Episode 208 - Free Trade Matters: What Dairy Can and Will Do in a Growing Global Market with Erica Louder

This week, we’re kicking off June Dairy Month with returning guest, Erica Louder, this time in her new role with the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

Erica joins us to share insights from her recent farmer mission trip to Guatemala, where she helped connect American dairy producers with one of Central America’s growing dairy markets. We talk about how U.S. dairy exports are making a difference globally, what makes Guatemala a strategic partner, and how local dairies and U.S. products complement each other rather than compete.

From the challenges of infrastructure and trade policy to surprising culinary experiences (think banana peel feed and back-to-back steak dinners), Erica gives us a firsthand look at how global dairy partnerships work—and why they matter. She also highlights the importance of farmer engagement in export discussions and how today’s decisions are shaping the future of dairy markets worldwide.

This episode is full of eye-opening facts, cross-cultural connections, and a hopeful look at the global future of agriculture.

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Connect with Erica Louder:

• Email Erica at [e-mail]
• Visit the U.S. Export Dairy Council website
• Follow USEDC on LinkedIn
• Follow @USdairyexporter on X

Connect with Valene & Katharine:

• Follow us on Instagram @millennial_ag
• Check out our website
• Email us at [e-mail]
• Follow us on X/Twitter @millennial_ag
• Follow us on TikTok @millennial.ag

Resources & Links:

• Our sponsor, Peacock Technology
• Our sponsor, AGPRO