Oregon’s dairy industry is a major contributor to the state’s economy, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual sales and supporting jobs in production, processing and value-added products.
By helping processors meet food safety requirements, adopt new practices and train employees more efficiently, Oregon State supports business growth and job stability.
The state is home to both large-scale processors and a growing number of artisan producers. Together, they face increasing pressure to meet evolving food safety standards, adopt new technologies and remain competitive in national and global markets.
At the same time, the food and beverage industry faces a persistent workforce challenge. Many employees in processing, quality and supply chain roles have limited access to technical training, even as regulations, technologies and product complexity continue to increase.
In the western United States, these challenges are compounded by a fragmented network of university dairy programs and limited access to coordinated research and training resources.
These gaps created a need for stronger industry coordination, workforce development and accessible training to support long-term competitiveness.
To address workforce gaps, Oregon State developed a flexible, self-paced training program through Professional and Continuing Education in the Division of Extension and Engagement.
The program offers multiple entry points, including an essentials certificate, an advanced certificate and short micro certificates, allowing employees to build skills while continuing to work.
Sheri Cole, assistant professor of practice and dairy Extension faculty at Oregon State University, led development of the Dairy Foods Manufacturing training, working with industry partners to design curriculum, coordinate subject matter experts and oversee implementation.
The program includes bilingual modules in English and Spanish to better serve the workforce. Since launching in 2023, enrollment has exceeded 1,000 learners from more than 40 countries, with more than 200 certificates awarded and more than $100,000 in revenue generated.
Participants report strong outcomes, with most indicating the training supports career advancement, improves job performance and meets learning goals.
Additional modules focused on food safety and quality are in development, with broader rollout planned.
Regional leadership brings new investment
Cole, who plays a key role in aligning industry, research and education, co-leads program development for the Oregon Dairy Industries Conference, bringing together stakeholders to share information on sustainability, processing, consumer trends, innovation, regulation and food safety.
The conference provides a forum for collaboration and knowledge exchange, with 2025 attendees rating sessions highly for quality and relevance.
Cole also works with industry partners to expand opportunities for students, faculty and processors while increasing Oregon’s visibility in regional and national dairy networks.
Cole represents OSU on national dairy innovation and food safety initiatives, helping position the university as a regional leader in dairy education and research.
She serves on university-industry teams through the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, supporting projects focused on food safety for artisan cheese and ice cream producers.
She also serves as OSU’s liaison to the Pacific Coast Coalition, a U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded initiative to expand dairy manufacturing innovation in the Western U.S.
Through this work, OSU secured $880,000 in direct investment from 2022 to 2026 to support program capacity, training development and technical assistance.
Oregon processors have also benefited directly, receiving nearly $3.5 million in competitive sub-awards. The coalition also provides access to millions more in shared resources and future funding opportunities.
Public value
This work helps Oregon’s dairy industry remain competitive by improving workforce skills, supporting innovation and expanding access to federal investment.
By helping processors meet food safety requirements, adopt new practices and train employees more efficiently, Oregon State supports business growth and job stability.
