OKEMOS, Mich.  – The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) Board of Directors and the Florida Dairy Farmers (FDF) Board of Directors have voted to proceed with a strategic partnership between the two dairy promotion organizations.

“This action results from months of discussions between our respective Boards,” says Corby Werth, UDIM President and dairy farmer from Alpena, Michigan. “Michigan and Florida dairy farmers have more commonalities than differences. This strategic partnership creates significant opportunities and efficiencies for both checkoff organizations while helping ensure a strong dairy future for everyone.” 

The strategic partnership’s focus is to optimize and create market growth for dairy farmers in Michigan and Florida while reaching an ever-growing population in Florida.

“As dairy farmers, our priority is to increase dairy consumption among all consumers, while using the resources we have more efficiently, and this partnership will allow us to expand on those resources,” says John Larson, FDF President and dairy farmer in Okeechobee County, Florida. “Dairy farmer board members still drive Michigan and Florida checkoff direction and goals, meaning dairy promotion programs remain under the direction of dairy farmer leadership. We’ll do so as one organization instead of two.”

The organizations note that geography is not a limiting factor in dairy promotions. Instead, the strategic partnership presents unique opportunities to reach even more consumers with dairy’s incredibly beneficial health and nutrition story.

“The checkoff's commitment to promoting dairy and increasing sales has not changed with this strategic partnership,” says Melissa Gerharter, UDIM CEO. “Robust efforts to share dairy’s message with consumers remain at the forefront of all programs, both in Michigan and Florida. The dynamic collaborations between and within teams create a strong foundation for the future.”