11/16/07 National dairy promotion boards meet

Worldwide demand for dairy products exceeds supply. The CEO of Dairy Management Inc, Tom Gallagher says that gives US dairymen an opportunity to expand their sales. GALLAGHER "Demand worldwide for dairy protein is enormous. Some studies say that right now there are almost 15 billion pounds more demand than milk supply. So we have an entire opportunity in front of us to grow our business and find homes for our milk production growth, if the industry can make the transition from a production driven industry to a industry focused on what the consumer needs and wants are." One of the successes is the dairy checkoff's effort to introduce new milk in flavors and in round re-sealable plastic packages at nearly 60 thousand quick serve restaurants and more than nine thousand schools. Gallagher said the checkoff is helping with additional sales opportunities. GALLAGHER "In the fast food business for example we have the opportunity to promote string cheese with kids' meals and even adult meals." That's why they're working with the industry to promote that opportunity. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott