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
Data center growth can bring opportunities, but competition for land, water, and power will matter more in rural areas.
Rail rulings, export terminal access, and equipment rules are becoming bigger factors in grain shipping costs and reliability.
Higher ocean freight rates can add export cost pressure even when grain demand remains active.
March pork gains lifted total meat production, but first-quarter output still ran below last year.
Weekly export movement stayed solid, with corn and sorghum continuing to show the strongest overall pace.
Austin Rice with Specialty Risk Insurance shares guidance on handling storm damage, navigating the insurance claims process, and managing risk during a volatile planting season.

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:

Ethanol demand held together last week, but lower production and thinner stocks put more focus on export strength. Production capacity is also strengthening over time and benefiting soybean farmers.
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum discusses USDA’s efforts to expand fertilizer capacity, signals for farm profitability, and AFBF’s Farm Bill expectations.
Authorities say the drones were recovered during a routine inspection after being stolen last month.
Kansas Congressman Derek Schmidt joins us to discuss House passage of the Farm Bill, its potential impact on farm profitability and stability, key policy compromises, and the outlook for Senate consideration.
The farm bill is still moving, but the toughest amendment fights were pushed into today’s session. ASA President Scott Metzger joins us to discuss the risks of tariff actions on soybean exports, concerns over trade policy and production costs, and the importance of Farm Bill updates.
The Purdue student team joins us to discuss how they developed Soy-Seal, their innovative soybean-based adhesive tape, and its potential ag impact.