The United Dairy Industry of Michigan is revolutionizing how dairy reaches students through innovative partnerships with schools, ensuring dairy remains a nutritional cornerstone for the next generation.
"We are partnering with schools in so many different ways," says Brianna Henton, UDIM health and wellness director. "From sharing more menu options featuring dairy to helping staff boost their culinary skill sets, we're working on numerous opportunities in new and nontraditional approaches."
Key UDIM school initiatives include:
- strategic school visits featuring dairy-forward iced lattes for high schoolers
- culinary training partnerships with chef Jenn Brower to enhance kitchen skills
- new dairy-rich recipes and menus that appeal to student preferences
- solutions for maintaining nutrition during religious observances
UDIM is developing resources to help districts meet upcoming USDA School Meal Standards for 2027-28, with special emphasis on breakfast options that maintain flavored milk availability.
The organization is also creating specialized nutrition guides, including resources for students fasting during Ramadan.
For more information, visit milkmeansmore.org.
Chicago marathon finishers to receive apples
If you’re running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Oct. 12, expect to be handed a delicious Michigan apple at the finish line.
The Michigan Apple Committee is once again sponsoring the 47th Chicago Marathon in an edible way.
“For the last 10 years, Michigan Apple has provided Bank of America Chicago Marathon finishers the opportunity to refuel post-race with a sustainably produced and locally sourced healthy treat,” says Carey Pinkowski, Bank of America Chicago Marathon executive race director.
The event draws more than 53,000 participants and more than 1 million spectators.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. To learn more, visit michiganapples.com.
Rothwell named Cherry Industry Person of the Year
Michigan State University Extension specialist Nikki Rothwell has been named the 2025 Cherry Industry Person of the Year, one of the cherry industry’s highest honors. She was awarded at the National Cherry Festival on July 3.
Rothwell, a longtime leader in Michigan’s cherry industry, serves as the coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center and as an Extension specialist in tree fruit integrated pest management. She was recognized for her decades of work in research, grower education and industry leadership.
“We have certainly had our challenges, but the cherry industry has always been willing to partner with MSU to help find creative solutions to issues on the farm,” Rothwell says. “I am humbled to be given such an honor from the industry.”
The Cherry Industry Person of the Year Award honors individuals for outstanding contributions to the cherry industry as growers, processors, educators or advocates.
Over the course of her career, Rothwell has led research on pest and disease management, climate resiliency, and orchard systems. She developed an innovative model to help growers manage spotted wing drosophila, a major invasive pest, by using growing degree days and crop ripeness to reduce unnecessary sprays.
More than 90% of growers now follow MSU’s spotted wing drosophila recommendations, a direct result of her leadership. Rothwell’s efforts fundamentally changed how the pest is managed.
Wheat program calls for research proposals
The Michigan Wheat Program is issuing its annual call for research proposals to keep Michigan wheat farmers on the cutting edge of production and competitive in the marketplace. All proposals are due by the close of business Aug. 15 to be considered for funding this year.
“In the last 14 years, the Michigan Wheat Program has already invested nearly $5.5 million in about 185 research projects,” says Jeffery Krohn, the Owendale-area farmer who chairs the nine-member board. “Again this year, we’re looking for projects that address the productivity, profitability and quality of wheat grown in Michigan’s unique climate.
"The board is also seeking collaborative projects that reflect researchers’ abilities to engage the expertise of other researchers, other universities and cutting-edge wheat producers in on-farm research projects.”
The full request for proposal, proposal template, priority research areas, the budget submission form and the final report template can be found under the researcher tab in the top row of options on the website at miwheat.org.