IDFA staff took to Capitol Hill yesterday to visit nearly 60 new members of Congress and their staffs on the first official day of the 115^th Congress. Joining the buzz of visitors viewing the swearing-in ceremony, congratulating members and making introductions were Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA, and the association’s legislative team. They visited members in both the House and Senate to familiarize them with IDFA and the national significance of dairy processing.

Dykes congratulated several returning members on their successful campaigns, including Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), and welcomed Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI).

Several visits to new members were made by Dave Carlin, IDFA senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy; Ruth Saunders, vice president of policy and legislative affairs; Chelsee Woodey, IDFA director of legislative affairs; and Ashley Burch, IDFA director of political programs.

The team also shared information on IDFA and its members with infographics demonstrating the impact of the dairy processing industry and its many locations around the country.

Many members, including Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Nanette Barragan (D-CA) and Jason Lewis (R-MN), were interested in learning more about IDFA and visiting IDFA member facilities in their districts.

To see IDFA staff in action on Capitol Hill, view IDFA’s Facebook album. For more information, contact Burch at aburch@idfa.org.