Dairy West interim CEO details mission and funding for Idaho and Utah dairy industry

The Senate Agricultural Affairs Meeting held on March 11, 2025, focused on the current state and future direction of the dairy industry in Idaho, as presented by the interim CEO of Dairy West. The meeting began with an introduction of the organization, which represents both the Idaho Dairy Products Commission and the Utah Dairy Commission. The interim CEO emphasized the ongoing search for a permanent CEO and outlined the mission of Dairy West to inspire trust and increase demand for dairy products.

The CEO provided an overview of the dairy industry in Idaho, noting that there are approximately 350 dairy operations in the state, which continue to thrive. Idaho ranks third in milk production nationally, supported by 19 processing plants operated by 12 companies. The CEO explained the funding structure, detailing a 15-cent assessment on every hundred pounds of milk produced, with portions allocated to national and local marketing efforts.

A video presentation highlighted Dairy West's commitment to innovation and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of building connections with partners and consumers. The organization aims to transform the dairy industry by enhancing interactions and promoting local dairy products through various marketing strategies.

The CEO outlined five key pillars of Dairy West's work, including business development, health promotions, stakeholder development, marketing technology, and operations. Specific initiatives discussed included educational programs for children, partnerships with schools to incorporate dairy into menus, and efforts to promote dairy products at athletic events.

The meeting also addressed marketing strategies, including the use of social media influencers to reach broader audiences and the implementation of promotional campaigns through platforms like Instacart. The CEO shared success metrics from these initiatives, noting a significant return on advertising spend.

Sustainability was highlighted as a critical focus area, with the CEO stressing the need to communicate the sustainable practices of dairy farmers. The meeting concluded with a brief overview of financial allocations within Dairy West, with an upcoming board meeting scheduled for further discussions on audits and financial transparency.

Overall, the meeting underscored Dairy West's proactive approach to addressing challenges in the dairy industry while fostering community trust and demand for dairy products.