In any competitive industry, staying ahead of the competition is vital, and having a job as a dairy producer is no different. With ever-evolving technology and changes in nationwide food preferences, securing the best training can give you a leg up on others in the dairy industry.

Whether you're starting off in the dairy distributor field or simply need a refresher course, it's vital to find the time to get the training you need. You may be able to find some training online, but be prepared to physically attend conferences or even internships. Before you determine where to obtain training for dairy producers, consider the following:

1. Get a degree that's geared toward dairy production.

2. Use associations and periodicals to obtain a job shadowing those who work for dairy companies.

3. Network with organizations to gain knowledge to become a successful dairy producer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Receive a degree to help further your career as a dairy supplier

Ideally, you should try to obtain classes in person at a college or university, but some schools offer degrees online. With an agriculture degree program, most schools offer science and business classes needed to comprehend how well the agriculture industry operates.

I recommend: Michigan State University offers dairy management professionals a chance to increase their awareness in the dairy production industry. You can download the brochure to learn more about the type of programs the university showcases. If online classes are more convenient, look to the University of Illinois and its Dairy Certificate Program. You can obtain an undergraduate degree as well as a graduate degree by completing the course.

Secure an internship or shadow a member of a dairy distributor to see the job firsthand

Certain universities or organizations can assist with finding internships with milk producers. Sometimes the best way to see if a job is an ideal fit is to experience it firsthand. By securing an internship, you can put your experience and training to the test, whether you choose a career as one of the milk producers, cream cheese producers or general dairy product suppliers.

I recommend: Sign up through the University of Wisconsin - Madison and its School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers. If you register for the class, you can secure an internship of two, four or six months long. The Hilmar Dairy Internship program is a two-month internship that helps interns learn what it's like to become a dairy manager. The National Dairy Shrine is an organization that brings together those interested in the dairy industry, including producers. On its site is a list of internships available through different organizations.

Use connections to increase your knowledge about dairy product distributors

Networking is one of the cornerstones to any industry; you often hear it's not what you know but who you know. If you're starting out in the dairy market or if you want to brush up on your skills, then it's best to keep current with any changes or improvements involving dairy products.

I recommend: Pencil in time to attend a phone or web conference, and check out the Dairy Alliance sponsored by Penn State. Its Lunchtime Series for New and Beginning Producers is geared toward dairy producers who are new to the industry and want to gain more experience. Check out the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, and think about attending one of its conferences or summits. The World Dairy Expo is a major trade show for the dairy industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider taking a leadership role in one of these organizations or associations geared toward milk companies. Once you garner enough training, pass the knowledge along to those who want to learn what you now know.

Milk producers, dairy product suppliers and dairy manufacturers align their interests to build a supply chain to get the best and freshest dairy products to retailers. Knowing the process and the dairy companies through which your products pass can give you an edge to your purchasing power and product selection.

Knowing your dairy product suppliers and which dairy producers they deal with allows you to find the newest and latest products for your customers. Products that come from lactose producers and cream cheese producers change with trends in consumer eating habits. Build a relationship with your dairy product distributors to:

1. Stay in tune with dairy product company trends

2. Leverage costs directly with dairy producers

3. Receive the best service from your dairy supplier

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Keep up with changing diet preferences to offer customers the latest from dairy manufacturers

Trends such as flavored and enhanced yogurts, lactose-free milk products and exotic cheeses are in part created by the dairy companies that staff their offices with nutritionists and marketers with their fingers on the consumers' pulse. Dairy product distributors choose their best retailers to test new products and to introduce trends.

I recommend: Organic Valley and other health-oriented dairy product suppliers offer cooperative terms directly to retailers and are on the cusp of the newest trends. Order directly from dairy product distributors such as Biazzo to get novelty dairy products others in your area may not carry.

Purchase the bulk of your dairy product from a large dairy product company for better deals

Milk producers who also process cheese, yogurt, cream and ice cream products can set you up with a dairy distributor who can deliver your orders promptly and at one time, eliminating delivery delays. Dairy manufacturers can keep you posted when they have excess product and get it out to you quickly for your customers to take advantage of the deals as well.

I recommend: Blue North Distributing carries a complete line of dairy production out of Wisconsin. On a larger scale, Vitasu can deliver dairy in bulk from dairy supplier sources around the world.

Build good relationships with your dairy product distributors and you will be rewarded

Taking time to acknowledge the drivers and talk a moment to the corporate office when you place your orders with your dairy distributor creates a better environment for everyone, including your customers who will receive the finest dairy. Milk companies and dairy product suppliers can be pivotal partners in your success as a retailer.

I recommend: Moses Organic is an organization that builds relationships between dairy producers, dairy product distributors and retailers that you can utilize. Trade associations such as SUSTA are also good places to join inter-relational organizations to take advantage of global relationships already in progress.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Listen to your customers as well as your vendors and don't be afraid to look for newer dairy product suppliers if your dairy supplier is not meeting your customers' needs.

