USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden

This week’s Open Mic guest is Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. Harden began her tenure as leader of the group last year and is the third president of USDEC since it was formed in 1995 by Dairy Management Incorporated. Competition in global dairy trade is fierce, but Harden says U.S. farmers who produce high-quality products and ingredients are gaining global market share. She says shipping woes plague dairy exports and threaten to have a lasting impact on global customers. Internet shopping is helping grow demand for U.S. dairy as is a more health-conscious customer base worldwide. Harden is encouraged by a recent trade ruling against Canada’s dairy policy and hopes the Biden administration can be aggressive in supporting additional trade opportunities for U.S. milk producers.