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After a fact-finding mission to Japan and Hong Kong, DMI board members have continued to explain the dairy checkoff’s investment in exports, generating 367 social media posts.
On November 2-10, 2018, four dairy farmers participated in an U.S. Dairy Export Council fact-finding and promotional mission to Japan and China, two vital markets for the U.S. dairy industry.
All four serve as active board members of Dairy Management Inc., the parent organization, primary funder and founder of USDEC back in 1995 when checkoff leaders launched an ambitious effort to dramatically expand the U.S. dairy industry's global footprint.
The effort has paid off. Since then, exports have increased 619%, to more than $5.5 billion in 2018.
Over the years, USDEC farmer missions have created opportunities for DMI board members to tell see with their own eyes the challenges and opportunities of what USDEC is trying to accomplish overseas.
On the trip, they embody the values and commitment of U.S. Dairy to our global customers. They then come home to inform their fellow farmer-funders about the checkoff's return on investment and prospects for future global growth.
This year's mission was unique because all four farmers, accompanied by Corey Geiger of Hoard's Dairyman, tapped the power of social media to tell the story of their day-to-day activities in real time.
In many ways, the 2018 mission has become "the trip that keeps on giving." To date, it has generated 367 social media posts reaching a potential audience of 1.286 million, according to Meltwater News, a media monitoring service.
What follows are examples of social and news media coverage, in reverse chronological order.
Coverage continues after the mission ...
The mission has become "the trip that keeps on giving" as the four dairy farmers who attended, along with Corey Geiger of Hoard's Dairyman, serve as ambassadors for U.S. dairy exports.Trip gave Nebraska farmer insight into the "Next 5%." See Lowell Mueller's comments to Nebraska State Dairy Association here.
Farmers show how the U.S. dairy industry lives its values for global customersU.S. dairy exports start with farmer passion for sustainability, customer focus, animal care and efficiency. https://t.co/HodLFcELUj #gotdairyjobs #UndeniablyDairy pic.twitter.com/pK1JdOTYAX
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) April 9, 2019
7 things farmers need to know about their investment in exportsDairy farmer Marilyn Hershey and chair of Dairy Management Inc. board went to Japan and Hong Kong last November to learn more about market opportunities for U.S. dairy exports. She lists 7 things farmers need to know about their investment in exports https://t.co/FQSfmq9YdC pic.twitter.com/eQ6rfRXVw3
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) January 28, 2019
Thanks to U.S. Council General in Hong Kong and his wife for hosting wine and cheese receptionThey opened their home to help sell #cheese. #HDIntel #dairy https://t.co/1PjfTqAu21 pic.twitter.com/Zt9cokJshg
— Hoard's Dairyman (@HoardsDairyman) January 21, 2019
Lowell Mueller shares his experiences on Midwest Dairy podcastAsia is the 3rd largest consumer of U.S. cheese. Hear more about #USDairyExport opportunities on #DairyontheAir podcast. Lowell Mueller, @ViviewFarms, shares about his trade mission trip to Asia & opportunities for dairy. @USDairyExporter @LucasLentsch https://t.co/bnI2Bkr0xI
— Midwest Dairy (@MidwestDairy) December 21, 2018
Why four DMI board members are optimistic about exports after Asia tripSince returning from a November mission to Asia, four dairy farmers--Marilyn Hershey @dairy_activist, Brad Scott @udderdelite, Lowell Mueller @viviewfarms and Cheri Chapin--have been sharing optimism about #usdairyexports https://t.co/VItAL2dt0o https://t.co/qMGayaGYoi pic.twitter.com/bUIvQYVuKn
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) December 18, 2018
Wine and cheese reception brought U.S. cheese exporters together with potential cheese buyers in Southeast AsiaTasting is believing when selling U.S. #cheese. #agchat #foodchat #HDIntel https://t.co/dBZ5MLyfts pic.twitter.com/ccezxqHkLA
— Hoard's Dairyman (@HoardsDairyman) November 19, 2018
Lowell Mueller shares his optimism for exports in radio interviewListen to this interview! Lowell Mueller was one of the DMI board members who traveled to Asia to evaluate and promote the dairy checkoff’s investment in exports. Interview with Chad Moyer at KTIC AM840/98.3FM #USdairyExports @USDairyExporter @MidwestDairy https://t.co/UQhC6ov1ew
— ViView Farms, Inc. (@ViviewFarms) November 17, 2018
Saturday, November 10
Returning home after productive week
After week in Japan, Hong Kong learning about market opportunities for #USdairyExports, four US dairy farmers @dairy_activist @udderdelite @cchapin60 @viviewfarms along w/ @hoardsdairyman are at Hong Kong airport for flight home. Day-to-day highlights: https://t.co/665sSlwdKd pic.twitter.com/2PHYVZiLMO
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 10, 2018
Friday, November 9Many sales opportunities for U.S. cheese here
Our last night in Hong Kong w/ fellow dairy farmers,staff,and exporters. We have a great USDEC staff working for us in Hong Kong. There are many sales opportunities for us here both in retail and foodservice especially in the high end cheeses #USdairyExports @USDairyExporter pic.twitter.com/RpR05peMNI
— ViView Farms, Inc. (@ViviewFarms) November 10, 2018
Ocean Park: A chance to raise U.S. artisan cheese profile
Four U.S. dairy farmers meet w/ officials of Ocean Park in Hong Kong. Marketing Mgr. Ivy Chow, shown at right, told how they promote food at amusement park. They can potentially raise visibility of US artisan cheese as they focus on environmental responsibility. #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/iYfXLY6S8h
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 9, 2018
Hong Kong imports 95% of food supply
Thanks, Foreign Ag Service!Say 🧀! @USDairyExporter & FAS partnered on Hong Kong #trade mission for US dairy farmers & cheese makers. #HongKong imports of US cheese have grown 18% this yr, compared to last yr. Consumers are hungry for 🇺🇸 #cheese & local buyers packed the event to see what's available. pic.twitter.com/XZfoIwVKr2
