In this episode, host Kimmi Devaney sits down with retiring DMI CEO Barb O’Brien to learn how the dairy checkoff has evolved over the last 25 years, which partnerships have been the most effective, why she is so excited about where dairy is right now and much more.

Episode overview:

• [~1:20] What first drew O’Brien to the dairy industry
• [~3:00] Why O’Brien is so passionate about the work the dairy checkoff does
• [~4:15] The dairy checkoff landscape in 2001
• [~5:40] Three of the most pivotal moments in dairy checkoff history that have had the greatest impact
• [~9:00] What dairy farmers told her during the listening tour when she first became CEO that influenced her approach
• [~13:25] Now-next-future framework
• [~15:35] The partnerships that have made the greatest impact in growing dairy demand and those that were not as successful as anticipated
• [~19:25] Measuring success
• [~22:30] Why O’Brien is so excited about where dairy is right now
• [~25:20] The greatest opportunities to grow dairy demand over the next five to 10 years
• [~27:10] What she is most proud of and what she will miss the most once she retires
• [~29:15] What influenced O’Brien’s leadership style the most during her career
• [~33:10] Her advice for successor Corey Scott as she steps into this next chapter
• [~34:55] O’Brien’s message for dairy farmers about the impact of their dairy checkoff investment