The Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center (MDFRC) hosted the 2024 Spring planning meeting on May 7 and 8 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The operational advisory committee, farmers, processors, and Midwest Dairy staff attended this two-day meeting, which kicked off on May 7 with a tour of the new pilot plant at the University of Minnesota.
May 8 was filled with updates from Iowa State University, the University of Minnesota, and South Dakota State University. These University updates were followed by updates from Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) and Midwest Dairy. DMI presented opportunities for dairy in the health and wellness space. Maureen Windisch from Midwest Dairy presented on consumer trends in dairy. Attendees then transitioned into breakout sessions on the center’s new focus areas. At the end of 2023, the MDFRC restructured and implemented a new strategic plan to improve the future of the center’s research. What used to be four focus areas are now two: Consumer Solutions and Industry Solutions. The operational advisory committee members met in small breakout sessions to brainstorm research that falls within these two focus areas. The governing board ensures that research topics meet DMI’s national research priorities, benefit the dairy industry, and fit the faculty expertise and university resources.
We look forward to seeing everyone again on July 31 and August 1 in Minnesota for the MDFRC annual meeting. The meeting includes evaluating and scoring research proposals for potential funding in the next cycle. We are eager to see the ideas being brought to us this year and are excited to see what else the MDFRC holds for 2024.