The Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB) approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 budget during its April board meeting.
The budget will be invested in state and national promotion/marketing programs from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. The budget is $510,000 larger than the previous year, a reflection of the continuing growth in Wisconsin milk production. The program budget also underscores the state’s dairy producers’ commitment to promotion and marketing programs that reach consumers throughout the nation while maintaining strong promotional activities in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest.
On the national level, WMMB’s FY2008 budget continues to support cheese marketing and promotional programs in all 50 states in the national retail grocery and foodservice market segments. Activities include national magazine advertising, trade show promotions, educational tours, cheese usage training/education and special events showcasing Wisconsin’s award-winning cheese industry.
Next year’s budget includes increased activity in the areas of in-store product demonstrations and brand equity partnering with Wisconsin manufacturers and marketers. The Cheese Business budget also includes support for the Wisconsin Center or Dairy Research, which administers the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker® Program and provides technical assistance to cheese and dairy processors.
Activities in the Communications and Local Promotions budget include nutrition education programs conducted by the Wisconsin Dairy Council and promotion programs for fluid milk, butter and other Wisconsin dairy products. Also included in this budget area are June Dairy Month activities and other seasonal promotions such as fall chocolate milk and holiday promotions.