Conference Agenda

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.

As the dairy industry navigates a new era of margin pressure and global opportunity, strategic leadership is more critical than ever. Join Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, for a deep dive into the policy, trade and regulatory shifts defining the future for producers, processors, and the entire dairy value chain. 

Success in today’s dairy industry requires a seamless connection between the parlor and the processing plant. This discussion brings together the strategic architects responsible for the first mile and beyond — focusing on member services, logistics, animal welfare standards and procurement. From the challenges of farm-to-plant transportation and milk marketing to the rigorous demands of value-added brands, our panelists will explore what it takes to align on-farm decisions with the realities of the modern supply chain. Learn how to navigate a rapidly changing marketplace in which producer-owner alignment and supply chain integrity are key to capturing true value.

Break Sponsored by: 

When dairy demand grows, everyone wins — from the farm gate to the retail shelf. But in an era of plant-based competition, GLP-1 drugs reshaping protein consumption, and shifting consumer preferences, growing that pie requires precision, collaboration, and bold strategy. Hear from executives at Dairy Management Inc. and MilkPEP as they outline their coordinated approach to increasing per capita consumption, defending dairy's nutritional superiority and creating new occasions for dairy products. This is the roadmap for how checkoff investments are translating into real market gains — and what it means for your bottom line.

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.
 

Lunch Sponsored by:

MILK Business Awards Sponsored by:
            

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These days, everyone has a piece of advice or a recipe for success and parsing through the options often takes more time and energy than you have. For a unique new view to consider for your business strategy, Farm Journal Intelligence has recently completed a nationwide study of growing dairies to reveal the common characteristics among those leading the industry. We will dive into mindset, practices, scale, and other attributes of dairies projected to grow over the next three years to give you an inside look into the pillars of those maintaining and growing despite difficult market conditions. Are you among them or what could you capitalize on to join them?

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. 

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Breakfast Sponsored by:

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.

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.

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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. 
 

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.

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

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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.

Dairy producers are finding unexpected ways to create new opportunities, solve problems and rethink what is possible on their operations. In this fast-paced closing session, producers will each share an idea or venture that may surprise you. You’ll leave with a fresh look at what dairies are doing today and what could be possible next.