Midwest Dairy
By Midwest Dairy Association
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to Midwest Dairy regional checkoff organization. Learn about dairy promotion in 10 Midwest states, school programs, retail partnerships, and...
Midwest Dairy is one of the largest regional dairy promotion organizations in the United States, serving dairy farmers in 10 states: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. The organization executes checkoff-funded programs tailored to Midwestern consumers.
School programs represent a major focus. Midwest Dairy works with school nutrition directors throughout the region to promote milk consumption, develop engaging cafeteria experiences, and implement wellness programs. Fuel Up to Play 60 reaches thousands of schools with NFL partnership support.
Retail partnerships connect dairy with major grocery chains in the region. Midwest Dairy develops promotional campaigns, provides point-of-sale materials, and coordinates with retailers on dairy merchandising. Foodservice development works with restaurants and institutions to increase dairy on menus.
Farmer engagement ensures producer voice in priorities. A board of dairy farmers governs the organization, with committees providing additional input. Annual meetings, farm tours, and communications keep farmers informed and involved.
Consumer outreach through social media, events, and community programs builds positive dairy perceptions. Mobile dairy classrooms bring dairy education to schools and events. Farmer spokespeople tell the dairy story through media and consumer interactions.
Registered dietitian staff provides nutrition expertise for health professional outreach and consumer education, ensuring science-based messaging throughout programs.
Key Features
- School Milk Programs: Working with schools region-wide. Cafeteria promotion. Fuel Up to Play 60. Student engagement.
- Retail Partnerships: Grocery chain relationships. In-store promotion. Dairy merchandising support.
- Foodservice Development: Restaurant partnerships. Menu development. Chef education. Institutional sales.
- Consumer Outreach: Social media marketing. Community events. Consumer education. Positive messaging.
- Farmer Engagement: Producer governance. Annual meetings. Communications. Farmer spokesperson program.
- Mobile Dairy Classroom: Educational program visiting schools and events. Consumer connection with farming.
Advanced Features
- Registered Dietitian Team: Nutrition expertise. Health professional outreach. Science-based messaging.
- Farmer Spokesperson Program: Training farmers for media. Consumer storytelling. Industry ambassadors.
- Digital Marketing: Social media presence. Digital advertising. Online engagement.
- Crisis Communications: Media relations capability. Industry defense. Response coordination.
- Research and Measurement: Program evaluation. Consumer research. Effectiveness tracking.
- State Fair Presence: Major fair exhibits. Consumer sampling. Agricultural education.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Dairy farms in 10-state region, All production systems
Competitive Advantages
What sets Midwest Dairy apart from alternatives:
- 10-state regional reach
- Farmer-governed organization
- Extensive school program network
- Major retail partnerships
- Registered dietitian expertise
- Mobile dairy classroom engagement
- Farmer spokesperson program
- Digital marketing capability
- Annual meeting farmer access
- Localized promotion relevance
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for Midwest Dairy:
Midwest Dairy funded through $0.15/cwt checkoff. Up to $0.10/cwt credited from national assessment.
Pricing Model: Funded through dairy checkoff ($0.15/cwt national assessment)
Prices verified Q1 2024. Mandatory for all milk marketed commercially.
Pros & Considerations
- Regional focus on Midwest dairy markets
- Consumer marketing and education
- School and community programs
- Producer engagement opportunities
- Farmer-led board governance
- Regional scope limits reach
- Indirect impact on individual farms
- Funded through checkoff contributions
- Results measured at market level
Implementation & Setup
How to implement Midwest Dairy on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Ongoing—year-round programming. Checkoff-funded.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for Midwest Dairy:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating Midwest Dairy:
- Am I in the Midwest Dairy region?
- What programs operate in my area?
- How can I get involved as a producer?
- What school programs are available locally?
- How is Midwest Dairy using my checkoff?