We know many consumers are disconnected to the true source of food and the farmers who work every day to assure a steady supply of affordable, safe, nutritious dairy.
But it isn’t just the average person who is far removed from this process. Some of my professional colleagues in the scientific realm also lack a connection to our country’s dairy farm families. These are people who run the spectrum of leadership, from helping to shape nutrition guidance to educating classrooms of students to developing dietary and health plans for consumers.
This is why the dairy checkoff launched the NextGen Scientist program last July to identify emerging leaders in the health/wellness space. It’s more critical than ever that we forge these relationships as our research shows Gen Z consumers consider physicians, nutritionists/dietitians, scientists and university professors as highly trustworthy when it comes to sources of dairy and health/wellness information.
Initially, we set out to recruit five or six professionals to participate in this program designed to amplify dairy science, support professional development and mentorship over a three-year period. We identified scientists from 20 universities that have highly regarded nutrition programs, as well as historically black colleges and universities.
We were pleasantly surprised at the response, so we grew the participant level to 11. We have assembled a very diverse group of young professional experts in nutrition, public health, social and animal sciences.
These are the thought leaders of the future, and they have high visibility and touch points, including with their peers, students and the public through their social channels and professional networks. Many come from institutions that are called upon to offer input on public health and dietary guidance.
Through the program, we seek to:
· Address dairy misperceptions
· Amplify dairy science in health, wellness and sustainable food systems
· Support experiences that advance their professional development and build trust in dairy
· Establish National Dairy Council (NDC) as a go-to science-based resource
· Increase diversity of nutrition scientists interested in doing dairy-related research.
The program is working because we are delivering science-based information, training and experiences that are relevant to their professional growth. NDC teams with several state and regional checkoff organizations to conduct virtual and in-person activations and immersions with the cohort. At every step, we invite farmers to offer their insights on practices that up until now were unknown to these professionals.
Our stops included a visit to New Hope Dairy, a California operation owned by Arlin VanGroningen. The scientists learned about farmers’ commitment to the environment and animal care practices. Arlin
showed how cows are the ultimate up-cyclers and consume byproducts that are either indigestible or undesirable for human consumption but offer nutritional benefits to cows. We then went to the UC-Davis dairy research farm and learned about cutting-edge work to help reduce methane emissions through feeding strategies.
Another stop in Texas featured a “From Farm to Fork” program to show how dairy fits into healthy eating patterns, with the team preparing recipes that incorporated dairy in creative ways.
And more recently we were in Indianapolis for a communications workshop. We assembled a panel discussion where Indiana dairy farmers Jill Houin and Andrew Kuehnert shared their many examples of responsible production and working to assure a safe supply of milk.
These direct connections to dairy farmers have made an impact as we’re putting a face on an industry that previously had been faceless to the group.
It’s so rewarding to see the enlightenment occur as these professionals with a natural curiosity and desire to learn take their newfound insights forward. We have heard from some who have thousands of students that they incorporated their dairy knowledge into classroom curriculum. Others plan to share their findings in presentations to renowned organizations, such as the American Society for Nutrition.
Engaging with these professionals keeps dairy top of mind and relevant in another significant area: research. Their exposure to dairy may spark concepts for future research, a critical aspect in the ever-growing competitive space of food options and false claims made about dairy.
Our investment in these “next gen” professionals is timely as this is when they are shaping their views and opinions on food and agricultural practices. We are where we need to be – helping these leaders of tomorrow become dairy champions through scientific-led proof points and the voice of the farmer.
To learn more about your national dairy checkoff, visit www.USDairy.com/forfarmers or to reach us directly, send an email to TalkToTheCheckoff@dairy.org.
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