MEET DANA MCCURDY, SENIOR SCIENTIST
In order to make sure Foremost Farms continues to produce high-quality products and uphold its standards, the Research and Development team is always hard at work conducting trials, testing products and analyzing the production process. Among them is Senior Scientist, Dana McCurdy. Her work helps Foremost Farms stay competitive in the cheese market, ensuring innovative products while also honoring the cooperative’s roots in cheesemaking.
CAN YOU SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO FOREMOST FARMS?
Before joining Foremost Farms, my work focused on dairy cattle nutrition and rumen fermentation, particularly how different feed sources impact the gut microbiome and overall animal health.
From there my research shifted toward evaluating the functional properties of fermented dairy foods. I began exploring the production of dairy flavors through fermentation and worked on generating concentrated compounds like lactic acid – a key player in the complex flavor network of dairy products like cheese.
However, I missed the direct connection to dairy and food agriculture – where I felt my efforts could more tangibly support farmers. I was immediately drawn to Foremost Farms’ culture and its genuine commitment to support America’s most essential people: farmers. Oh, and cheese. Can’t forget the cheese.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH FOREMOST FARMS AND WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
Currently I am a Senior Scientist on the Research & Development team and I just celebrated my one-year anniversary! One of my biggest highlights has been the opportunity for face-to-face collaboration and hands-on involvement with the incredible teams at our production plants. Being able to see the product made in real time – and make adjustments that directly impact long-term production – has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a tangible connection between science and outcome that I truly value.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT FOREMOST FARMS?
What I enjoy most about working at Foremost Farms is the people. There’s something truly special about being part of a company where people not only care deeply about the work they do, but also about the farmers who rely on us. You can feel the pride and care that’s gone into our cheese and it really shows! It’s pretty cool to be part of something that’s not only widely loved but also woven into everyday life for so many people.
HOW DOES INNOVATION, PRODUCT & DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTE TO FOREMOST FARMS’ PRODUCTION PROCESS AND OVERALL SUCCESS?
At Foremost Farms, while we’re rooted in the tradition of making high-quality cheese, staying competitive means being able to adapt. Innovation allows us to pivot and bridge the gap between emerging consumer demands and what our manufacturing capabilities can deliver. We don’t just respond to the market – we help shape it.
What makes this possible is our ownership of the entire process – from concept to commercialization. By continuously refining how we test, trial, and produce, we maintain a deep understanding of both what we currently do, and what we’re capable of doing in the future.
Ensuring our current products are consistent, high-quality, and efficient to produce is what enables us to confidently explore new ideas. Supporting the present is what empowers us to create the future.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR WORK AS A SCIENTIST IN THE DAIRY INDUSTRY?
I love cows so much and I’ve always been driven by a desire to understand how things work, so dairy science was a natural calling for me. I also admire our dairy farmers, who are some of the hardest-working people in the world. They don’t get days off, and they work double-shifts every single day – because they love their animals.
If the work I do here can make even a small difference in a farmer’s life, that’s more than enough for me – unless they’re offering to let me pet some cows. Then that’s just a bonus!
WITH KIDS HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL, WHAT ARE SOME KEY NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF DAIRY IN THEIR DIET?
Dairy plays an important role in supporting their growth, development, and daily energy needs. Products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of high-quality, complete protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles tissue, promoting skeletal development, and supporting satiety throughout the day.
Dairy is also a primary dietary source of calcium and is commonly fortified with vitamin D3. Both are critical for optimal bone mineralization and strength, especially during the rapid growth phases of childhood and adolescence. Regular dairy consumption has been associated with improvements in bone mineral content and density, which are important not only for growth but also for physical activity and sports performance.
Dairy also offers essential micronutrients, which contribute to immune function, red blood cell formation, energy metabolism, and overall cognitive performance – supporting children’s focus and stamina throughout the school day.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DAIRY PRODUCT, AND WHAT MAKES IT YOUR FAVORITE?
Definitely butter! I probably consume a concerning amount but it’s worth it. Butter = life.