Author: Jessi-Ryah Cordova

NMPF Names Four Dairy Scholarship Winners

Posted on by Jessi-Ryah Cordova

Four graduate students researching in areas that benefit dairy cooperatives and farmers are receiving scholarships as part of the 2025 NMPF National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program, with one being honored through a scholarship created this year. Recipients include:

Dallas Soffa, a doctoral candidate in Physiology of Reproduction in Animal Science at Texas A&M. Soffa’s research explores the hormonal influence on reproductive microbiota and immune cell signaling in cattle.

Margaret Costello, a doctoral candidate in Animal & Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on integrating emerging sequencing technology and non-invasive sampling techniques with rumen microbiome research to address key industry concerns.

Marina Rocha Dorella, a master’s student in Animal Science at the University of Minnesota. Her research explores enhancing dairy industry sustainability through precision dairy technology, more specifically, optimizing hyperketonemia treatment efficiency and labor allocation.

The committee also selected a student to receive the newly created Dr. Peter Vitaliano Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship, created in March, supports individuals who demonstrate a passion for the industry through community engagement, academic interests and advocacy. This year’s scholarship was awarded to:

Maria Belen Ugarte Marin, a doctoral candidate in Veterinary Medical Sciences at the University of Florida studying the identification of detrimental milking characteristics and their association with dairy farm performance. Maria’s dedication to mentorship, serving as a teaching assistant, and overall passion for supporting the next generation embodies the vision for dairy leadership by Dr. Vitaliano, who retired from NMPF last year after nearly four decades as an economist with the organization.

“Congratulations to each recipient of this year’s National Dairy Leadership Scholarships,” said NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud. “We are proud to continue to focus on the future of the industry by supporting these young professionals in their endeavors. Farmers can be confident in their investment in education and the next generation of dairy leaders.”

NMPF’s Board of Directors confirmed the recipients as part of NMPF’s Board of Directors meeting held in Arlington, VA, June 10-11. To learn more about and contribute to the NMPF National Dairy Leadership Scholarship program, please visit the scholarship website.

FARM Program Boosts Biosecurity

Posted on by Jessi-Ryah Cordova

Good biosecurity plans are more vital than ever to keep foreign animal diseases out of the nation’s livestock. NMPF Director of Regulatory Affairs Miquela Hanselman shared updates on the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program’s Biosecurity program area. FARM held its first live training April 30-May 1 to educate cooperative field staff and state officials on best management practices for on-farm biosecurity. “With this training, we’re just trying to get more people trained to be able to put those plans together for farmers so that we’re ready should an outbreak ever occur,” Hanselman said.

NMPF Board of Directors Announces Vitaliano Legacy Scholarship

Posted on by Jessi-Ryah Cordova

The National Milk Producers Federation announced today the creation of the Dr. Peter Vitaliano Legacy Scholarship as part of the National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program. The award will be used to help support a student who demonstrates attributes exemplified by Dr. Vitaliano to honor his longtime commitment to the success of U.S. dairy producers and cooperatives.

“NMPF and the NMPF Board of Directors are honored to establish the Dr. Peter Vitaliano Legacy Scholarship,” said NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud. “This commitment embodies his passion for education and commitment to making a difference in the dairy industry. We are recognizing Peter’s legacy and investing in the pipeline of future leaders.”

The program also hopes to raise $500,000 this year for an endowment to support the longevity of the program, including this new legacy scholarship.

Vitaliano served as the Vice President of Economic Policy and Market Research for NMPF through 2024, leading efforts in implementing, conducting and communicating all economic analysis supporting the Federation’s programs relating to domestic and international dairy policy. He has extensive experience with, and knowledge of, U.S. dairy markets and domestic and international agricultural and trade policy.

Since 1992, he served as project director for numerous contracts between NMPF and the various national dairy promotion organizations, including the National Dairy Research and Promotion Board, Dairy Management, Inc., and the U.S. Dairy Export Council, conducting market information and economic research relating to domestic and international dairy markets.

“This scholarship is more than just financial support; it is a commitment to nurturing the dreams and aspirations of future generations of dairy leaders,” said Chris Kraft, NMPF scholarship committee chairman and a member of NMPF’s Board of Directors, representing Dairy Farmers of America. “By investing in the future of dairy, we are not only honoring the achievements of those who came before but also paving the way for those who will come next.”

The scholarship is designed to support individuals who demonstrate a passion for the industry through community engagement, academic interests and advocacy. Individuals selected for the Vitaliano Legacy Scholarship will also demonstrate experience with mentoring, coaching, or teaching.

The Vitaliano Legacy Scholarship will be available to applicants in the 2025-26 application cycle. To find out more information, or to donate, please visit the scholarship webpage.