MILK
What is MILK?
The MILK Emerging Leaders Program empowers the next generation of dairy farmers with the leadership skills, industry connections and checkoff knowledge needed to make a lasting impact.
Backed by research from Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), the program is built for young and ambitious farmers who want to grow their leadership potential, advocate for the industry and deepen their understanding of the dairy checkoff.
At the heart of the program is the belief that first-hand, in-person experiences are essential to developing strong, informed dairy leaders. Through immersive visits, face-to-face networking and real-world learning opportunities, MILK participants gain a deeper understanding of how dairy promotion and partnerships work - insight that simply can’t be replicated in a classroom or online.
Who Should Apply?
This program is open to dairy farmers from across the Dairy MAX region who are looking to:
- Strengthen their leadership and advocacy skills
- Expand their industry network
- Gain hands-on experience with dairy promotion efforts
Applications for MILK Class II will be announced in late 2026.
How Does MILK Work?
Program Sessions
- October 2025: In-person session – Dallas–Fort Worth, TX
- February 2026: Virtual session
- April 2026: In-person session – Denver, CO
- June/July 2026: Virtual session
- October 2026: In-person session – Lubbock, TX
- Late 2026/Early 2027: Graduation, recognition at Dairy MAX Board Meeting (Location and Date TBD)
Meet the Inaugural Class
We are honored to welcome 12 outstanding individuals into the first MILK class. They represent the future of dairy — diverse in background, geography and experience, but united in their passion for the industry:
- Gerret Boer – Dalhart, Texas
- Cody DeWit – Dublin, Texas
- Ashlyn Dinis – Orchard, Colorado
- Joshua Docheff – Mead, Colorado
- Pablo Garcia – Lakin, Kansas
- Sydney Goodsell – Plains, Kansas
- Joe Huereque – Horizon City, Texas
- Tammo Mellema – Dalhart, Texas
- Cole Schaap – Clovis, New Mexico
- Lars Schilderink – Hart, Texas
- Bart Van Ruiten – Iredell, Texas
- Chantz Williamson – Dublin, Texas
Questions?
Contact your Dairy MAX Territory Manager for more details.
Wade Howard: howardw@dairymax.org
Kamy Whatley: whatleyk@dairymax.org
