After almost two decades at Dairy MAX, and as CEO since 2007, Mike Konkle will step down and start his next job – retirement – at the end of December. For the Texas Association of Dairymen, his leaving is bittersweet: while TAD wishes Konkle the best, we will certainly miss him and the close personal and professional relationships and partnerships we’ve developed over the years.
The Dairy Dispatch recently asked Konkle to share what’s ahead for him, as well as take a look back at his tenure and the changes he’s seen in the dairy industry during his time overseeing one of the leading U.S. regional dairy councils representing more than 900 dairy families in eight states.
Congratulations on your retirement! The Texas Association of Dairymen thanks you for your work on behalf of the dairy industry – we’ve enjoyed working with you as we have strengthened our partnership with Dairy MAX over the years. What’s next for you?
Thank you for the kind words and support over the years. It’s been a privilege to work with such passionate advocates for the dairy industry. As I step into retirement, I’m looking forward to spending more time with family, exploring some personal projects, hobbies while forever remaining a supporter of dairy from a new vantage point.
When you joined Dairy MAX in 2005, you were new to the dairy industry – what have you learned about dairy farmers or the dairy industry over the years, that you didn’t expect at the beginning of your tenure?
What continues to inspire me about our dairy farmers is the unwavering commitment to their work and to their communities. These are families who work tirelessly, day in and day out, to produce food that nourishes millions of people. The depth of their resilience and adaptability, whether it’s adopting sustainable practices or navigating market challenges, they continue to find a way to feed their communities. The sense of family and tradition within the industry was also incredibly humbling.
What has kept you at Dairy MAX for almost 20 years?
The mission has always been my driving force. Every day, I had the privilege of working with a team dedicated to supporting dairy farmers and showcasing the critical role of dairy plays in our lives. I stayed because of the people – our board members, our farmers and our team – and the opportunity to see the impact of our work in communities. I have been incredibly lucky to be part of something that aligns so deeply with my values and passions.
What significant changes or challenges did you witness in the industry during your tenure? How has the dairy industry changed?
The industry has experienced tremendous change, from technological advancements on the farm to shifts in consumer preferences. One of the most significant challenges was the volatility of the market, but I’ve also seen dairy farmers rise to meet these challenges with innovation. Sustainability has become a cornerstone, with farmers leading the way in environmental stewardship. Consumer education has also evolved, requiring us to be more creative and proactive in telling the dairy story in an increasingly complex and competitive food landscape.
What are you most proud of achieving during your time as CEO?
I’m incredibly proud of how we’ve built Dairy MAX into a trusted advocate for dairy farmers and a leader in the food and nutrition space. From launching impactful campaigns to fostering relationships with partners like the Texas Association of Dairymen, everything we’ve done has been in service of dairy farmers and the communities they nourish. One highlight has been the opportunity to work with many organizations who feed and educate our youth about nutritious foods where dairy takes center stage, enabling them to grow to be healthy adults.
Also, creating the Issues & Crisis Team, which has become an essential part of our organization’s ability to respond to challenges swiftly and effectively. This team ensures that Dairy MAX is always prepared to protect the reputation of dairy farmers and address any concerns head-on. Additionally, seeing programs like the Dairy Discovery Zone exhibit and our partnerships with sports organizations come to life has been a career highlight; we are still the only organization that I’m aware of with an embedded employee in an NFL team working on behalf of Dairy MAX and the Dallas Cowboys to leverage more trust, awareness and sales in the dairy community. Our partnership with the Dallas Cowboys has also enabled Dairy MAX to engage with some of their best-in-class gaming partners helping us reach youth where they’re at.
Any goals left undone?
While I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, there’s always more to be done. I know this team of very dedicated, talented and driven individuals who will take this organization and accomplishments to new heights we can’t imagine today. I look forward to seeing the next steps on many fronts, advancing sustainably nutrition efforts and connecting even more directly with consumers to strengthen trust in dairy. I’m confident in the knowledge and experience of this Dairy MAX team and their ability to take these initiatives forward.
Do you have any parting words that you wish to share?
To dairy farmers, industry partners and the Dairy MAX team: thank you. Thank you for your trust, your support, your dedication and your shared vision. The dairy industry is a cornerstone of so many communities, and it has been an honor to advocate for it. I leave knowing the industry is in great hands and look forward to cheering on your continued success from the sidelines.
