024); Jim Sartori, chairman and CEO of Sartori Company (2023); Larry Webster, CEO of Upstate Niagara Cooperative (2023); Ed Mullins, senior executive officer of Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. (2022); Dan Zagzebski, president and CEO of Great Lakes Cheese (2022); Sue Taylor, vice president of dairy economics and policy for Leprino Foods Company (2021); and Andrei Mikhalevsky, former president and CEO of California Dairies, Inc. (2020).

    A call for nominations for the 2027 IDFA Laureate Award will be released this summer. More information about the award can be found here.

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in direct wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

  • President Trump Signs Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

    On January 14, President Donald J. Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in the Oval Office alongside U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., USDA National Nutrition Advisor Dr. Ben Carson, dairy farmers, moms, and bipartisan members of Congress to restore access to whole milk in schools and strengthen support for American dairy producers.

    This legislation advances the Trump Administration’s agenda and aligns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, released last week, which reintroduced full-fat dairy as part of a healthy dietary pattern.

    “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, whole milk is back – and it’s the right move for kids, for parents, and for America’s dairy farmers,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This bipartisan solution to school meals alongside the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans reinforces what families already know: nutrient dense foods like whole milk are an important part of a healthy diet.”

    Secretary Rollins was joined by dairy farmers Thomas French, Kevin Satterwhite, Jamie Pagel, William Thiele, and Tara Vander Dussen, and emphasized that restoring whole milk in schools supports both children’s nutrition and the producers who sustain rural jobs and communities. She also highlighted the Trump Administration’s broader work to rebuild the farm economy through fair trade, lower costs, reliable financing, and strong markets, all while working to make groceries more affordable for families. As a result, between January and December of last year, dairy products became more affordable, including butter (down 3.4%) and cheese (down about 2%).

    “Dairy farmers and their cooperatives couldn’t be more thrilled that whole and 2% milk is returning to school meals,” shared National Milk Producers Federation President/CEO Gregg Doud.  “Dairy is a nutrition powerhouse that should be used to its fullest potential — and that means making it available in the same varieties families consume at home. We are ready to help schools and USDA in any way we can as this important legislation is implemented, and we thank the Trump administration, our advocates on Capitol Hill, and everyone who has worked to make school meals better through increased access to dairy.”

    “The long wait is over,” International Dairy Foods Association President/CEO Michael Dykes exclaimed.  “Whole milk is coming back to schools! This law is a win for our children, parents, and school nutrition leaders, giving schools the flexibility to offer the flavored and unflavored milk options, across all healthy fat levels, that meet students’ needs and preferences. IDFA is deeply grateful to President Trump for signing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law, and to U.S. Reps. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson and Kim Schrier, and U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall and Peter Welch for their leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation through the Congress. Additionally, IDFA is grateful for the leadership of Chairman Tim Walberg of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Chairman John Boozman and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry for their efforts to advance this important legislation through Congress. IDFA and our members stand ready to partner with USDA, states, and school nutrition leaders to help schools offer the milk options kids prefer so more students can benefit from the 13 essential nutrients that milk provides.”

    The law reflects strong bipartisan leadership, including sponsors Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), Senator Peter Welch (D-VE), Chairman of the U.S House Agriculture Committee Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15) and Representative Kim Schrier (D-WA), with support from Chairman of the U.S Senate Agriculture Committee Senator John Boozman (R-AR).

    USDA implementation begins immediately. Following the announcement USDA issued program implementation guidance to school nutrition officials to implement the bill, and a proposed rulemaking will soon commence to ensure schools and nutrition programs can begin offering whole milk as quickly as possible.

    USDA will now undergo a rewrite of Child Nutrition Programs to ensure school meals are aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030.

    To mark today’s signing, USDA released the following video encouragingAmericans to Drink Whole Milk to kick off that the milk mustache is officially back.

    Watch the “whole” video here.

  • International Dairy Foods Association to Gather in California for 2026 Dairy Forum

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is excited to announce that registration for Dairy Forum 2026 opens today.

    From January 25–28, 2026, more than 1,200 leaders from across the dairy supply chain will unite in Palm Desert, California, for the industry’s premier annual event. Held at the luxurious JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Dairy Forum 2026 will bring together executives from dairy processors, cooperatives, retailers, and suppliers to strengthen collaboration, spark innovation, and shape a bold, dynamic future for the industry. This year’s theme—UNITED FOR DAIRY—highlights the industry’s shared commitment to progress through innovation, leadership, and cross-sector partnerships.

    “Dairy Forum 2026 is where the future of dairy takes shape,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “This is the place for leaders to come together, build meaningful connections, and explore new strategies to grow, adapt, and lead. When we are united, the dairy industry is more resilient, more innovative, and more prepared to meet the moment.”

    Dairy Forum includes main sessions, deep dive sessions, panel discussions, special presentations by conference partners, and numerous opportunities to connect with leaders in the dairy industry. The 2026 event features keynote presentations from:

    • Rahm Emanuel, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Mayor of Chicago, White House Chief of Staff, and U.S. Congressman
    • Sarah Frey, farmer, best-selling author, speaker, and entrepreneur
    • Jason Dorsey, researcher, speaker, and best-selling author
    • Brad Nordholm, president and chief executive officer, Farmer Mac

    Set against the stunning backdrop of the California desert, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa offers panoramic views, two championship golf courses, world-class tennis and pickleball courts, sparkling pools, and a luxurious day spa. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options at signature restaurants offering fresh, local cuisine. With over 234,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space, it’s an ideal destination for gatherings in the heart of the desert.

    Sponsorship opportunities are available to organizations looking to elevate their brand among the industry’s most influential decision-makers.

    To register for Dairy Forum 2026 and explore sponsorship opportunities, visit www.dairyforum.com.

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

  • More than 960 Food & Ag Groups Urge Congressional Ratification of USMCA

    Today, organizations representing U.S. food and agriculture including the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) called on members of Congress to swiftly ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

    In a letter sent to Congress, more than 960 groups representing the U.S. food and agriculture value chain at the national, state and local levels called on Congress to support ratification of USMCA. The letter reiterates that USMCA will benefit the U.S. economy by boosting agricultural export markets and creating a more level playing field for American businesses with customers in Mexico and Canada.

    “USMCA meets the U.S. dairy industry’s top priorities to ensure a more level playing field, including preserving duty-free market access to Mexico, eliminating the unfair Canadian Class 7 pricing program and increasing market access to the Canadian market,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “The U.S. dairy industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs in the United States and pumps $620 billion into the U.S. economy, is making a strong appeal to Congress to vote to ratify this important trade deal. USMCA will ensure that our dairy industry grows valuable market share and continues to be viewed by our North American customers as a reliable supplier.”

    Over the last 25 years, U.S. food and agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico have more than quadrupled under the former North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, growing from $9 billion in 1993 to nearly $40 billion in 2018 and helping support more than 900,000 American jobs in food and agriculture and related sectors of the economy. USMCA builds on the success of the NAFTA agreement, makes improvements to further enhance U.S. food and agricultural exports to our neighbors, and would deliver an additional $2.2 billion in U.S. economic activity.

    The International Trade Commission’s recent report on USMCA confirmed that the agreement will improve market access for U.S. farmers, ranchers and food producers, as well as positively impact both the U.S. agriculture sector and the broader national economy.

    One in four American manufacturing jobs are related to agriculture, and USMCA, once implemented, will strengthen the U.S. farm and agriculture economy and further support and secure vital market access for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agri-businesses.