The food business is an ever-changing one, and dairy producers are no different. Whether it involves packaging changes, new food guidelines or the types of food people are now eating, it's important to stay current with dairy trends. For instance, lactose producers and cream cheese producers might be more popular on one side of the country as opposed to the other.

Since it is an ever-evolving industry, you need to find several outlets to keep tabs on dairy production changes. It's better to have more sources than too few. When following dairy producers news and trends, consider the following:

1. Read through online sites catering to dairy distributor companies.

2. Peruse periodicals geared toward milk companies.

3. Maintain contact with organizations affiliated with dairy production.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research online sites about dairy manufacturers

Narrow your search on all things dairy, and find niche sites to stay up-to-date on any changes. Whether it's milk, cheese, yogurt or any other dairy-related food, finding online sites catering to your type of food is essential in an ever-changing industry.

I recommend: Look to Cheese Market News from Quarne Publishing to keep current with any changes in the cheese industry. Listed on its site is a link to new products recently introduced that can help improve your cheese production. Check out the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, which is ideal for a dairy product company. Search through its press releases, or you can look through its pages on such dairy delights as butter, yogurt, milk and ice cream.

Check out magazines published for dairy companies

There are quite a few dairy producer magazines available, so it may be overwhelming to sort through all of them. Pick a few of the best, and secure subscriptions. You can also see if certain publication sites have e-newsletters to receive in your e-mail box. This can keep you current to any changes that may happen between publications.

I recommend: Look to Dairy Herd Magazine from Vance Publishing, of which you can obtain a free subscription or sign up for its e-mail newsletter that can cater to dairy alerts. You can also check out its site to see daily updates regarding industry news. Hoard's Dairyman Magazine is a nationally-known magazine geared toward milk producers and farms. Begun as a journal in 1885, the magazine can be purchased through the site, or you can search through previous issues on its database. Check out Dairy Foods from BNP Media, which serves the dairy-processing industry. You can also subscribe to its e-newsletter through its site.

Maintain contact with national-based organizations dealing with dairy production

Leaders in the dairy industry are an ideal place to check for any changes in dairy producers news and trends. Maintained by a professional staff, these organizations receive the latest updates about anything dairy related. Stay in touch with these informational associations to ensure you're in compliance with any changes.

I recommend: Frequently visit the International Dairy Foods Association to check news updates and press releases about the industry, and consider becoming a member. The National Dairy Council, in business since 1915, has a place to sign up for its e-newsletter.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do a search online to read columns posted by dairy-industry leaders. This can be a valuable resource, as these columnists give an unbiased opinion regarding dairy companies and manufacturers.

When working among dairy producers, you need to know the difference between homogenized and pasteurized milk. These are just two key words that should be in your vernacular if you choose to work in the dairy business. Knowing these words can help you determine what type of dairy products you wish to sell, what type of milk to offer and what type of regulations by which you need to abide. Do your research, and you'll be on your way to milking a path to success.

Action Steps
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Butterfat

Butterfat is part of all types of milk, and dairy animals have their butterfat content tested several times. Whether it's on the specified test day at the dairy farm, throughout the lactation cycle or during the cow's lifetime, the butterfat is measured in pounds and provides the dairy farmer with a guide to how well the particular cow is performing.

I recommend: Learn what happens when butterfat is higher than the protein in milk at the Vermont DHIA.

Grade A milk

Grade A milk is produced and processed with the strictest sanitary regulations in mind. It is also inspected by public health authorities. In most areas, milk products used for human consumption in fluid form must be made of Grade A milk. About 90 percent of milk produced in the United States is this type.

I recommend: Visit the State of Michigan and its Department of Agriculture site to learn more about Grade A milk and how it's related to the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance of 2001.

Grade B milk

Grade B milk is produced and processed while adhering to sanitary regulations. Certain types of cheeses use Grade B milk after it goes through further processing.

I recommend: Visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture to learn more about Grade B milk.

Homogenized milk

Homogenized milk is milk that has been treated to make sure the fat globules are broken up. After it has been stored, the milk should have no visible cream separation.

I recommend: A partnership of universities, eXtension gives more information about homegenized milk and how it can be purchased.

Whey

Whey is what remains after the cheese is made and the curds are removed. It consists mostly of water and some milk solids. Today, whey can be made into a powdered form, which many in the bodybuilding industry use to enhance muscle. This powdered form is called whey protein and is available in two types: acid and sweet.

I recommend: Visit Dairy Management Inc. to learn more about acid and sweet whey as well as its nutritional information.

Pasteurization

For the pasteurization process to work, you need to heat the milk to 161 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds to kill off microorganisms. This is the most common type of pasteurization, called High Temperature Short Time, although there are several others that adhere to different temperatures and different time constraints.

I recommend: Read about the different pasteurization methods at the International Dairy Foods Association.