We have farmers to thank who in 1915 had a vision of investing in research to identify dairy’s health and wellness benefits and educate the public about them. Thus, NDC was founded, and my talented colleagues and I are proud to be part of the legacy and journey to carry forward the mission those farmers created.

One of the best aspects of NDC’s rich history is that other reputable health and wellness organizations recognize the science-based approach to our work and our team’s strong credentials as scientists and health professionals. This has helped foster relationships and collaborations with leading health authorities such as the Mayo Clinic, National Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and others.

In fact, we like to say NDC’s reputational gains come through other people’s voices.

Building relationships with these respected entities creates powerful third-party endorsements for all that dairy delivers nutritionally but also that the farmers who make these foods available do so with the utmost integrity and respect for their land and animals.

NDC continues to identify ways we can protect and grow dairy’s reputation and here are some examples of how we are doing that, particularly with emerging leaders in the health and wellness community.

Endowed Early Career Researcher Award – NDC established the first Endowed Early Career Researcher award with the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) this year. The award was presented at ASN’s annual conference in July and displays our commitment to supporting research and the next generation of scientists discovering more of dairy’s health and wellness benefits. Our inaugural winner, Dr. Arashdeep Singh, is the type of young researcher who embodies the qualities and vision we want to celebrate and be aligned with. Dr. Singh’s studies have shown that increasing whey protein intake can help in weight management and improved metabolic health. He also has explored the potential benefits of lactoferrin and lactalbumin – two components of whey – and how they may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that could help prevent and manage obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. His work has significant implications for public health and the dairy industry.

NextGen Scientist program – Also this year, NDC launched the NextGen Scientist program, a professional mentorship opportunity with rising academic leaders, scientists and health professionals. We have 11 young experts from highly regarded universities as well as historically black colleges. Each member is teaching and reaching undergraduate and graduate students and therefore is having an immediate impact. That is crucial as these leaders are considered trustworthy with younger consumers, yet they may not have a full understanding of dairy’s nutrition portfolio and how it is produced. Over the program’s three years, members are participating in immersive dairy experiences, skill-building activities

and growing their leadership voice. Their meetings with us include visits to the heart of our industry: dairy farms.

Contributing to nutrition guidance – Another important aspect of our work is one we have been doing for some time: participating in the public process of the next edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). While the current version won’t be announced until 2025, the process of gathering input from respected sources is underway. Public entities are invited to participate in submitting written comments and providing oral testimony. I am excited to represent NDC and provide oral testimony for the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Committee meeting in mid-September. NDC’s role is to provide fact-based information as we cannot influence government policy. We have been submitting written comments throughout the 2025-2030 process, but this is the first meeting of this cycle where participants provide recorded video testimony to representatives of the departments of agriculture and health and human services.

Participants are allowed a 2-minute window to provide comments, which is pretty brief when you consider all that dairy delivers! My insights focused on these science-based points of interest:

· The health benefits of dairy are backed by decades of peer-reviewed science supporting its role in health promotion and reducing risk of diet-related diseases.

· Emerging research indicates the unique dairy food matrix may help explain the mechanistic link between eating dairy (at a variety of fat levels) and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

· Milk and dairy foods are among the least expensive dietary sources of calcium, vitamin D and potassium – three of the four nutrients of public health concern.

Dairy farmers’ commitment to investing in research, education and partnerships with credible health organizations that launched NDC’s leadership in 1915 continues today. The talented team at NDC, in collaboration with the health experts from state and regional organizations, innovate in new ways to make an impact in improving public health through a one-plan, one-team nationwide approach.

And that’s a system built to stand the test of time.