The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) recognized six federal policy makers whose work has positively impacted the U.S. dairy industry with the associations annual IDFA Leadership Award.

Recognized were Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa; Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota; Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota; Rep. Jim Costa of California; USDAs Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Brandon Lipps; and Lorren Walker, chief of staff at USDAs Office of the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

Those recognized "display outstanding leadership and support for the industry through their work on federal policy matters," the association said. “Dairy is so present and important to the wellbeing of Americans that it’s our duty to stop and give thanks to those whose leadership has contributed to a healthy dairy industry,” said IDFA Pres./CEO Michael Dykes.