To prepare for the future and retain top talent, organizations need to provide learning and professional development programs for their next generation of leadership. At IDFA we are dedicated to providing resources to our members to ensure positive growth within their companies.
The NextGen Leadership program is designed to support, guide and prepare mid-senior level dairy industry professionals ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. This unique program convenes classes of IDFA members for a multi-faceted, year-long curriculum. The program equips participants with skills required to successfully conquer business demands today – and in the future. Participants build relationships with their peers, develop leadership skills and learn to become advocates for the dairy industry. The program strives to provide dairy professionals with the knowledge and networking opportunities to become future leaders in the dairy industry.
The program is developed around three core development areas:
The application period for the Cohort 7 class will open on May 12, 2025.
Program participation is limited to representatives of IDFA member companies. All candidates must have the support of their companies to participate, and they must commit to participation in the entire program, including attendance at all events. Candidates who wish to apply must complete an application.
Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff
Thank you for your interest in applying to the IDFA NextGen Leadership Program. The application period for the Cohort 7 class (2025-2026) will open on May 12, 2025.
Note: Your application will not be considered until you have submitted the required supplemental items. Accepted applicants will be responsible for a $5,000.00 program fee.
September 16, 2025 – September 18, 2025
Washington, DC
October 2025
Zoom
January 25, 2026 - January 28, 2026
Palm Desert, CA
March 2026
Zoom
May 4, 2026 - May 6, 2026
San Diego, CA
June 2026
Madison, WI
Please find the NextGen Leadership Program Sponsor Prospectus via the link below to explore the opportunity your organization has to support and empower the next generation of leaders in the dairy industry. Please contact Colin Newman at cnewman@idfa.org to inquire more about a potential sponsorship.
The NextGen Leadership Program is an IDFA People Strategy initiative designed to support, guide and prepare industry professionals ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. This unique program will convene a class of IDFA members for a multi-faceted year-long program.
The NextGen Leadership program will equip participants with skills required to successfully conquer business’ demands today – and in the future. Participants will build relationships with their peers, develop leadership skills and learn to become advocates for the dairy industry.
Program participation is open to representatives of IDFA member companies. All candidates must have the support of their companies to participate. This program is geared toward mid-senior level dairy industry professionals.
Program participation is limited to representatives of IDFA member companies.
Yes, there is a $5,000.00 program fee. Accepted candidates of the Cohort 7 class will be contacted with payment instructions.
At this time, the NextGen Leadership Program is only open to IDFA members.
The application period for the Cohort 7 class (2025-2026) will open on May 12, 2025 and will close on June 30, 2025. Once the application period is open, please complete the application form and include with your submission the supplemental materials (cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation from company sponsor.)
Yes, more than one person per company can apply to be part of the NextGen Leadership Program.
