As National Dairy Month and all the festivities get underway, I encourage you to think about new ways you can connect with people outside of agriculture to showcase all that is great about the dairy industry. Cheers to a fun month celebrating cows, amazing people and delicious dairy products!

Not long ago, I was reading an obituary of a dear family friend and mentor, Martin. He was successful by every definition of the word – from the dynamics of his family and the legacy he left behind, to the structure of his business and contributions to the dairy industry.

Like the bread, the end goal is the same: to raise a healthy calf. And just like with bread and its thousands of flavor combinations, every farm will use slightly different ingredients and have slightly different methods to achieve that goal.

Taking the next step often involves an investment – in time, energy and sometimes money. While many dairy producers interviewed for this year’s State of Dairy coverage are concerned about financial margins and their bottom line, they also have an eye on the future and are investing in their operations in ways that make it an attractive option for the next generation.

So there I was, sitting at a table suspended 100 feet in the air over Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, with several dairy producers and industry representatives having dinner. We had just completed three days of management training at PDP’s Managers Academy. As we took a mental break, we enjoyed the company of those who we had met just 60 hours before.

Sustainability and leadership are not separate challenges but are deeply connected. Across these stories, the message is consistent that the future of dairy will be shaped by those willing to learn, invest in people and make decisions with the next generation in mind.

“How do you eat an elephant?” When I first heard that metaphor as a child, I had no idea what would come next. Of course, the next line, “One bite at a time,” didn’t exactly clear things up in my mind.

The best part of my job is always hearing directly from you – both what’s working and what’s not. My wish is a lot more works for you and your farm this year than it has over the past several years. I have a good feeling it’s going to.

On my first day working for Progressive Dairy nearly four years ago, our office manager handed me a keyring with a key to the building and a charm engraved with the word “DREAM.” That charm is still on my keyring and takes on even more meaning every single day: While I’m living my dream, I get to tell stories about others who are also living theirs.

It isn’t the tree or the presents under it that define the holiday. It’s the people who gather around, the shared stories and the traditions passed year to year from generation to generation. And it’s that sense of family and of gratitude that truly fills the heart.