Who is qualified to be a WMMB director?
Why was WMMB established?
What is WMMB's position on milk quality?
What is WMMB's role in the dairy industry?
How are dairy producers informed about WMMB activities?
How is WMMB staffed?
Why is it important to protect Wisconsin's dairy image?
What factors affect milk supply and demand?
Why does WMMB focus so many of its efforts on cheese?
How does WMMB extend its programs and services?
How does WMMB work with national dairy promotion programs?
What is the role of a WMMB director?

Who is qualified to be a WMMB director?     back to top
To run for a seat on the WMMB board, an active Wisconsin dairy producer must be nominated by at least five fellow dairy producers selling milk in the same district. WMMB directors should understand:

• Dairy food business and marketing.
• How to serve on a business board and manage business affairs.
• The entire dairy industry and factors affecting Wisconsin.
• How to communicate and share WMMB news and program results with dairy producers.

Why was WMMB established?     back to top
WMMB began in 1983 when Wisconsin's dairy farmers voted to organize a mandatory state milk marketing order. WMMB was created to expand and maintain the domestic sales of milk and dairy products; develop new products and new markets; improve methods and practices related to marketing or processing of milk and dairy products; and inform and educate consumers.

WMMB was established to help affect demand for dairy products. By law, WMMB does not have the authority to:

• Lobby for or against legislation.
• Influence milk prices or production levels (supply)
• Commercially purchase or sell dairy products.
• Make false claims about dairy products.

What is WMMB's position on milk quality?    back to top
WMMB believes that consumer confidence in the quality of the products made from Wisconsin milk should be of primary importance to all members of Wisconsin's dairy industry. Therefore, WMMB urges all of Wisconsin's milk producers and dairy processors to do everything possible to ensure the consumer acceptance of Wisconsin milk and dairy products.

What is WMMB's role in the dairy industry?     back to top
Just like all businesses, WMMB has owners, customers and a bottom line.

WMMB's owners: The dairy producers of Wisconsin, because they make the financial investment in WMMB and they elect WMMB's Board of Directors. Their investment in WMMB allows staff to develop and deliver programs and services for customers.

WMMB's customers: The manufacturers/marketers who purchase Wisconsin producers' raw milk, because they represent the gateway to the marketplace.

WMMB's bottom line: To help grow the demand for Wisconsin raw milk.

How are dairy producers informed about WMMB activities?     back to top
An important part of WMMB accomplishing its mission is ensuring that Wisconsin's dairy producers understand and support WMMB's role in the dairy marketing environment. The goal of the Producer & Board Relations staff is to communicate with Wisconsin dairy producers how the organization's programs help accomplish the purpose of WMMB. The Producer & Board Relations staff communicates with dairy producers in several ways:

• Dairy Update newsletter
• Annual Report
• Media
• Producer Value Showcase trade shows
• Other special producer meetings
• Industry events
• WMMB board members

How is WMMB staffed?     back to top
The WMMB Board of Directors works with a professional staff trained in marketing, new business development and communication. The WMMB chief executive officer (CEO) manages the staff of 50+ people who coordinate and conduct WMMB programs. The WMMB CEO reports directly to the board of directors, which evaluates the CEO's performance based on preset goals and objectives. The board makes salary adjustments annually.

The CEO approves and monitors measurable goals and objectives for each program area and staff member. Throughout the year, WMMB employees are evaluated on progress toward their goals. Salary adjustments are based on these evaluations. WMMB monitors average industry salaries at organizations of similar size and purpose, to be sure compensation of professional staff is fair and reasonable.

Why is it important to protect Wisconsin's dairy image?     back to top
Since it was established, part of WMMB's purpose has been to build awareness of Wisconsin's superior quality dairy products. Today, more than ever, it's important that consumers be assured the dairy products they purchase meet high quality standards.

• The dairy industry means 154,000 jobs and $17 billion a year to Wisconsin's economy.
• Nearly three out of four shoppers rate product safety as a very important consideration when shopping for food.
• Consumers have faith in the expertise of Wisconsin cheesemakers who produce more than 350 varieties, styles and types of Wisconsin cheeses.

What factors affect milk supply and demand?     back to top

Why does WMMB focus so many of its efforts on cheese?     back to top
Because in Wisconsin, nearly nine of every 10 pounds of milk produced is used in cheese production. This makes cheese the most critical product to Wisconsin dairy producers and to demand for Wisconsin raw milk.

Wisconsin dairy producers are critical to manufacturers who use Wisconsin raw milk - and manufacturers are critical to dairy producers and demand for Wisconsin raw milk.

Of course, WMMB also spends an appropriate amount of your checkoff dollars promoting Wisconsin fluid milk and other dairy products made from Wisconsin raw milk.

How does WMMB extend its programs and services?     back to top
In addition to the programs WMMB carries out directly, WMMB extends dairy product messages by funding:

• Wisconsin Dairy Council (WDC) - WDC communicates the nutritional benefits of dairy products in WMMB's local markets area (Wisconsin and northern Illinois) by targeting the media, school foodservice personnel, opinion leaders and health professionals.
• Center for Dairy Research (CDR) - WMMB works cooperatively with CDR staff to identify and support the Wisconsin dairy industry's needs for new dairy products, technologies, uses and ingredients.
• County Dairy Leader Groups (CDLG) - WMMB supports grassroots promotion organizations like the CDLGs and other nonprofit organizations to help extend and coordinate local dairy product promotions and education programs. WMMB provides these important groups with funding, training and promotion materials.
  

How does WMMB work with national dairy promotion programs?     back to top
WMMB has a formal business relationship with Dairy Management Inc. (DMI). WMMB leverages DMI's national programs where and when it benefits Wisconsin's dairy industry. WMMB also translates Wisconsin dairy manufacturers' needs to DMI staff; communicates market research needs to DMI staff; and helps Wisconsin manufacturers and processors tailor national programs to meet Wisconsin's needs.

What is the role of a WMMB director?     back to top
The WMMB Board of Directors is made up of 25 Wisconsin dairy producers, one from each WMMB district. Directors:

• Are elected to three-year terms by fellow dairy producers in their districts.
• Supervise WMMB's business affairs; formulate and set WMMB policies and procedures consistent with state law and WMMB bylaws.
• Serve on one of three standing committees: Wisconsin Dairy Industry Cheese Business; Local Markets Business; and Producer & Board Relations.
• Average 200 hours on WMMB business each year.
• Do not receive a salary. They are paid a per diem for attending meetings that accomplish WMMB business.