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.
Program Goals
The program is developed around three core development areas:
- Advocacy
- Leadership Development
- Networking
Eligibility
The application period for the Cohort 7 class is closed. The application period for Cohort 8 will open in May 2026.
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.
[Old LARAVEL BLOCK: PeopleBlock ]
Apply
Thank you for your interest in applying to the IDFA NextGen Leadership Program. The application period for the Cohort 7 class is now closed. The application period for Cohort 8 will open in May 2026.
How to Apply
- Fill out Application Form. Please submit a completed form to [email protected].
- When you submit your application form, please be sure to include supplemental items which include the following: cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation from company sponsor.
Note: Your application will not be considered until you have submitted the required supplemental items. Accepted applicants will be responsible for a $5,750.00 program fee.
2026-2027 Schedule
Washington Leadership & Advocacy Seminar (In-Person)
September 16, 2025 – September 18, 2026
Washington, DC
Fall Leadership Webinar Virtual Workshop
October 2026
Zoom
Dairy Forum 2027 (In-Person)
January 24, 2027 – January 27, 2027
Orlando, FL
Spring Leadership Webinar Virtual Workshop
March 2027
Zoom
Spring Meetings of the IDFA Executive Council & Industry Segment Boards (In-Person)
May 3, 2027 – May 5, 2027
Fort Worth, TX
IDFA Leadership Symposium 2027 (In-Person)
June 2027
Madison, WI
Sponsor
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 Lindsay Gold at [email protected] to inquire more about a potential sponsorship.
FAQs
What is the NextGen Leadership Program?
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.
Who is invited to apply to the NextGen Leadership Program?
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.
Does my company have to be an IDFA member to apply to NextGen Leadership Program?
Program participation is limited to representatives of IDFA member companies.
Is there a cost to joining the program?
Yes, there is a $5,750.00 program fee. Accepted candidates of the Cohort 8 class will be contacted with payment instructions.
If my company isn’t an IDFA member, is there an extra fee to join?
At this time, the NextGen Leadership Program is only open to IDFA members.
How do I join the NextGen Leadership Program?
The application period for the Cohort 7 class (2025-2026) is now closed. The application period for Cohort 8 will open in May 2026. Once the application period is open, please complete the application form and include your submission of the supplemental materials (cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation from company sponsor.)
Can more than one person from my company participate in the program?
Yes, more than one person per company can apply to be part of the NextGen Leadership Program.