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OPERATIONS
priority to develop future leaders for our industry who can
effectively inspire the workforce of the future, advocate for
sound policy and lead with integrity, " said Michael Dykes,
president and chief executive officer, IDFA. " Every new
NextGen cohort offers a glimpse at some of the best and
brightest men and women rising through the ranks of our
industry. IDFA's NextGen Leadership Program will prepare
them to lead dairy into a new era. "
Once in the workforce, on-the-job training is essential to
the growth and success of the organization.
" Training is beneficial to both employers and employees,
as it leads to more productivity, better morale and promotion
opportunities for employees, " said Kimberlee (KJ) Burrington,
vice president of technical development for the American
Dairy Products Institute (ADPI). " In the long run, training
improves the employee's ability to adopt new technologies
and methods, which will help the company to remain
competitive in the market. "
Burrington said companies use training as an investment
in their employees because it provides knowledge-based
information and professional development for current and
future employees of the dairy industry.
US LABOR FORCE, BY AGE
17%
72%
1994
2004
2014
2024
15%
14%
11%
69%
65%
64%
12%
16%
22%
25%
Age 55+
Age 25-54
Age 16-24
Moreover, dairy companies are placing a renewed
emphasis on diversity and inclusion. By actively recruiting
from a broader pool of candidates, including women and
minorities, dairy processing plants are not only fostering a
more equitable workforce, but also tapping into the diverse
talents of individuals who may have previously felt excluded
from the industry.
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) offers a
training series for frontline dairy processing employees.
The trade association said its three-part series, which is
returning in early 2025, focuses on frontline leadership that
benefits new and experienced supervisors alike.
The sessions begin by asking dairy industry employees to
evaluate their current leadership skills and find opportunities
for growth. WCMA said the second part examines practical
approaches for emerging leaders to elevate their respective
team's work performance, and the third part helps attendees
identify strategies that drive productivity through cultivating a
positive, team-oriented environment.
" Many dairy companies have internal training courses to
provide these benefits to employees, but the United States
has many other training opportunities across the country
to expand the knowledge base on all things dairy and help
manage future challenges in the dairy industry, " she said.
IMPROVING WORKPLACE CULTURE
To make dairy processing jobs more appealing to younger
workers, the industry is also shifting its workplace
culture. Today, many dairy processors are implementing
flexible work hours, better safety protocols, and wellness
programs to create a more attractive and supportive
environment for employees.
34 JAN-FEB 2025 | DAIRYPROCESSING.COM
WCMA senior director of programs and policy Rebekah
Sweeney said the classes sell out each year.
" With over 1,000 graduates to date, WCMA's FrontLine
Leadership courses are the trusted choice for dairy
manufacturers, processors and suppliers who want to train -
and retain - their staff, " Sweeney said.
Sara Schmidt, WCMA membership director, said the
sessions strengthen first-time managers, as well as longtime
supervisors who need a refresher.
" Strong leadership skills are key to success in any dairy
processing business, and they're especially important for
managers on the front lines of production, " Schmidt said.
Innovation and adaptation will be key as the dairy industry
confronts the challenges of an aging workforce and labor
shortages. By embracing automation, investing in training
and development, and transforming workplace culture, the
industry is setting itself up for success in the years ahead.
©Quality Stock Arts-stock.adobe.com Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.DAIRYPROCESSING.COM

dp_2025_02_01

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of dp_2025_02_01

dp_2025_02_01 - Intro
dp_2025_02_01 - FC1
dp_2025_02_01 - FC2
dp_2025_02_01 - 1
dp_2025_02_01 - 2
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