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Michael Dykes to Retire as President and CEO of IDFA at End of 2026 Following a Decade of Transformational Leadership

Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) recently announced his plans to retire at the end of 2026, concluding a decade of leadership marked by significant industry growth, policy achievements, and organizational transformation. IDFA’s Executive Council officer group is forming a committee to support the process for selecting the association’s next president and CEO while Dykes continues to serve in his role through the end of 2026 to support a smooth and thoughtful leadership transition.

“Michael has been a transformational leader for IDFA and for the U.S. dairy industry,” said Daragh Maccabee, chair of the IDFA Executive Council. “Over the past decade, he has strengthened IDFA’s credibility, expanded its influence, and helped position the association and the dairy industry for long-term success. Under his leadership, IDFA has built one of the strongest advocacy teams in Washington, strengthened its financial position, expanded industry engagement across the supply chain, and helped deliver extraordinary momentum for dairy both domestically and globally. The organization is exceptionally well positioned for the future.”

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve America’s dairy industry and to lead this outstanding organization,” said Dykes. “Together, our members, board leaders, and talented team have strengthened dairy’s voice, expanded opportunities for our industry, and positioned dairy as an essential part of America’s future. I have never been more optimistic about the trajectory of the U.S. dairy industry or the strength of IDFA heading into the next decade.”

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What Really Drives Meat Quality in Pork? - Dr. Yan Huang

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Yan Huang from University of Arkansas explores how genetics, nutrition, and stress management shape pork quality. He explains how molecular pathways influence fat deposition, muscle growth, and meat flavor while balancing production efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!

"The most important driver of pork quality. Feed plays a very important role in the meat quality."

Meet the guest: Dr. Yan Huang / yan-huang-77829421 is an Associate Professor in Nutritional Skeletal Muscle Biology at the University of Arkansas. With academic experience across China, South Korea, and the United States, his work focuses on the genetic and molecular regulation of muscle growth and fat deposition in swine. His research connects genetics, nutrition, and pork quality to improve production efficiency and consumer satisfaction.