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MILK Emerging Leaders Program

What is MILK?

The MILK (Maximizing Impact, Leadership & Knowledge) 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 are open now.

Apply Today

MILK at a Glance

Class II Schedule (2027-2028)

Nov. 2026 - Feb. 1 2027

Class II Applications Open

March 2027

Class II Selection

April 4-7 2027

Session I: Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (Details TBD)

October 5-8 2027

Session II: Denver, CO (Details TBD)

April 2028

Session III: (Location & Details TBD)

October 2028

Session IV: Lubbock, TX (Details TBD)

Sessions will kick off with dinner Monday evening and wrap up Thursday by lunch.

MILK Class I group photo

MILK Class I

We are extremely proud of the 11 outstanding individuals of MILK Class I. 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
  • 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.
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