MEET SAMMI FLECKNER, DAIRY ANALYTICS & INSIGHTS MANAGER
In a constantly evolving industry like dairy, understanding data is key to making smart, strategic decisions. As we celebrate June Dairy Month, meet Sammi Fleckner, Dairy Analytics and Insights Manager at Foremost Farms. With her expertise, we’re turning data into action — creating meaningful value for our cooperative and its members.
PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE WITHIN FOREMOST FARMS AND YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
One of the most exciting parts of my role is leading our cooperative’s market-driven mass balancing efforts — making decisions that align milk supply with demand to maximize value for our 600 members. I also work on developing equitable patron pay programs, supporting risk management, and enhancing our use of data to drive smarter, more strategic decisions. From optimizing how we move dairy solids to shaping our long-term network strategy, my role is a unique blend of data, markets and people – and I absolutely love it.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT FOREMOST FARMS?
The people. Whether it’s our members, my teammates, or our plant staff, Foremost Farms has a culture of collaboration and resilience. Everyone shows up with pride in the work we do and a shared mission to keep dairy strong. I also really value the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that make a real impact – for both our business and the dairy farm families who depend on us.
HOW DOES HAVING A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF DAIRY ANALYTICS HELP THE COOPERATIVE MAKE EFFECTIVE BUSINESS DECISIONS?
Dairy analytics connects the dots between the farm, the plant and the market. It’s how we understand what components we have coming in, where demand exists and how we can maximize value. With analytics, we can model “what if” scenarios – like market shifts or changes in milk components – allowing us to be proactive instead of reactive. At the end of the day, we’re not just balancing milk — we’re balancing value.
WHAT KIND OF DATA DO YOU WORK WITH ON A DAILY BASIS?
A little bit of everything! I work with supply forecasts, component trends, plant constraints, product profitability data, federal order milk pricing, market pricing (like butter, cheese and cream), transportation costs and patron pay program structures. My goal is to turn all that data into insight — and insight into action.
WHAT’S A RECENT PROJECT YOU’RE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF?
I’m especially proud of the implementation of the ADL platform. It’s a major step forward from reactive, tactical balancing to a more strategic, data-driven approach. This tool allows us to evaluate the impact of past decisions, take advantage of present market opportunities, and model future scenarios based on component trends, market pricing and plant capabilities. It’s helping us shift from keeping milk off the ground to truly optimizing where and how we use each pound of milk — and that has a direct impact on profitability for our members. This is more than a tool — it’s becoming the backbone of our mass balance strategy.
HOW DO YOU SEE ANALYTICS TRANSFORMING DAIRY FARMING IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
I see analytics becoming more predictive and personalized. From predictions at the herd level to real-time market decision-making, both farmers and processors will benefit from tools that provide faster, smarter information and give them the insights they need to succeed.
YOU RECENTLY PARTICIPATED IN A WEBINAR HOSTED BY EVER.AG, DISCUSSING THE ROLE OF SALES AND OPERATIONS PLANNING (S&OP) IN THE DAIRY INDUSTRY. WHY IS IT BENEFICIAL TO INCLUDE S&OP IN A BUSINESS STRATEGTY?
Sales and Operations Planning is the bridge between supply and demand. In dairy, where we manage a perishable, 24/7/365 supply with counter-seasonal demand patterns, it’s critical. A strong S&OP process helps us move from tactical firefighting to strategic optimization. It lets us reconcile what’s coming in with what’s going out — factoring in market conditions, production capacity and risk to make smarter decisions. By evolving our S&OP process with tools like ADL from Ever.Ag, we’re not just reacting — we’re preparing for what’s next.
Watch the full webinar here.
AS WORLD MILK DAY KICKED OFF JUNE DAIRY MONTH, WHAT KIND OF MILK IS YOUR FAVORITE AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO ENJOY IT?
Whole milk all the way — especially when it’s ice cold and paired with a warm cookie. You can’t beat that classic combo!