IDFA expands leadership to strengthen USA dairy governance

USA – The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has announced a major update to its leadership structure with the addition of new members to its Executive Council and five Industry Segment Boards, reinforcing representative governance across the USA dairy sector.

IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes, D.V.M., emphasised that the newly appointed executives were selected for their proven leadership, industry experience and commitment to the future of dairy.

These leaders will play an active role in steering IDFA’s work on legislative, regulatory, communications, membership and workforce initiatives that impact dairy producers, processors and suppliers nationwide.

The expanded governance lineup includes key officers with terms extending through 2027 — such as Chair Daragh Maccabee (CEO, Idaho Milk Products) and Vice Chair Joe Diglio (President & CEO, Michigan Milk Producers Association) — reflecting representation from major dairy manufacturing and cooperative organisations.

These roles will help shape operational priorities and strategic direction during a period of dynamic market and policy challenges.

Each of the five Industry Segment Boards also received new leadership. For example, the Fluid Milk Board is headed by Chair Thomas d’Hemecourt and Vice Chair Joe Carson, while the Cheese Board is led by Chair Sheryl Meshke and Vice Chair Jeff Gentine.

These industry segment boards provide expert, product-specific insight and help align sector strategies with broader IDFA objectives.

In addition to board chairs and vice chairs, the Executive Council now includes directors with terms through 2027-2029, drawing on expertise from across the dairy value chain — from grassroots cheese makers to executives of large cooperatives such as Dairy Farmers of America.

This diverse leadership slate underscores IDFA’s commitment to inclusive governance that reflects the complexity of today’s dairy market.

IDFA highlights global dairy trade barriers & urges diversification of USA export markets

In 2025, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) submitted formal comments to the Office of the USA Trade Representative (USTR) identifying key trade barriers affecting USA dairy exports.

The comments urge the Administration to take proactive decisive action to improve U.S. dairy’s global market access and competitiveness.

IDFA’s comments highlight persistent and emerging trade challenges in critical markets for U.S. dairy exporters, including Canada, China, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Algeria, and the Dominican Republic.

The submission advocates for the Administration to swiftly address these concerns while also commending USTR’s recent progress on trade barriers, such as expanded halal certification acceptance in Indonesia and simplified dairy plant registration in Costa Rica.

Subscribe to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa, the Middle East and around the world. SUBSCRIBE HERE