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Annual Report

How Checkoff Pays Off

Everything we do at Dairy MAX starts with you. Your dedication and investment continue to fuel real momentum for dairy, and 2025 showed just how powerful that momentum can be. Nationally, dairy grew across most major categories—and your checkoff dollars helped build on that strength. This year, Dairy MAX’s work directly increased dairy consumption by 10.5 million milk pounds, supported stronger industry relationships, engaged the next generation of consumers, and expanded partnerships that drive demand across digital, retail and community channels. This report highlights the meaningful impact of your investment and how, together, we’re moving dairy forward.

Explore the full 2025 annual report below to see Dairy MAX’s impact in action.

Youth Engagement

Reaching the next generation is essential for long‑term dairy demand, and 2025 marked major progress. This year, Dairy MAX connected with young consumers through creative platforms, fresh storytelling and experiences tailored to how they learn, play and engage. These efforts strengthened dairy’s relevance and built meaningful connections with the consumers of tomorrow.

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Social media buttons icon
140,000,000
views on Better With Dairy social media channels, Dairy MAX's consumer-facing brand focused on showing Gen Z dairy's delicious benefits
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Gaming controller
725,000
plays on Diner Tycoon, Dairy MAX's new Fortnite world
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Sports icon with balls
13,695
student athletes reached with dairy messaging through in-person youth sports events
Farmer Relations

Strengthening relationships with dairy farmers and industry partners remained central to our work in 2025. This year, Dairy MAX invested in deeper connections, leadership development and programs that support your priorities. These efforts helped build trust, elevate farmer voices and ensure your perspectives continue shaping the future of dairy in our region.

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high school student athletes holding chocolate milk
12
farming communities impacted through the Fueled by Farmers program, which helps rural schools provide a consistent supply of milk to student athletes
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MILK emerging leaders cohort
11
young dairy farmers selected for the MILK Emerging Leaders program, which exposes them to all parts of the dairy supply chain, professional development and leadership opportunities
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Dairy farmer looking at phone
1,616,403
times digital Dairy MAX ads showcasing checkoff work were served to dairy farmers within our region
Consumer Engagement

In 2025, Dairy MAX showed up where consumers shop, scroll and make decisions—ensuring dairy stays relevant in an increasingly digital marketplace. Through strategic partnerships, online activation and consistent outreach, we reinforced dairy’s value and kept the products made from your milk top‑of‑mind, driving stronger connections and demand across today’s most influential consumer channels.

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ecommerce icon
3,600,000
incremental milk pounds were sold and consumed through Dairy MAX's e-commerce campaigns on sites like Instacart.
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fast food icon
247,500+
incremental milk pounds sold and consumed through food service partnerships like Marco's Pizza, Smoothie King and Krystals'
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money icon
$9,000,000
in dairy sales driven through Dairy MAX's business development partnerships with retail partnerships.
Stakeholder Engagement

In 2025, Dairy MAX strengthened relationships with partners who help bring dairy’s benefits to millions of families. By working closely with schools, community organizations and industry allies, we expanded access to dairy and supported programs that reflect your values—ensuring your investment continues to make a meaningful difference across the our communities.

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Students with dairy beverages at school
6,700,000
incremental milk pounds sold and consumed through school meals and programs
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Chef with football player
103,000,000
number of people reached through a social media cooking series with Dallas Cowboys Defensive player Solomon Thomas and Chef Tiffany Derry, where cottage cheese was the primary ingredient
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webinar
3,600
healthcare professionals and partners educated and equipped with science-based tools and resources that prioritize dairy in a healthy diet
Media

In 2025, Dairy MAX amplified trust and visibility by taking your story into some of the most influential media environments. Through strategic media outreach and thought leadership, we competed for headline space in top outlets like Yahoo! News, MSN and the Associated Press. On television alone, we secured 82 earned segments, translating complex nutrition and dairy topics into clear, relatable stories backed by credible experts. These placements delivered powerful results, showing that when dairy shows up in trusted spaces, consumers listen, engage and act.

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news icon
1.24B
combined potential audience size for all news articles and TV segments mentioning Dairy MAX
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tv icon
20,700,000
combined TV viewership on lifestyle segments

Budget & Financial Overview

 

Administrative & Staffing

$9,509,426

United Dairy Industry Association

$6,099,578

Business Development

$3,721,357

Corporate Communications

$2,307,835

Health & Wellness

$876,152

Industry Image & Relations

$794,061

U.S. Dairy Export Council

$500,000

Sustainability

$266,533

School Marketing

$212,901