Year in Review: Making WIDA Cool Again
In 2024, our focus was on strengthening our presence and engagement in the dairy community. Our theme this year, "Making WIDA Cool Again," guided our efforts to bring new energy and excitement to dairy advocacy and education across the region.
Partnerships and Community Engagement
WIDA kicked off the year by partnering with the Sioux City Musketeers to provide a fridge and milk, helping fuel the team throughout their season. We also hosted a “Dairy Day” at one of their games, handing out cheese to fans and spreading the word about the importance of dairy.
Innovative Dairy Promotions
In June, we launched the first-ever "Smoothie Shakedown," collaborating with local coffee shops to showcase the versatility of milk. Additionally, we worked with Sioux Center Culvers to offer $1 off ice cream to 100 customers each day, culminating in a special WIDA Day event on June 6, where 300 people enjoyed $1 off ice cream. Our partnership with Hull Coop throughout June provided $1 off ice cream cones all month long. Increasing their ice cream sales by several times over.
Challenges and Setbacks
While we faced challenges in 2024—most notably a lack of funding and a limited number of producer memberships—we continued to press forward with our mission. Our open house at Roorda Dairy #2 had to be postponed due to H5N1 concerns, but we’re excited to bring it back in 2025.
Networking and Education
In July, we hosted a memorable member event at Sioux Center Siouxnami, providing a space for members to connect and enjoy the summer together. September saw us back at the Clay County Fair with our Dairy Day event, a key opportunity for outreach and dairy promotion. Throughout the year, we also focused on various educational opportunities and job fairs to support dairy careers and knowledge sharing.
Looking Ahead
Though this year posed its challenges, our work is far from over. With a focus on building educational opportunities and increasing dairy awareness in our area, we are excited for what 2025 will bring, including our long-awaited family farm transition planning at the Banquet next month. Together, we will continue to grow, evolve, and champion dairy in Western Iowa.
