Idaho Dairymen's

For more information on the Idaho National Center for Livestock and Enviromental Studies (INCLES) please see the attached document informational brochure.

The Idaho Dairymen’s Association (IDA) is pleased to announce that Jerry Kozak, the President and Chief Executive Officer of National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), has agreed to serve as the National Chairman for the campaign to raise $5 million for the construction of the Idaho National Center for Livestock and Environmental Studies (INCLES) and another $5 million as a permanent endowment for future research.

The IDA has formed the IDEAL Foundation a non-profit 501(c) 3 to facilitate our fundraising efforts.  Jerry’s participation will help us gain access to national organizations for their support of the research center.  His enthusiasm for this endeavor is summed up in his remarks below.

“The rapid growth of Idaho’s dairy industry in the past generation has benefited the state enormously.  Now, the dairy industry across the country can benefit from Idaho’s commitment to the new Idaho National Center for Livestock and Environmental Studies."

Agriculture is at the intersection of a variety of challenges that are facing society today:  nutrition, animal welfare, environment, immigration, global warming, and rural development, just to name a few.  The new INCLES will help focus research on several of these issues, to develop new approaches and workable solutions for them.  

In order for dairy farming to continue to grow in the 21st century, in any state or region, we need to be mindful of the environmental and economic footprint of dairy farms and processing plants.  I see INCLES as being uniquely-positioned to help educate every stakeholder in the process about best practices, and the smartest ways to do things right, the first time.  

I look forward to working with the entire dairy industry in support of the INCLES effort because everyone has a great deal riding on the outcome.”
Jerry Kozak – December, 2008