2019 December Board Book

December 2019 Dear CMAB Board of Directors:

The past year at the California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) has been one of collaboration in our work to maintain a portfolio of current and urgent research within our new strategic plan guidelines. CDRF is primarily funded by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) which receives check-off dollars from California dairy producers. CDRF also seeks project co-funding from research institutions, government agencies and private industry to maximize investment opportunities. In support of its goal to increase outside funding in partnership with other dairy organizations, CDRF co-funded projects with Dairy Management Inc., Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc., Nestlé, and CDFA. The CDRF Board of Directors is currently comprised of Richard Wagner, Chairman; Jared Fernandes, Vice Chairman; Chuck Ahlem, Secretary; Dante Migliazzo, Treasurer; Greg Miller, Ph.D.; John Talbot; and Josh Zonneveld. Researchers presented their project proposals for 2020 to the CDRF Board in early October; since that time, they have worked to refine their proposals to increase the project benefits based on the direct feedback from the Board and staff. CDRF is continuing to move toward its goal of expending 60% of funding in the area of Environmental Management and investing in co-funded projects throughout its portfolio. Please see the following pages for the outline of our focus areas, a brief proposal for each of the 2020 research projects in our portfolio, and our proposed budget for the 2020 fiscal year. On behalf of the Board and staff, I look forward to your input and the chance to continually support our California dairy farmers. Thank you,

Denise Mullinax Executive Director, CDRF