IDFA and its members are focused on making the dairy industry the best place to work. To support this work, the IDFA communications team has partnered with member companies to highlight opportunities within the dairy industry for people of all backgrounds, as well as efforts to ensure all of our employees are valued, feel included, and feel supported. Below are resources for IDFA members: messages, graphics, and videos to support your internal and external communications and recruiting efforts.
Jump to:
- Recruiting Videos: "Careers in Dairy"
- Black History Month
- Women's History Month
- Hispanic Heritage Month
Recruiting Videos: Careers in Dairy
The International Dairy Foods Association is proud to present a video series for dairy businesses to utilize in the recruitment of employees for a wide variety of fields, including trucking and transportation, warehouse, research and development, quality assurance, and much more! IDFA members are encouraged to download the videos below to share during recruiting events and recurring promotions. Each video is also made available in Spanish at idfa.org/recruitment. IDFA is happy to edit the videos to incorporate IDFA member branding. If you are interested in a specific version for your company, please reach out to Andrew Jerome at ajerome@idfa.org.
Black History Month
From enslaved people forced to work in fields, ranches, and related trades, to modern growers and innovators, Black Americans have made significant and sustaining contributions to American agricultural science and production as well as food manufacturing. For Black History Month, IDFA recognized leaders who helped to shape our nation’s food and agriculture system, from education and farming, to nutrition and innovation. Find biographical information for 9 of these leaders, as well as Black History Month-themed graphics celebrating each of these individuals on this IDFA blog. The graphics are also available in Spanish.
Women's History Month
In celebration of women’s successes and commitment to the dairy industry, IDFA interviewed 8 individuals who support women's advancement, embody allyship, and who drive our industry toward greater retention and advancement of women in leadership. These Profiles of Women in Dairy spotlight some of the people who make the U.S. dairy industry innovative, thoughtful, and driven towards a successful future. Watch and download the videos here, or click one of the graphics below to jump to a specific video.
Women's History Month Graphics
IDFA also makes the following graphics available for download and use in celebration of Women’s History Month and the incredible women of the dairy industry. Find more messaging and information related to Women's History month in this IDFA blog.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 through October 15, recognizes the expansive diversity of many Hispanic backgrounds and the impact people of Hispanic heritage continue to have on our communities. This month-long celebration provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the incredible impact that the Hispanic community has on the dairy industry. On October 11, IDFA released an honest, insightful, and inspiring conversation about the experiences of Hispanic leaders in dairy. This conversation is a Spanish-language podcast that IDFA has made available to members to share with their employees, highlighting opportunity within the industry.
Find more resources and listen to the full podcast here.
Veteran's Day
Integrity, courage, commitment – veterans of the U.S. armed forces posses unique values and skillsets that lift up the dairy industry. IDFA recognizes the impact that veterans have on the dairy industry, and we appreciate their service both to our industry and our country. IDFA has produced a series of resources specifically looking at the opportunities and experiences of veterans in the dairy industry.
IDFA produces a bi-weekly podcast called The Dairy Download. In this episode, we spoke with two veterans who have successfully transitioned from active duty to leadership roles within the dairy industry.
How can veterans translate their military experience into marketable skills that companies look for when hiring? What difficulties do many veterans face when transitioning to civilian work? Air Force veteran Walter McClung, now the maintenance and facilities manager at Hilmar Cheese, shares how his military background has helped him manage employees and gives his insight into what other veterans can contribute to the industry.
We also hear from Mark Benson, chief procurement officer and vice president of government affairs and global responsibility at Leprino Foods. Before working in the dairy industry, Mark served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he managed leadership development trainings and was responsible for procurement and distribution for his battalion. Mark shares with us how he shifted from the service to corporate America, and what lessons he has brought with him from his time in the Marine Corps.
As part of the broader recruitment video series, Careers in Dairy, IDFA has also created a video that focuses on the opportunities for veterans in the dairy industry. Learn more and watch the full video!