Dairy’s Foundation: Built on partnership, focused on the future

Like a single seed planted with purpose, Dairy’s Foundation® has taken root, flourished, and now blooms for the good of the entire dairy sector.

Established by the producer-led Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP), the Foundation was created to ensure that education, leadership development, and forward-thinking innovation would thrive beyond a single farm, organization, or state. What began to serve dairy producers has expanded to a national effort.

Today, Dairy’s Foundation is the only publicly held foundation dedicated solely to strengthening the entire dairy community from coast to coast. Its growth reflects a shared commitment across the industry to cultivate talent, inspire leaders, and secure a vibrant future.

Planting the seed

In 2002, the Professional Dairy Producers Foundation (PDPF) was created as a stand-alone 501(c)(3) charitable organization, designed to raise funds and award grants that would elevate dairy education nationwide. It provided a meaningful pathway for individuals and organizations to invest in far-reaching educational initiatives.

As PDP’s charitable partner, the Foundation was built to prepare producers for today’s challenges and the industry’s evolving landscape. It supported dairy leaders in developing public affairs, leadership and communication skills, while also nurturing the next generation through youth engagement and career development.

From the beginning, this was more than a program. It was a promise.

When the Foundation was originally established, PDP was still referred to as Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, acknowledging its birthplace in America’s Dairyland. Bearing that in mind, PDPF also concentrated its focus on building the dairy industry primarily in Wisconsin. Over time, PDP began extending its reach beyond state borders, as did the Foundation. This broadening of PDPF’s impact prompted a name change to “Dairy’s Foundation”.

Expanding impact

While deeply connected to PDP, Dairy’s Foundation has generously supported more than its sister organization. From partnering with other organizations in the dairy community and value chain to creating a nationwide grant program, the Foundation’s investments have helped launch innovative outreach programs, expand access to dairy education, and strengthen communities in meaningful, measurable ways.

Through its dual approach of funding new ideas and amplifying existing programs, Dairy’s Foundation has become a catalyst for progress. Each grant and program are seeds planted in fertile ground that have grown together, yielding a stronger, more connected dairy industry.

Looking ahead

As Dairy’s Foundation and PDP look to the future, the focus is clear: build on this legacy with intention and purpose.

In 2025, Dairy’s Foundation was designated a PDP Legacy Partner to represent the next chapter in this journey. It serves as a cornerstone to deepen partnerships, expand reach, and ensure that the Foundation’s work continues to evolve alongside the needs of the dairy industry.

As a Legacy Partner, the Foundation aims to:

These commitments are not just about honoring the past, they’re about securing the future.

A stronger dairy community

For nearly 25 years, Dairy’s Foundation has supported programs and initiatives of all sizes, with a focus on building a stronger, more connected dairy community. Many of these programs continue today, while others served as a launching pad for the next generation of programs and ideas.

2002
  • Provided 50 grants to dairy farms to develop their first nutrient management plans. This is the first of a number of environmental and sustainability initiatives supported by the Foundation, totaling more than $680,000 in environmental initiatives over 24 years.
2003
  • Supported Agricultural Community Engagement® (ACE) partnership with Wisconsin Towns Association and Wisconsin Counties Association.
  • Placed international students from Mexico in Enhanced Internship Program.
2004
  • Funded the first Youth Leadership Derby for high school students.
2005
  • Supported National Dairy Animal Well-Being Initiative, which developed principles and guidelines for animal welfare.
2008
  • Provided support to the development of Wisconsin Dairy Industry Crisis Preparedness Plan.
2010
  • The first ACE® On-the-Farm Twilight Meeting was held, bringing together farmers, community members, legislators and leaders for tours, conversations and ice cream each summer. Over 60 events have been held.
  • Launched an application-based grant program for nonprofit organizations across the country to request funds. To date, more than $373,000 has been granted to programs nationwide.
2011
  • Supported a food system initiative to connect food companies and allied industry professionals with modern farming practices.
  • Supported the development of Agricultural Professional Partnerships® (APPs) curriculum for non-farm professionals.
2012
  • Partnered with Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association to develop the “What Matters” initiative which encompassed food safety, drug residues, proper drug use and education.
2014
  • Supported the creation of Cornerstone Dairy Academy® international dairy leadership program. More than 580 dairy producers and industry professionals have experienced the three-tier program.
2018
  • Supported the development of the Financial Literacy for Dairy® program, the only financial training program created solely for the dairy industry to meet the specific needs for professional management.
2019
  • Provided support for dairy producer peer groups.
  • Supported the creation of the Dairy Managers Institute® to give managers the skills and strategies to develop themselves and their teams.
2020
  • Supported the development of STRIDE™ Youth Leadership Conference for high school students, hosted in partnership with Wisconsin colleges and universities to strengthen leadership skills and introduce young people to career opportunities in the dairy industry.
2021
  • Supported the Future of Success™ Youth Program for high school students to improve communications skills as a component of the annual PDP Business Conference.
2024
  • Provided funding to create the producer-led environmental initiative, Your Farm – Your Footprint®, which gives dairy producers the opportunity to learn their environmental footprint score and position their dairies for the future.
2026
  • Celebrated the 30th anniversary of the PDP Mentor Program, which has connected more than 1,100 students with progressive dairy farms. The Foundation is a key supporter of the mentor program.

Continuing the journey together

The story of Dairy’s Foundation and PDP is one of vision, partnership, and shared purpose. It’s a story of seeds planted with care, nurtured through collaboration, and brought to life through the dedication of an entire industry.

And it’s still being written. Together, we can continue growing something that matters: investing in people, strengthening communities and ensuring that dairy education will thrive for generations.

When we plant with purpose, we don’t just grow programs; we grow possibilities.