— Foreign Ag Service (@USDAForeignAg) November 9, 2018
Thursday, November 8U.S. cheese exporters, potential buyers gather at reception
A Cheese and Wine Reception that was held at the US Council Generals Residence brought together US Cheese exporters and potential Cheese buyers. It was a very successful event.There is a very high demand for high end Artisan cheese in Hong Kong. @USDairyExporter #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/Vi0idO44m2
— ViView Farms, Inc. (@ViviewFarms) November 9, 2018
(Video) Great U.S. cheese, great networking at the reception
Checkoff funding for exports makes a difference!Through July 2018, U.S. exports to Hong Kong were up 15% compared to January-July 2017. This week, four U.S. dairy farmers are in Hong Kong and Japan checking out more opportunities https://t.co/XrDLZKLmiC . Checkoff funding for exports makes a difference! #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/1q4wAFZ0lT
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 8, 2018
Lowell Mueller sees opportunities in Hong KongMy takeaway for the afternoon was we have tremendous opportunities in Hong Kong to sell our high quality products and have a tremendous staff working for us here. Building relationships is key! #USdairyExports @USDairyExporter @MidwestDairy pic.twitter.com/y4TaihVAA0
— ViView Farms, Inc. (@ViviewFarms) November 8, 2018
USA cheese display in Hong KongU.S. dairy farmer Cheri Chapin @cchapin60, shown at left, checks out USA cheese display at AEON supermarket in Hong Kong. Cheri is one of four U.S. dairy farmers in Hong Kong and Japan this week learning about market opportunities for #USdairyExports https://t.co/zwiRooIWX1 pic.twitter.com/LgU8MG7u1Q
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 8, 2018
Cheese chef shows off U.S. productUSDEC consultant Gordon Craig and cheese chef John Esser demonstrate U.S. cheese at CitySuper store in Hong Kong. The demonstration coincided with a USDEC-organized farmer mission to eastern Asia to learn about market opportunities for #USdairyExports https://t.co/Gbr8ezxyAM pic.twitter.com/5Oe6yFZsTP
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 8, 2018
Great U.S. cheese and butterGreat U.S. cheese and butter on Hong Kong store shelves @USDairyExporter @dairy_activist pic.twitter.com/2N6i7EsrsQ
— Hoard's Dairyman (@HoardsDairyman) November 8, 2018
Wednesday, November 7Checking out U.S. cheese products in Hong Kong supermarket
Dairy farmers @dairy_activist, @udderdelite, @cchapin60 & @viviewfarms check out US cheese products in Hong Kong supermarket. USDEC organized this week's trip to help the farmers (and dairy checkoff leaders) see opportunities for expanding US dairy sales overseas #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/QSqO1w3fDT
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 7, 2018
Marilyn Hershey describes trip to radio interviewerJapan imports 60% of its food supply, so plenty of opportunities for U.S. to build relationships & sell more dairy products there, DMI chair Marilyn Hershey @dairy_activist tells Adams on Agriculture. Relationships are key. Hear radio interview here: https://t.co/9iBRWdBJtn
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 7, 2018
Brad Scott's TV interview conveys his optimism from Japan visit
There’s a real opportunity for expanded U.S. dairy exports to Japan & Hong Kong, dairy farmer Brad Scott @udderdelite tells @OfficialRFDTV. Japan has big appetite for cheese (along w/ whey protein and other products) and U.S. is well positioned to meet that need. #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/aALQ1Vr1jY
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 8, 2018
Welcome to Hong KongFour U.S. dairy farmers--@dairy_activist, @udderdelite, @cchapin60 & @viviewfarms, along with @HoardsDairyman--have arrived in Hong Kong after productive time in Japan. In Hong Kong, they will learn about market opportunities for US Dairy. https://t.co/hErKzdvTcu #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/we3CiJwCQK
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 7, 2018
Goodbye Tokyo
Tuesday, November 6Partnership with Yukio Hattori of Iron Chef fame
Interaction with Japanese chefs and nutritionists
USDEC has partnership with Hattori Nutrition College in Tokyo to familiarize chefs and nutritionists with benefits of U.S. cheese. It was good for students and faculty to meet U.S. dairy farmers in person. Dairy checkoff funds at work promoting U.S. Dairy abroad! #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/Pbp3tJFVyj
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 6, 2018
Dedication to quality and commitment to Japanese marketBrad Scott @udderdelite introduces fellow dairy farmers at USDEC reception for Japanese cheese buyers, customers & other members of dairy trade. In his remarks, Brad emphasized U.S. dairy farmers’ dedication to quality and their commitment to the Japanese market. #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/yNXYSMExec
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 6, 2018
Thanks to Curves of Japan for helping to move U.S. whey proteinsU.S. dairy farmers @dairy_activist, @udderdelite, @cchapin60, @viviewfarms, along with @HoardsDairyman, enjoyed their meeting Tuesday with Curves of Japan, the largest retailer of super protein made from U.S. whey proteins. #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/EZNAN21tP2
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 6, 2018
U.S. can meet Japan's need for dairy productsJapan, a country of 126 million people, needs more milk than a dwindling number of aging Japanese farmers can produce. Fortunately, US dairy farmers are able to produce plenty of milk shipped to Japan in the form of whey, lactose & cheese. https://t.co/C9pfmFaama #USdairyExports
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 8, 2018
Milk from Brad Scott's family farm in California helps supply Menchies, so it was fun to visit this Menchies in Tokyo
Monday, November 5U.S. cheese makes it better!
