IDFA Opens Nominations for Annual Industry Awards

Honoring Dairy Industry’s Top Leaders

Nominations now open for 2027 IDFA Laureate, Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year, Food Safety Leadership, and Workplace of the Year.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is seeking nominations for four top awards presented annually to leaders in the dairy industry. Nominations open today and close on Friday, Oct. 2. Winners will be announced and recognized at Dairy Forum 2027 in Orlando, Fla. Nominations are now open for the following awards: The IDFA Laureate Award, the Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year Award, the IDFA Food Safety Leadership Award, and the IDFA Workplace of the Year Award.

The 2027 IDFA Laureate Award

The eighth annual IDFA Laureate Award honors an outstanding leader whose career has significantly impacted the dairy industry’s growth and development. Candidates from all segments of the dairy industry – milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products and ingredients – as well as suppliers and academia are eligible for the award. The awardee will be selected by a panel of industry professionals based on the nominee’s overall career achievements. The recipient will be recognized during Dairy Forum 2027. Nominations must be submitted by Oct. 2, 2026. Additional details are here:

Criteria

• Demonstrated exceptional achievements and contributions to the dairy industry.
• Proven leadership within the industry.
• Achievements that reflect innovation, vision and the ability to inspire others.

Submissions

• Learn more about the award and complete the nomination form here.
• Additional information and letters of recommendation may be attached to the nomination form.
• There is no fee to enter.
• Submit nominations to Andrew Jerome at ajerome@idfa.org.

2027 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year Award

The twenty-ninth annual Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year award is co-sponsored by IDFA and Dairy Herd Management magazine. IDFA and Dairy Herd Management seek nominations of active U.S. dairy farms that have embraced innovation, technology and industry partnerships to achieve greater productivity and growth. Nominees will be evaluated based on their current practices and preparedness to meet future economic and business challenges. The winning operation will be highlighted in the January 2027 issue of Dairy Herd Management magazine and recognized during Dairy Forum 2027. The deadline for submitting nominations is Oct. 2, 2026. Additional details are here:

Criteria

Those nominating farms and/or operations must describe:

• Use of technology or partnerships to enhance farm efficiency, sustainability and growth opportunities for the farm.
• Preparedness to meet future economic and business challenges.
• Distinctive practices that set the operation apart from peers.
• Community involvement and impact.
• Any other acknowledgements or achievements the judges should consider.

Submissions

• Learn more about the award and complete the nomination form here.
• Additional information, including letters of recommendation, may be included with submission of the nomination form.
• There is no fee to enter.
• Please contact Jessica Matsko at jmatsko@idfa.org with any questions.

2027 IDFA Food Safety Leadership Award – A Company

Now in its eleventh year, the IDFA Food Safety Leadership Award will honor a company or group that has demonstrated outstanding leadership toward enhancing food safety within the dairy products industry. The award, presented during Dairy Forum 2027, alternates annually between honoring companies or groups in odd years and individuals in even years. The deadline for submitting nominations is Oct. 2, 2026. Additional details are here:

General Qualifications for Nominees

The winning group will be selected from an IDFA member company that processes, manufactures, markets, or distributes dairy products; a supplier that supports the food safety efforts of dairy processors in North America; or an IDFA-organized group of volunteers, such as a committee, task force or working group. Previous recipients are not eligible to be nominated.

Criteria

• Learn more about the award and complete the nomination form here.
• Submit a nomination package that includes:
  • Cover letter providing a summary of achievements and the names and titles of all individuals who contributed to the overall success of the team.
  • Description of food safety leadership achievements over the past two years.
  • Evidence of originality, creativity and impact of these contributions.
  • Two or three letters of support from professional peers.
• There is no fee to enter.
• Submit nominations to Samuel Alcaine at salcaine@idfa.org.

2027 IDFA Workplace of the Year Award

The fourth annual Workplace of the Year award is co-sponsored by IDFA and Dairy Processing magazine. The award will be given to an outstanding IDFA member company that has implemented policies to promote a positive workplace experience for employees. Award recipients will be recognized for their efforts to support women and minorities, create cultures of inclusiveness and respect, support professional development, established paid parental leave and flexible work hours and gender pay equality, among other criteria. The awardee will be chosen by a third-party panel of industry professionals who will review redacted nomination packages. A representative of the awardee company will be recognized during Dairy Forum 2027. The deadline for submitting nominations is Oct. 2, 2026. Additional details are here:

Criteria

• Must be an IDFA member company (dairy processor, gold business partner, or business partner).
• Established policies to help employees get the most out of their work experience, including flexible hybrid policies, regular team meetings, paid parental leave, etc.
• Established ERGs or other structures that support employees accessing professional development programs offered by IDFA and other organizations.
• Company demonstrates policies or recognition for fostering a culture of respect and empowerment.
• Demonstrated initiatives supporting women and minorities.
• Documented policy in place to support social criteria like gender pay equity, etc.

Submissions

• Learn more about the award and complete the nomination form here.
• Supporting information including external recognition and letters of recommendation may be attached to the nomination form.
• All nomination packages will be redacted before review. Therefore, we appreciate receiving materials that are not heavily branded.
• There is no fee to enter.
• Past applicants and winners are encouraged to reapply.
• Submit nominations to workplaceaward@idfa.org.