Cornell University is partnering up with the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) to launch a leadership development program for students interested in the daily foods business, school officials announced.

Through its newly-launched NextGen Dairy Network, the two entities will provide a series of training opportunities for dairy professions with less than 15 years in the industry.

"As dairy companies continue to grow and their operations evolve, one of the most critical requirements is to create a strong pool of dairy professionals who are prepared to fill senior-level management positions in their companies and in our member organizations," said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO. "Our collaboration with Cornell is an important step towards strengthening the knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities of our industry's employees."

In October, they will host their first joint program, the NextGEN Symposium, at Cornell University. The symposium will feature exposure to the dairy industry from production to processing to supply chain distribution and is designed to enhance personal and professional networking, increase self-awareness, and improve leadership skills in a way that can drive change within an organization.

"Teaming up with an organization such as IDFA will help to bridge the gap in workforce development for the next generation of leaders in our industry," Kathryn J. Boor, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, said in a statement. "Cornell and IDFA share a commitment to create opportunities for industry professionals at all levels to develop the skills, connections and confidence to be successful in the dairy industry."

IDFA developed its NextGEN Dairy Network to engage the next generation of leaders in the dairy foods industry. It is intended to help professionals with less than 15 years of experience to connect with peers, enhance their careers and prepare for leadership opportunities within their companies and the industry.