Dairy checkoff leader Marilyn Hershey @dairy_activist meets with Matsuda Yoshichika, executive chef at Union Square Restaurant in Tokyo, who made meal for her, @cchapin60, @udderdelite & @viviewfarms featuring U.S. cheeses in every course. https://t.co/NmRYupufPz #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/lKdQLEkpCh
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 5, 2018Delicious!
Tremendous opportunity to sell more cheese in Japan
The Japanese spend 25% of their income on food. This is a tremendous opportunity for #USdairyExports #undeniablydairy. @USDairyExporter pic.twitter.com/UvnMIL7dey
— Marilyn Hershey (@dairy_activist) November 5, 2018
Briefing on The Next 5%Top U.S. dairy farmers & checkoff leaders (along with @HoardsDairyman) are in Japan learning about market opportunities for #USdairyExports. Below, they receive briefing on USDEC cheese strategy, an important part of “Next 5%” plan for increasing exports https://t.co/bqMv9BXkGH pic.twitter.com/8dAq4CRrz0
U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 5, 2018
Trade matters!Ag trade matters for American dairy farms. https://t.co/1EsGvYKmRy
— National Farmers (@NatlFarmers) November 5, 2018Saturday, November 3
Marilyn Hershey summarized it well: Opportunity awaits!
We live in a world of opportunity. When that opportunity is combined with nutritious US Dairy, a visit to Tokyo is in order. I’m looking forward to enhancing our relationship with this progressive and influential country of 126.5 million #USDairyexports. #UndeniablyDairy pic.twitter.com/vQ1iwIKRiN
— Marilyn Hershey (@dairy_activist) November 3, 2018
Japan has been importing more dairy products from the United StatesIn 2017, U.S. dairy exports to Japan were valued at $291.2 million, a 41% increase over 2016. Checkoff funding of exports makes a difference! https://t.co/6DjWsu4WNo #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/meCaTSXjpK
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 3, 2018
It needs our products to feed its populationOne reason checkoff program @DairyGood supports USDEC efforts in Japan: It's a nation of 126 million people, but agriculture comprises only 1% of Gross Domestic Product. Japan must import food to survive. https://t.co/0xgabTMq0F #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/0UD6oV1LFJ
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 3, 2018
A sizeable population indeed!Japan is the 10th most populous nation in the world, with 126.5 million people, just ahead of Mexico. https://t.co/idRwEvpCXC #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/4fxfndaylH
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 3, 2018
The size Tokyo underscores the market potential for #USdairyExports @USDairyExporter #dairyopportunity pic.twitter.com/FBfl4yjOl6
— Marilyn Hershey (@dairy_activist) November 4, 2018
A little tired after a long flight to Tokyo, but ready for a productive weekFour US dairy farmers (Marilyn Hershey @dairy_activist; Cheri Chapin @cchapin60; Lowell Mueller @ViViewFarms and Brad Scott @UdderDelite) along with Corey Geiger @HoardsDairyman, have arrived in Tokyo to serve as ambassadors for US Dairy https://t.co/pK0IZ1OZgM #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/NOIhzjVLUo
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 3, 2018
Marilyn Hershey shared this article with her Facebook friends
Friday, November 2
All ready for Japan and Hong Kong
Milk in hand, participants on a USDEC-organized trip to Japan & Hong Kong are ready for boarding @LAX. They will learn more about impact of dairy exports to Asia and share U.S. Dairy's commitment to providing high-quality products there. https://t.co/lnRyt236D1 #USdairyExports pic.twitter.com/zbi21vaCfv
— U.S. Dairy Exporter (@USDairyExporter) November 2, 2018
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The U.S. Dairy Export Council fosters collaborative industry partnerships with processors, trading companies and others to enhance global demand for U.S. dairy products and ingredients. USDEC is primarily supported by Dairy Management Inc. through the dairy farmer checkoff. How to republish this post. .
