Farmers’ investments are paying off as food companies boost their use of dairy products. Since the national checkoff took effect in 1984, Midwest dairy farmers invest 15 cents for every 100 pounds of milk they sell. Midwest Dairy receives 10 cents of this mandatory funding for regional programs. The remaining 5 cents goes to the National Dairy Board to fund national promotional, research and export programs.

Checkoff dollars are used for innovation, market development, consumer...