For today’s lesson in anthropology, let’s consider the residents of the great state of Maine. The native-born citizens are fiercely proud of their heritage. They refer to themselves as Maineiacs.

The milk industry dodged one bullet this year (thanks to the temporary extension by Congress of the 2008 farm bill, keeping milk prices stable, for now) but the numbers show there’s still a bumpy road ahead.

As we approach a new year, we have the opportunity to revamp our goals and re-plot our course, combining wisdom from past experiences with hopes and dreams for our future. It’s a time to shed what we’ve learned doesn’t work and to refresh our approach to endeavors ahead.

How’s the dairy foods business? Which one? If you sell natural cheese or Greek yogurt, then the answer is: Great. If you bottle milk or package ice cream, then the answer might be: Things could be better.

How do processors create value in a commodity item like milk? They add flavors and functional ingredients, make it more portable and seek new channels of distribution.

Milk has nine essential nutrients, but not everyone knows that. It's time to bust the myths associated with milk, including the one saying whole milk is the only milk containing vitamin D.

Dairy operations, for the past several years, have been encouraged to adopt HACCP by their customers who believed that HACCP is an important part of total quality management.

Sales of milk continue to decline, and traditional grocery stores are losing market share. Consumers increasingly are buying milk at club stores and dollar stores, according to an analysis by Prime Consulting Group, Bannockburn, Ill., for Milk Processor Education Program, or MilkPEP, Washington, D.C.

California Dairies Inc., Visalia, Calif., appointed David Treiber the senior vice president of fluid business development, reporting to Dave Bush, chief operating officer. Treiber will manage all fluid, condensed and cream sales. He comes from CDI subsidiary Challenge Dairy Products.

Anthony Escobar, business manager of Super Store Industries, Lathrop, Calif., is the grand prize winner in MilkPEP’s annual awards program. Escobar demonstrated strong and effective efforts to increase awareness and grow milk sales using MilkPEP programs and resources. His entries showcased multi-faceted programs supported by well-rounded marketing efforts that creatively customized MilkPEP tools to reinforce Super Store Industries’ brand.