Milk Business Conference 2026

Conference Agenda

Sessions, speakers, and schedules for the dairy industry’s premier business event.

10:15 AM3:00 PM

Farm Tour

Join us in touring Desperado Dairy in Casa Grande, AZ. Limited spots available. Includes a box lunch.

12:30 PM4:30 PM

Golf Tournament

Hit the links and enjoy some sunshine and networking with other producers and dairy professionals. Shotgun start and scramble / best shot format. 

7:00 PM9:00 PM

Opening Reception

Come kick off our event with some fun glowball putting, cocktails and food!

5:30 AM7:30 AM

Early Morning Coffee Cart

Kierland 1-3

7:30 AM5:00 PM

Registration Open

7:30 AM8:30 AM

Breakfast and Exhibit Hall Open

8:00 AM8:05 AM

Welcome

8:40 AM9:10 AM

Education Session

9:10 AM9:50 AM

From Farm to Consumer: Where Value Is Created in Dairy

Success in today's dairy industry requires more than producing milk. It requires understanding how value is created and captured throughout the entire supply chain. This executive-level discussion brings together leaders from processing, branding, retail and distribution to explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping dairy's future. From consumer preferences and supply chain realities to vertical integration and business growth strategies, panelists will share insights on what it takes to compete in a rapidly changing marketplace.
 

10:00 AM10:30 AM

Focus Sessions - Round 1

10:30 AM11:00 AM

Break in Expo

Break Sponsored by: 

 

11:00 AM11:40 AM

The Next Generation Pivot: Leadership Lessons for Dairy’s Future

The future of the dairy industry is being shaped by a new generation of leaders bringing fresh perspectives and a long-term vision to their operations. In this candid panel, young producers discuss how they are navigating today’s margin pressures while preparing their businesses for tomorrow. From technology adoption and workforce management to family business dynamics and succession, attendees will gain insight into the priorities and growth strategies driving the next chapter of the dairy industry.

11:40 AM12:15 PM

The Competitive Edge: How Top Operations Protect the Margin

What separates good dairy operations from great ones? It isn’t luck — it is disciplined decision-making and a relentless focus on the bottom line. In this producer-to-producer conversation, top-performing operators share how they are navigating the margin revolution through strategic cost management, labor flexibility and precision technology. Attendees will gain actionable lessons on how to cut through the data noise, protect their margins and build a more resilient, high-performance operation.

12:15 PM12:45 PM

Lunch

Lunch Sponsored by:

MILK Business Awards Sponsored by:
            

12:45 PM1:30 PM

MILK Business Awards Presentation

1:40 PM2:10 PM

Focus Sessions - Round 2

2:10 PM2:40 PM

Break in Expo

Sponsored by: 

2:45 PM3:15 PM

Education Session

3:15 PM4:00 PM

Built to Last: Strength, Resilience and the People Behind Dairy

The 2026 State of the Dairy Industry report reveals a gray sky sentiment, with producers citing burnout and global uncertainty as major pressures. In this candid session, we move beyond the balance sheet to discuss the most critical asset on the farm: the people. Producers and mental health experts will explore the realities of leading through financial strain and family business dynamics. Learn how to identify burnout, protect your mental health and build a resilient culture that ensures your operation — and your family — is built to last. 

4:00 PM5:30 PM

Welcome Reception in Expo

Kierland 1-3

Sponsored by:

 

5:30 AM7:30 AM

Early Morning Coffee Cart

Kierland 1-3

Sponsored by: 

7:30 AM8:30 AM

Breakfast and Exhibit Hall Open

Vista Morada

Breakfast Sponsored by:

8:30 AM9:10 AM

Feed Starts in the Field: The Economics of Better Silage Management

Forage quality is no longer just an agronomy conversation — it’s a profitability conversation. From ration costs and feed efficiency to milk production and shrink loss, silage management decisions can have a major impact on dairy performance and long-term margins.
This session will bring together silage specialists, nutritionists, and dairy producers to explore how forage quality, harvest management, storage practices, and precision technologies are shaping the economics of modern dairy operations. Panelists will share practical strategies for improving nutrient preservation, reducing spoilage, and maximizing the value of every ton harvested

9:10 AM9:50 AM

Technology That Pays: Moving from Data Fatigue to the Efficiency Edge

Technology is only an asset if it delivers a measurable return. In an era of data fatigue and tight margins, how do you separate the shiny toys from the essential tools? In this producer-led discussion, dairy leaders share their frameworks for evaluating new tech, calculating true ROI and gaining employee buy-in. From automation to precision health monitoring, learn how to cut through the data noise and turn technology into a sustainable efficiency edge for your operation.

9:50 AM10:30 AM

Networking & Expo Break

Kierland 1-3

Sponsored by:

10:30 AM11:15 AM

Leading the Way: Women Driving Dairy Forward

Women are architects of resilience across the dairy value chain — from managing high-performance operations to shaping strategy for global companies. In this session, leaders from both the farm and business sectors share how they are navigating financial volatility and the evolving needs of the modern workforce. Attendees will gain actionable insights on workforce development, strategic innovation and the high-level leadership required to drive the dairy industry toward a durable, resilient future. 
 

11:15 AM12:00 PM

Beyond the Crossbred Calf: The Next Phase of Beef on Dairy

Beef-on-dairy has evolved from a niche opportunity into a strategic part of many dairy operations. As the market matures, success is no longer just about producing a crossbred calf—it's about producing the right calf for the right market. Join industry leaders from the feedyard and processing sectors as they discuss the next phase of beef on dairy, including genetics, consistency, carcass performance, branded beef programs and emerging market opportunities. Attendees will gain insight into what buyers are looking for, where value is being created across the supply chain, and how dairy producers can position themselves to capture greater returns in the years ahead.

12:00 PM1:00 PM

Lunch and a LIVE Taping of U.S. Farm Report Taping

Join us for a LIVE taping of U.S. Farm Report with host Tyne Morgan

Sponsored by: 

1:00 PM1:30 PM

Break in Expo

1:30 PM2:15 PM

Industry Outlook: The Forces Transforming Dairy

The dairy industry is being reshaped by forces both inside and outside the farm gate. From the protein revolution and beef-on-dairy revenue to the credit crunch and evolving labor models, the strategic landscape is shifting rapidly. Join a panel of industry leaders as they examine the trends defining the next decade and discuss the critical decisions producers must make today to ensure long-term resilience. Attendees will gain a high-level roadmap to navigate market volatility, access capital and capture growth in an evolving global marketplace.

2:15 PM2:50 PM

Education Session

2:50 PM3:00 PM

Closing Remarks

3:00 PM4:30 PM

Time to Enjoy the Resort

4:30 PM6:30 PM

Closing Reception

Marshall's Outpost Pavilion