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
Rail strength is helping stabilize grain movement, but river and export slowdowns continue to limit overall logistics momentum.
Retail pricing confirms tight cattle supplies and supports continued leverage for producers, reinforcing the need for disciplined risk management.
China continues to buy U.S. soybeans toward its 12 MMT commitment, as analysts cite data gaps, delivery timing questions, and muted market reaction.
Higher ethanol blend rates translate directly into stronger, more durable corn demand if regulatory momentum holds.
Long-term demand uncertainty is reshaping specialty crop strategies as producers adapt to fewer, older consumers.
Seasonal boxed beef softness does not change the tight-supply outlook — leverage remains closer to the farm gate heading into 2026.

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:

Expanded school access to whole milk provides modest but reliable demand support for U.S. dairy producers.
StockShowAuctions.com takes us to the Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas, where young producers are showcasing their dedication, skill, and champion livestock.
Alissa White with American Farmland Trust joined us to provide insight into climate resilience efforts and strategies to help farmers manage weather-related risks.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share practical health and safety guidance for managing respiratory and skin health during the winter season.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal analysis on key cases shaping the agricultural landscape heading into the year ahead.
NASDA declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. President Amanda Beal joins us to share NASDA’s new hub, which highlights the impact of women in agriculture worldwide.