By Joe Diglio, MMPA President & CEO
That’s something I’ve said often, and it feels especially fitting as I reflect on where we are today as a cooperative. Our story isn’t just about where we’ve been, it’s about where we’re going and, more importantly, how we’re getting there.
Six years ago, we made a deliberate decision: we weren’t going to let our future be dictated solely by commodity markets. We chose to invest differently, to think differently and to position this cooperative to have more control over its destiny. That decision set a new course, one that continues to take shape today.
Since then, we’ve made bold moves. We stepped into the Class I space by acquiring a fluid milk plant, not because it was easy, but because it gave us a direct line of sight to the consumer. It allowed us to better understand what customers are asking for and how we can deliver products that meet those needs.
We expanded our ultrafiltration capabilities, recognizing early on that protein would play a larger role in the marketplace. What started as a solution to a skim surplus has evolved into a strategic advantage, opening doors to new products and new opportunities.
And when challenges emerged, like what to do with permeate, we didn’t sit still. We innovated. Through our work with Dairy Distillery, we’re turning a low-value byproduct into energy, creating new revenue streams while strengthening our sustainability story. That’s what it looks like to think differently and move the needle.
At the same time, we’ve been intentional about building partnerships that extend our reach. Whether it’s working with global organizations like Amul or aligning with innovative brands like Trilliant Foods, these relationships are helping us connect more directly with consumers and expand our footprint in meaningful ways.
None of this is accidental. It’s grounded in a strategy built on our key pillars. Each decision we’ve made ties back to those fundamentals and we’re seeing that strategy come to life today.
The investments are coming online very shortly, the partnerships are taking shape and the strategy is turning into execution. Now, the focus shifts to execution. The groundwork has been laid, and it’s time to perform.
What excites me most is the momentum we’re building. We’re not standing still. We’re evolving, adapting and positioning this cooperative for long-term strength. We’re creating opportunities that didn’t exist before and finding new ways to bring value back to you, the member-owner.
But none of this happens without people.
From the trust our member-owners have put in the cooperative, to our employees and our leadership team our board of directors executing the vision, it takes alignment and commitment across the entire organization. When governance, management and members are all moving in the same direction, that’s when real progress happens. And that’s exactly what we’re seeing.
We’ve added new chapters to our story, but we’re far from finished. The strategy is in motion, and the future is taking shape. Stay tuned. There’s more to come.
This article was originally published in the March/April 2026 issue of the Milk Messenger. Subscribe »