Five participants were recently selected for the new Board Mentor Program launched by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan during its annual meeting March 2 in St. Johns. They are Jason Griffin of Hastings, Kent Inniger of Middleton, Abigail O’Farrell of West Branch, Katelyn Packard of Manchester and Sanne Van Loon of Saint Louis.

UDIM’s Board Mentor Program is designed to develop and identify future dairy leaders, increase knowledge and understanding of UDIM programs, and spread the word about dairy promotion programs.

“UDIM offers many great programs to help dairy farmers better promote their agriculture story within their communities. I want to learn more about UDIM and their programs,” says Packard about her participation in the program.

Current UDIM board members will be actively involved with the program through sharing organization and program information with the group. Participants will be tasked with sharing this information with their peers and fellow dairy producers who have questions about the checkoff. Communications workshops will help participants fine-tune their leadership skills by the end of the program.

“UDIM’s work promoting dairy foods keeps milk, cheese and yogurt top-of-mind with consumers and builds confidence in dairy farmers’ on-farm practices,” says Jim Reid, UDIM president and Jeddo dairy farmer. “It’s important for the future of Michigan’s dairy community that we also attract new ideas and develop future dairy farmer leaders.”

Board Mentor Program participants will attend two of the four 2018 UDIM board meetings, learn about dairy promotion program updates and UDIM history, develop leadership and communication skills, and participate in dairy promotion events to see how UDIM’s programs connect to consumers.

Source: UDIM