The Dairy Download

Hosted by IDFA

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Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

A podcast series presented by the International Dairy Foods Association and Ever.Ag. The Dairy Download is a 30-minute podcast hosted by Phil Plourd and Kathleen Noble Wolfley of Ever.Ag that covers dairy market news and offers fresh guest commentary on the consumer and policy trends shaping dairy. Breezy and informative, The Dairy Download takes listeners through a top-line report on the CME dairy markets, and then dives into the headlines and trends shaping dairy production, consumption and marketing with industry experts, market analysts, and leaders from across food and beverage. The Dairy Download is available wherever you get your podcasts, as well as for direct download from https://www.idfa.org/thedairydownload.

Listen to episodes

30 recent

August 10, 202637 min

Ep. 121 - Nutritional Bang For Your Buck and the Future of Dairy Accessibility

Access to affordable, nutritious food is top of mind for families, retailers, policymakers and food assistance organizations. In this episode of The Dairy Download , we explore the critical role dairy plays in helping Americans access nutrient-dense foods while stretching their food dollars further. Tune in for insights from Stephanie Johnson, Senior Vice President and Head of Government Affairs at the National Grocers Association, and Danny Leckie, CEO of HATCH for Hunger. This conversation examines how grocery retailers, nonprofit organizations, and the dairy industry can work together to improve affordability, nutrition, and food security for communities across the country. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

July 28, 202639 min

Ep. 120 - The Art and Science of Ice Cream Innovation

July is National Ice Cream Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate how ice cream continues to delight consumers through a combination of timeless favorites and innovative new flavors, formats, and experiences. In this episode of The Dairy Download, we are excited to spotlight two companies that continue to balance innovation, tradition and the joy of America's favorite frozen treat. Tune in for insights from Kinsey MacDonald, innovation manager, and Taylor Janisse, product developer at Hudsonville Ice Cream, along with Renato DePaolis II, CEO of Hoffmann Oberweis Dairy and Cedar Crest Ice Cream. From award-winning flavor innovations and consumer trends to high-protein ice cream, this conversation dives deep into what's shaping the next generation of ice cream and driving growth across the category. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

July 14, 202630 min

Ep. 119 - Investment Across New York's Dairy Supply Chain

New York is home to one of the nation's leading dairy regions and continued investment of $2.8 Billion across the dairy supply chain is helping drive growth, innovation and opportunity for farmers, processors and local communities. This episode of The Dairy Download explores how dairy leaders are working to meet evolving consumer demand, strengthen the industry's future and support the economic vitality of the Northeast. Tune in for insights from Thomas Chartrand, CFO of Byrne Dairy , and Allyson Jones-Brimmer, Executive Director of the Northeast Dairy Producers Association , as they discuss dairy investment in New York, emerging opportunities and challenges for the industry and what's next for dairy production and processing in the region. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

June 29, 202638 min

Ep. 118 - Trends Driving Dairy in Today's Restaurant Industry

Dairy continues to shape the way restaurants innovate—appearing across menus in familiar favorites and trend-forward applications. This episode of The Dairy Download explores how dairy is being used to deliver flavor, functionality and versatility and how it's evolving in today’s foodservice landscape. Tune in for insights from Bret Thorn, Senior Food and Beverage Editor at Nation’s Restaurant News , and Ryan Smith, President and CEO of Rubix Foods! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

June 16, 202640 min

Ep. 117 - Social Media and the Future of Dairy Consumer Engagement

From integrated marketing campaigns to farmer-led storytelling, this episode of The Dairy Download explores the strategies dairy organizations are using to strengthen consumer connections and build brand relevance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. In this discussion, we examine how companies are leveraging social media, influencer partnerships and authentic content to engage audiences, enhance transparency and elevate the voice of the dairy industry. Tune in for insights from Austin Blythe, Marketing Director with Tillamook County Creamery Association and Valerie Morrow, Director of Social Media at Dairy Farmers of America! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

June 1, 202638 min

Ep. 116 - Powering the Future of Dairy with Protein and Fiber Innovation

From advancing innovation in milk protein to unlocking the benefits of fiber and prebiotics, this episode of The Dairy Download explores the science and strategy driving the next generation of dairy products. In this discussion, we look at how dairy companies are meeting the rising demand for high-protein functional foods, while balancing nutrition with taste and texture. Tune in for insights from Venkat Sunkesula, vice president of research and development at Idaho Milk Products, and Junrui Cheng, PhD, senior nutrition scientist at Ingredion! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

May 18, 202636 min

Ep. 115 - Asian and Pacific Islander Culture and Collaboration in Dairy

From bringing global products to new consumers to honoring deep cultural roots in dairy, this episode highlights the connections shaping the industry during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In this discussion, we explore how teams are balancing authenticity with innovation, what global partnerships mean for dairy farmers in the U.S., and how cultural values continue to drive sustainability and growth across dairy communities. Tune in for insights from Sudeep Jain, director of quality at Michigan Milk Producers Association and Julian Reti Kaukau, head of Māori engagement and partnerships at DairyNZ! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

May 4, 202632 min

Ep. 114 - Milk Hauling and Transportation in the Dairy Supply Chain

From smart trailers to real-time data, technology is transforming how dairy moves from farm to table. In this episode of The Dairy Download, we explore the real-world challenges of transporting temperature-sensitive products, the cold chain innovations, and how AI is changing the way the industry manages quality, risk, and on-time delivery. Tune in for insights from Skyler Sherrod, general manager of terminal operations at Western Dairy Transport, and Don Durm, vice president of supply chain solutions at PLM Fleet! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

April 20, 202637 min

Ep. 113 - Career Development, Leadership and Succession Planning

In this episode, we're joined by two leaders who reflect on the lessons that have shaped their careers and how they can inspire the next generation of leaders — all while navigating the growth of their respective companies and moving the entire dairy industry forward. Tune in to hear from Shawna Nelson, CEO of Organic Valley, and Bob Sarver, president and CEO of Great Lakes Cheese, about their perspectives on leadership and what lies ahead for dairy! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

April 7, 202642 min

Ep. 112 - Innovation, Ingredients, and Inclusions

Tune in to the latest episode of The Dairy Download to explore what is driving innovation across the dairy space, from the rapid evolution of high-protein products to the growing demand of better-for-you formulations that still deliver on taste! We're joined by Stephen Cobbe, senior technical director for dairy business development at Kerry, and Nils Shaede, marketing director at Zentis North America to discuss the biggest shifts in dairy ingredient innovation and what will define the next frontier in the category. If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold at lgold@idfa.org . Like the show? Rate The Dairy Download on Apple Podcasts !

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