Guest Columns

Perspective:
Industry Issues

Fostering resilience: A holistic approach to people and policy

Michael Dykes

Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, contributes this column bimonthly for Cheese Market News®.

The U.S. dairy industry is experiencing increasing uncertainties in the marketplace, facing an array of challenges stemming from evolving consumer demands, disruptive technologies, global shifts toward trade protectionism, and rising domestic and geopolitical tensions. To thrive in this rapidly changing landscape, we must prioritize resilience and sustainability through a comprehensive strategy that incorporates human resource (HR) practices and forward-thinking policy solutions. There are three key areas where these priorities will collectively create a more resilient dairy industry.

• Cultivating a strong workforce

The future of the dairy industry depends on how well we attract and retain talented and committed people.

That begins with strong investment in our human resource teams and putting HR at the forefront of our organizations. We must also commit to fostering diverse and inclusive work environments and leadership structures, and providing mentorship opportunities for the next generation of leaders. It is only through these gold-standard recruiting and retention efforts that we’ll stand a cut above the rest of our competitors and secure the best possible talents.

We will also have to address labor shortages, and that’s where federal policymaking plays a role. The U.S. has experienced a declining birth rate for the past 15 years. We are experiencing the aftermath of a tremendous exodus of workers from the labor pool since the start of the COVID pandemic, and our rural communities where many of our operations exist are grappling with a population decline. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is collaborating with partners across the food and agriculture sector to advocate for immigration reform, which would enable our industry to access more skilled and committed workers.

• Strengthening cybersecurity

As the dairy industry increasingly relies on digital technologies, from integrated manufacturing machinery in our plants to sophisticated supply chain management systems across our sector, it becomes more susceptible to cyber threats. IDFA recognizes this vulnerability and has recently announced a new partnership with the Food and Agriculture–Information Sharing Analysis Center (Food and Ag-ISAC) to improve information sharing and threat analysis within the industry. (For more information, visit www.idfa.org/news/idfa-partners-with-food-and-ag-isac-to-bolster-dairy-industry-cyber-defenses.)

HR strategies also play a pivotal role in bolstering cybersecurity. Regular training programs that educate employees at all levels on cybersecurity awareness, phishing threats and best practices can equip them to become the first line of defense against cyberattacks. By integrating cybersecurity into the industry’s DNA through both policy and people practices, we can ensure the safety of our data, systems and, ultimately, our products.

• Accelerating market development

Market development remains integral to our industry’s growth. Growing markets require product innovation and a deep understanding of consumers’ desires. Our industry must invest in people with fresh perspectives, collaborate with data and research firms, and enhance research and development capabilities to meet shifting consumer preferences regarding nutrition, taste, convenience and sustainability. Human resources also play a significant role in market development by fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning. Strategies such as cross-functional teams, open innovation platforms and partnerships with academic institutions can infuse fresh perspectives and ideas into the industry.

Once we have the products that meet consumers’ needs, we need market access. While we are currently in an environment where federal policymakers are shunning new trade agreements, we need to pivot and work closely with partners to remove barriers wherever they exist.

• Conclusion

The path to a more resilient dairy industry requires a holistic approach that blends robust HR practices with strategic policy solutions. Through collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers and the workforce, the dairy industry can achieve resilience, sustainability and growth, serving global communities with high-quality dairy nutrition. United, we can navigate the challenges of today and embrace the opportunities of tomorrow.

CMN

The views expressed by CMN’s guest columnists are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Cheese Market News®.

© 2026 Cheese Market News • Quarne Publishing, LLC • Legal Information • Online Privacy Policy • Terms and Conditions
Cheese Market News • Business/Advertising Office: P.O. Box 24 • Sun Prairie, WI 53590 • 608/831-6002
Cheese Market News • Editorial Office: 5315 Wall Street, Suite 100 • Madison, WI 53718 • 608/288-9090