Protecting Idaho’s dairy industry through environmental, legal, and legislative efforts since 1924
In a state that’s home to more cows than people, the protection and promotion of dairy producers and their success is vital. That’s why Idaho’s dairy industry leaders formed the Idaho Dairymen’s Association (IDA). As the industry’s needs have evolved over time, so have IDA’s services.
Since 1924, the Idaho Dairymen’s Association has worked at the local, state, regional, and federal levels to protect and promote the legislative, regulatory, legal, and stewardship interests of its members.
In 2008, the creation of the Idaho Dairy Environmental Action League (IDEAL) Foundation created a platform from which the dairy industry could raise funds for a new dairy research and teaching center that today has become a reality in CAFÉ. The IDEAL Foundation now serves as the non-profit entity from which IDA funds dairy-related environmental research that supports Idaho’s dairy producers, helping to better understand and improve their management practices so they can be better stewards of our natural resources.
In 2015, IDA introduced new services to address the growing environmental and social pressures faced by dairy producers. Through the lenses of environmental services and worker training and safety, IDA provides on-farm expertise to help dairymen meet the ever-increasing expectations of dairy consumers and the public.
Complementing IDA is Dairy West, which serves as the marketing arm of Idaho’s dairy industry, working alongside the Idaho Dairy Products Commission (IDPC) to expand the promotion of dairy products within our region.