Fritz Leeman, owner of Brewster Dairy Inc., Brewster, Ohio, received the NCI Laureate Award from the National Cheese Institute. Hilmar Jerseys was honored for excellence in farming.

The International Dairy Foods Association will broadcast live several key sessions from its annual Dairy Forum. Dairy Foods is providing the live-streaming sessions on Jan. 26 and 27 from Boca Raton, Fla.

The NCI Laureate Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and growth of the cheese industry. A panel of industry professionals chooses a winner each year based on the person's long-term contributions to the industry.

Brian Perry received the Soaring Eagle award, which recognizes his service to the dairy industry, the IDFA and the International Ice Cream Association.

The dairy industry stands on the verge of a new era filled with enormous opportunity and unlimited potential, said IDFA president Connie Tipton. Saying that future success hinges on all stakeholders taking steps together, Tipton called for industry collaboration on renewed efforts to phase out federal milk pricing regulations and new legislation that would change the federal standards of identity for dairy products.