Michael Dykes, President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), has announced that he will be stepping down at the end of 2026 after nearly ten years at the helm of the organisation. According to Dairy Foods, his tenure has been marked by a significant increase in the influence of the US dairy industry, a proactive trade policy and the transformation of the association.
Michael Dykes, DVM, has been leading the IDFA since 2017. During this time, the association has significantly strengthened its position in Washington, expanded its membership base and stepped up its work in the areas of global trade and food policy.
The IDFA Executive Board has already begun forming a committee to search for a new president and CEO. Dykes himself will remain in post until the end of 2026 to ensure a smooth handover.
IDFA Executive Board Chair Daragh Maccabee described Dykes as a ‘reformist leader’ for the US dairy industry.
“Over the past decade, he has strengthened IDFA’s credibility, expanded its influence, and helped position the association and the dairy industry for long-term success,” said Maccabee.
According to him, under Dykes’ leadership, IDFA has built one of the strongest lobbying teams in Washington, strengthened its financial position and increased the industry’s involvement across the entire supply chain.
Dyks himself said that he considers it a great honour to have the opportunity to lead the US dairy industry.
“Together, our members, board leaders, and talented team have strengthened dairy’s voice, expanded opportunities for our industry, and positioned dairy as an essential part of America’s future,” he emphasised.
During his tenure, the IDFA actively promoted the interests of the dairy sector in the field of global trade. Dykes also served as an adviser to the Office of the United States Trade Representative and sat on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC).
One of the most notable achievements in recent years has been the inclusion of dairy products as a key food group in the ‘Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030’. The IDFA also supported the passing of the ‘Whole Milk for Healthy Children’ Act, which restored schools’ ability to offer whole milk to pupils.
In 2022, Dykes also spearheaded the establishment of the IDFA Foundation and supported initiatives aimed at promoting dairy products as an affordable and nutritious food.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the IDFA coordinated industry efforts to ensure the continued operation of dairy processing facilities as critical infrastructure. And during the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, the association worked with the US government and industry representatives to maintain consumer confidence in the safety of dairy products.
Once his work at IDFA is finished, Michael Dykes plans to spend more time with his family in Kentucky and Virginia.
Source: Dairy Foods
