What key factors does the U.S. dairy industry depend on to deliver safe dairy products? There could be many answers, but the predominant factor is an educated, motivated and well-trained workforce. This factor can overcome aging equipment and facilities. Yet, do we really know the work force in our dairy plants well enough to provide them with the resources and motivation to consistently deliver safe milk, cheese, ice cream, cultured and powdered dairy products? Who works in dairy plants today?
If you ask a dairy plant manager, production or quality assurance supervisor, human resource director or their corporate counterparts, the answer is usually Maria, Tom, Jose or Diane. Many supervisory staff do not understand the broader group dynamics that can drive product safety and quality as well as increase production.