FAQ
Dairy Production
Q. Where do I go for dairy production-related questions?
A. Information regarding on-farm production, including dairy production, pricing and trade, can be found on the National Milk Producers Federation Web site at www.nmpf.org. For information about the processing and packaging of dairy products, visit the International Dairy Foods Association Web site at www.idfa.org.
Dairy Consumption
Q. How much has dairy consumption grown since the start of the national dairy checkoff program?
A. From 1983 to 2006, per capita consumption of total milk (the milk that goes into all dairy products) grew by more than 15 percent. Today, the average person consumes 605 pounds on a total solids basis, compared to 522 pounds in 1983 when the national dairy checkoff began. (Source: USDA, milkfat basis)
Dairy Promotion
Q: How are dairy checkoff programs managed?
A: Dairy checkoff programs are managed efficiently and effectively by producer representatives who sit on oversight committees responsible for directing the dairy producer checkoff and approving its programs. They ensure checkoff dollars are strategically invested in efforts that are in the best economic interest of dairy producers. The dairy checkoff program is independently audited each year to make sure program funds are administered in strict accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Q: How does the dairy checkoff program work to increase domestic and international demand for U.S. dairy products?
A: The producer-funded checkoff created an industry-wide, unified marketing plan to focus dollars and eliminate waste. Through this unified plan, the dairy checkoff is:
Q: Who do I contact regarding local dairy promotion or industry issues?
A: Contact your local dairy promotion organization. Representatives from each organization can provide you with information about dairy checkoff promotion programs locally and nationwide.
Q: How can I purchase milk promotional merchandise, such as caps, T-shirts, pens, and stickers?
A: Contact your local dairy promotion organization.
Educational Materials
Q: How can I receive dairy nutrition education materials?
A: Information can be found at the www.nationaldairycouncil.org Web site. Educators, school foodservice directors and parents can find nutrition education information and resources at www.nutritionexplorations.org.
Q: Where do I go for recipes that incorporate dairy products?
A: You’ll find delicious and easy recipes at www.3aday.org, www.whymilk.com, and www.ilovecheese.com.
Consumer Education About On-Farm Practices
Q: Where can I send dairy consumers and customers regarding on-farm practices on dairy farms?
A: Information about modern dairy farming is available at www.dairyfarmingtoday.org, sponsored by your dairy checkoff organizations.
Dairy Research
Q: How can I learn more about funding for research?
A: Information on current product/technology research can be found at www.innovatewithdairy.com. This site provides a listing of research projects underway and a directory of researchers. For science-based nutrition research, visit www.nationaldairycouncil.org.
Dairy Trade
Q: What assistance is available with a dairy-related business opportunity in a foreign country?
A: The U.S. Dairy Export Council® (USDEC) works with companies and on behalf of the dairy industry to open export markets. You can find more information at www.usdec.org.
Q: How do the checkoff-funded marketing programs of USDEC benefit U.S. dairy producers?
A: Maintaining and building dairy export markets allow U.S. producers to continue to grow. With annual production gains over the past five years, and with continued increases in production efficiencies among dairy producers and co-ops, we must find new markets to keep up with rising milk production. In fact, nearly one-half of all new milk production (total solids basis) is now sold internationally.