In the heart of the bustling World Dairy Expo, two passionate dairy farmers took the stage to share their love and commitment for the dairy industry with AgriTalk’s host, Chip Flory. Gail Klinkner from Wisconsin and Charles Krause from Minnesota, both esteemed board members of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), engaged in a lively discussion about their roles as producers and board members, revealing a profound dedication to both their craft and community engagement.
Building Community through Experience
Klinkner, alongside her husband Rob and their five children, runs a small, thriving Holstein and Jersey farm in Viroqua, Wis. Their commitment to community engagement is evident in their on-farm store that sells beef, pork, and lamb and invites locals to experience farm life first-hand.
“We have a couple of evenings on the farm in the summer, and we invite people out at chore time, so they get that experience and that hands-on experience,” Klinkner shares. This initiative not only educates the public about farm operations but also strengthens ties within their community.
Educating the Public and Embracing Transparency
Meanwhile, Charles Krause and his son Andrew operate a farm with 350 Holstein cows near Minneapolis. They open their barn doors for tours frequently, emphasizing transparency and education about food origins. Krause shared that their farm hosts several groups, notably drawing 2,000 attendees for their breakfast on the farm event.
“There are so many ways to engage with the public,” he notes, highlighting the importance of creating connections between consumers and producers.
Innovating through the National Dairy Checkoff
Both Klinkner and Krause are enthusiastic advocates for the National Dairy Checkoff program, which they view as a beacon of innovation. Krause introduced DairyCheckoff.com, a newly launched platform aiming to serve as a comprehensive resource for dairy producers.
“Go to DairyCheckoff.com and any questions you have, you should be able to get answered,” he explained, encouraging producers to leverage this tool to connect with board members, read stories, and access podcasts. Through these resources, the checkoff seeks to facilitate understanding and visibility of where farmers’ contributions are directed.
Klinkner echoed Krause’s sentiments, underscoring the importance of clear communication and sharing the board members’ roles and efforts. She pointed out the noteworthy international partnerships with brands like Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Domino’s, and Taco Bell, demonstrating the checkoff’s commitment to meeting consumer demand.
Adapting to Consumer Tastes
Reflecting on evolving consumer preferences, Krause notes how cheese has evolved from a mere garnishment to a menu centerpiece, particularly at restaurants like Taco Bell. The Mt. Dew Baja Mountain Blast, featuring 100% real full-fat cream, exemplifies how dairy products have seamlessly integrated into mainstream menus, becoming a staple for younger generations.
“Taco Bell’s the number one stop for Gen Z,” Krause observes, indicating the dynamic shifts in eating habits and the dairy industry’s role in accommodating these changes.
To listen to the entire conversation between Klinkner, Krause and Flory on AgriTalk, go to AgriTalk-10-2-24-Farmer Forum 1 - AgriTalk - Omny.fm
