The Dairy Download
The Dairy Download
IDFA
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.
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 Ally...
Jul 14
30 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 atNation’s Restaurant News, and Ryan Smith, President and CEO of Rubix Foods! If your company is interested in sponsoring a...
Jun 29
38 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 Bl...
Jun 16
40 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 ...
Jun 1
38 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 ...
May 18
36 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 ...
May 4
32 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 sponsorin...
Apr 20
37 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 fr...
Apr 7
42 min
Ep. 111 - The Cottage Cheese Comeback
Cottage cheese is back, and it's reshaping the conversation around protein, innovation, and consumer trends. In this week's episode, explore why dairy companies are investing in cottage cheese production, how consumer trends are driving innovation, and where the revitalized product fits into the future of dairy. Tune in for insights from Sarah Schmidt, vice president of marketing with Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) and Chris Ross, senior vice president of marketing and R&D wi...
Mar 23
44 min
Ep. 110 - Insights on Today's Dairy Consumer
Live from Dairy Forum 2026, this week’s episode of The Dairy Download features two experts who are on the pulse of what’s happening in dairy consumption, pricing, innovation and nutrition. Tune in for insights from Niamh Kelly, chief commercial officer for dairy nutrition with Glanbia Nutritionals and Marina Crocker, senior director of product category and marketing with Hilmar! If your company is interested in sponsoring a block of episodes of The Dairy Download, contact IDFA’s Lindsay Gold ...
Mar 2
33 min
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