Appreciating the Work of Our Board Advisors
Every company, every sports team – and certainly every dairy farm – has people working behind the scenes who don’t always get the recognition they deserve.
They’re the unsung heroes who contribute quietly but significantly to success.
For the Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) Board of Directors, those people are our advisors.
I’m proud that the dairy checkoff is farmer-founded and focused squarely on building demand and trust in dairy. We are guided by 77 farmers and importers who reflect the diversity and voices of those funding our strategies across the country.
But we’re also supported by eight trusted advisors who bring valuable outside-in perspective and insights to the boardroom.
Our DMI board advisors are:
- Dr. Marcus Bernard, Kentucky State University
- Sara Dorland, Ceres Dairy Risk Management
- Mike Layfield, Zoetis
- Heather Malenshek, Land O’ Lakes
- Allen Merrill, Merrill Farms Inc.
- Darrin Monteiro, California Dairies Inc.
- Randy Mooney, Mooney Dairy; Chair, National Milk Producers Federation
- Zach Myers, former National Dairy Board Chair
Some come from the farm and some don’t. But all bring something essential: expertise, strategic awareness and perspectives that sharpen our checkoff mission.
Advisors are appointed by the DMI chair and serve one-year terms, though many return because their contributions are so deeply valued. They don’t vote or join executive sessions, but they actively participate in board and committee discussions. They’re also just a phone call or email away and many board members (myself included!) lean on their support between meetings.
While we benefit from their involvement, our advisors often say how meaningful it is to engage with farmers and gain a firsthand look at the board’s work. Some, like Bernard, hadn’t even heard of the checkoff before being invited to serve but they now speak with their network about how the program grows sales and builds trust.
Layfield, who has more than 30 years in animal agriculture, is appreciative of his role as an advisor.
“There’s a few reasons why I’ve always included U.S. dairy in my responsibilities,” Layfield said. “The industry is progressive, forward-thinking and welcoming, and no one exemplifies turning an obstacle into an opportunity better than U.S. dairy farmers. If there’s ever been an organization helping farmers do that, it’s DMI.”
He added, “There’s so much good activity and even better results. What fascinates me most is the ‘wrap-around effect’ DMI has. From consumers to exports, from food science to social media engagement, DMI touches all of it. That’s a monumental task – but the work is measured and the results are clear.”
Another valued voice is Bernard, who leads the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at Kentucky State. He brings an academic and community-based lens that broadens our discussions.
“Serving as a board advisor has been humbling,” he said. “I came ready to share what I know – but I’ve learned so much more from the board and DMI’s work. This experience has been transformative.”
Bernard was especially impressed by how the checkoff uses data to guide decisions.
“Data drives everything. You don’t set priorities without looking at the numbers, which minimizes surprises and ensures success is no mistake.”
He also praised DMI’s social influencer outreach to engage youth.
“In a time when many young people have never set foot on a farm, DMI’s influencer program is exactly the kind of forward-thinking initiative we need.”
On the risk management and economics side, Dorland brings another critical layer of insight. With more than 25 years in the dairy sector – including experience at the cooperative level – she admitted she underestimated DMI’s reach when she first joined as an advisor.
“I used to think of promotion as handing out squishy cows,” she said with a laugh. “But when I saw the depth of research, innovation and long-term strategy behind everything DMI does, it was eye-opening.”
She also underscored the importance of the checkoff better communicating its successes.
“I help fill in the gaps when people ask me about DMI,” she said. “What this organization does is impressive, and it’s OK to toot the horn a little bit. There’s so much long-term investment – from export strategy to protein research – that’s paying off today because of decisions made years ago.”
Our advisors remind us of a simple truth: perspective is powerful. As board members, we can sometimes fall into siloed thinking but our advisors broaden our view and challenge us to think bigger. Their guidance helps ensure checkoff strategies are better informed – and that matters to every farmer and importer funding our work.
To our advisors: thank you. Your time, insights and commitment are deeply appreciated.
And to my fellow farmers and importers: our checkoff is in good hands – not just with our checkoff leaders but with professionals who share their expertise and dedication to building a stronger dairy future.
Together, we’re making it happen
