UDIM and FDF Deliver More Than Milk in 2025
It was a year of growth and partnership as the checkoff shaped its strategic partnership and strengthened relationships with parents, influencers and online shoppers.
- United Dairy Industry of Michigan and Florida Dairy Farmers merged to expand dairy demand and strengthen farmer partnerships across Michigan and Florida.
- E-commerce and influencer campaigns drive growth, with Instacart promotions generating more than $1.3 million in dairy sales and 1.1 million incremental pounds of milk sold.
- Dairy farmers deliver health, performance and flavor, connecting with families, athletes and health professionals to celebrate dairy’s everyday benefits.
OKEMOS, Mich. [Dec. 9, 2025] – As United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) and Florida Dairy Farmers (FDF) joined forces this year, both organizations continue to share dairy’s story, amplify its message and find operational efficiencies to better serve farmers and consumers alike.
“Our focus is to optimize and create market growth for dairy farmers in Michigan and Florida while reaching an ever-growing population in Florida,” says Melissa Gerharter, UDIM/FDF CEO. “Our organizations have come together to form a shared vision designed to increase dairy demand and build on dairy’s health benefits and its role as a preferred product by consumers.”
Strengthening Influence and Consumer Connections
To bring that vision to life, the checkoff has deepened its relationships with key influencers who share authentic content highlighting dairy’s importance, from fueling childhood development to supporting active lifestyles and inspiring everyday food culture. These partnerships help reinforce dairy’s relevance and credibility across audiences who value wellness and nutrition.
At the same time, UDIM and FDF are expanding their impact in the digital marketplace. “We’re also making incredible strides in connecting with online consumers through our e-commerce campaigns, significantly influencing dairy purchases,” Gerharter notes. For example, three campaigns with online retailer Instacart resulted in more than $1.3 million in dairy sales and more than 1.1 million pounds of incremental milk sold, a clear signal that dairy resonates in the online shopping space.
Building Momentum Through Partnerships
Beyond digital efforts, UDIM and FDF continue to strengthen community and health-based partnerships. From powerful sports collaborations that connect athletes and fans to dairy’s performance benefits, to expanding physician outreach from Detroit and Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Orlando, Florida, this work underscores dairy’s role in balanced nutrition. Every initiative helps build a stronger bridge between dairy farmers and consumers.
Together, these efforts set the stage for an even more dynamic year ahead, one filled with continued growth, innovation and pride in the healthy nutrition dairy farmers work hard to bring to consumers’ tables.
Make Dairy Part of Your Holiday Plans
As the holiday season approaches, Michigan and Florida dairy farmers invite everyone to share in the healthy goodness of dairy. From their families to yours, here are two recipes sure to help make spirits bright.
“We’re looking forward to an exciting and successful new year for our teams and our farmers, and building on these efforts to share the wonderful, nourishing benefits dairy brings to everyone,” Gerharter concludes.
For more dairy-inspired recipes and to learn more about UDIM and FDF, visit milkmeansmore.org. and floridamilk.com.
About the United Dairy Industry of Michigan
The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) is dedicated to serving Michigan’s hard-working dairy farm families and promoting Michigan’s locally produced dairy products. UDIM is the umbrella organization for the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of Michigan. These non-profit organizations provide dairy product promotion and nutrition education services on behalf of their funding members.
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Captions:
UDIM_holiday-baked-brie.jpg: This baked brie is a sure holiday crowd-pleaser.
FDF_frozen-hot-chocolate-shake.png: Enjoy a sip of hot chocolate on ice with this delicious shake.
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