National Dairy Council (NDC)
By National Dairy Council
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to National Dairy Council nutrition research and education. Learn about science-based dairy promotion, health professional outreach, and...
The National Dairy Council (NDC) has been providing science-based nutrition information since 1915, making it one of the longest-standing nutrition education organizations in the United States. Funded through the dairy checkoff, NDC serves as the research and education arm of Dairy Management Inc.
NDC's primary mission is supporting dairy's position in healthy diets through credible, science-based communication. This includes funding original nutrition research, translating scientific findings for various audiences, and developing educational resources. The organization maintains relationships with the nutrition and medical communities to ensure dairy's voice in health discussions.
Registered dietitian staff members serve as nutrition experts, developing resources, speaking at conferences, and engaging with healthcare professionals. NDC's science advisory board includes leading nutrition researchers who guide research priorities and ensure scientific integrity.
Educational resources target multiple audiences: healthcare professionals receive clinical tools and continuing education; educators access curriculum materials; school nutrition directors get menu development support; consumers find practical nutrition information. All materials are grounded in peer-reviewed research.
NDC's work directly supports dairy's inclusion in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, combating misinformation and positioning dairy as an essential nutrient source for Americans of all ages.
Key Features
- Nutrition Research Funding: Supports original research on dairy and health. Peer-reviewed publications. Scientific credibility.
- Health Professional Outreach: Registered dietitian engagement. Medical community relations. Continuing education.
- Educational Resources: Materials for health professionals, educators, and consumers. Science-based content.
- Dietary Guidelines Support: Research supporting dairy in national nutrition policy. Scientific testimony.
- Misinformation Response: Countering anti-dairy messaging with science. Credible voice in nutrition debates.
- Consumer Education: Practical nutrition information. Recipe development. Healthy eating guidance.
Advanced Features
- Science Advisory Board: Leading nutrition researchers guiding priorities. Scientific integrity.
- Registered Dietitian Staff: In-house nutrition expertise. Conference speakers. Media spokespersons.
- Continuing Education: CEU programs for health professionals. Webinars. Conference presentations.
- Curriculum Development: K-12 nutrition education materials. STEM connections. Teacher resources.
- Research Translation: Making science accessible. Practical applications. Consumer-friendly messaging.
- Sports Nutrition Programs: Chocolate milk recovery. Athletic performance. Youth athlete nutrition.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Benefits all dairy farms through demand building, All production systems
Competitive Advantages
What sets National Dairy Council (NDC) apart from alternatives:
- 100+ years of nutrition education
- Science-based credibility
- Registered dietitian expertise
- Peer-reviewed research funding
- Health professional relationships
- Dietary Guidelines influence
- Educational resource depth
- Misinformation counter-voice
- Consumer trust building
- Checkoff-funded sustainability
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for National Dairy Council (NDC):
NDC funded through $0.15/cwt national dairy checkoff. Supports nutrition research and education.
Pricing Model: Funded through dairy checkoff ($0.15/cwt national assessment)
Prices verified Q1 2024. Unified Marketing Plan manages checkoff funds.
Pros & Considerations
- Science-based nutrition research and education
- Health professional outreach
- Credible voice for dairy nutrition
- Long history and established reputation
- Supports dairy in dietary guidelines
- Focus is nutrition science not farm issues
- Indirect benefit to individual producers
- Checkoff-funded organization
- Results measured at population level
Implementation & Setup
How to implement National Dairy Council (NDC) on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Ongoing—continuous research and education programs.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for National Dairy Council (NDC):
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating National Dairy Council (NDC):
- What NDC resources could I share with consumers?
- How does NDC research support dairy's health claims?
- What continuing education does NDC offer?
- How is NDC positioning dairy in dietary guidance?
- What school programs does NDC support?