New Study Shows Younger Consumers are Driving Stronger Demand for Dairy Products

Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation shares how teens are helping fuel stronger demand for traditional U.S. dairy products.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — A new consumer perception tracker shows strong trust in dairy products, with younger consumers helping drive the trend.

Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss the latest findings from Dairy Management Inc.’s ongoing consumer trust study.

The research tracks changing attitudes toward dairy products and how different generations view the industry.

In his conversation with RFD News, Bjerga says dairy has often been viewed as a product more associated with older consumers, but recent trends suggest younger generations are showing renewed interest in dairy.

“It doesn’t take a lot to figure out what the implications are for this industry. It means things like the increase in cottage cheese consumption we’ve seen in recent years,” Bjerga told RFD News. “The rising consumption of whole milk, and the turn away from plant-based beverages we’ve seen over the last five years. This is something that’s taking on roots, and you really can see it generationally.”

He says dairy farmers themselves deserve credit for helping build trust with consumers, as well as Dairy Management Inc.’s efforts to connect with younger audiences.

Bjerga adds that exports continue to become more important to the dairy industry and stressed the importance of supporting American dairy producers and manufacturers.

Related Stories
Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.
Moderate oil prices may ease fuel costs, but continued caution in the energy sector could limit rural economic growth.
Decoupled base acres may amplify income inequality and distort planting decisions as farm program payments increase.
Oil-led rallies can move soybean prices quickly, but sustained gains will require continued strength in soybean oil and broader biofuel demand signals.
CLAAS Senior Vice President for the Americas Region Eric Raby joined us to preview the new docuseries “CLAAS: Made for More,” premiering tonight at 9 PM ET only on RFD-TV.
The Farm Bureau is making an urgent call to Congress for more farm support. Colton Lacina with Farmers National Company joined us to discuss farmland values and how market dynamics for the year ahead reflect stabilization rather than collapse.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Auction manager and West Texas A&M University student Presley Graves joined us to discuss the growth of StockShowAuctions.com and its impact on youth in agriculture.
Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening joined us with the latest update on storm conditions and impacts across the state.
Mike Knotts with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association joined us with the latest on storm impacts, power restoration, and safety considerations following the ice storm.
Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us with his outlook on crop insurance and risk management following the recent winter storm that tore through most of the United States, including the Midwest.
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.