The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance® (USFRA®) will assemble a range of voices to discuss animal care and animal care standards during The Food Dialogues®: Dairy Forum; Animal Care and Consumers’ Emerging Expectations. The event will take place at the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Dairy Forum from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 in Boca Raton, FL.

“Animal care and welfare is not only an important factor in consumers’ purchasing decisions, but it’s also of the upmost importance to America’s farmers and ranchers, food processors and retailers,” said Nancy Kavazanjian, chairperson of USFRA. “USFRA is excited to partner with IDFA to host a dialogue on this topic that is so important to the U.S. food industry.”

Food industry and animal care experts will discuss the various tools and strategies that farmers, ranchers and veterinarians use to promote animal health and a safe food supply. These animal care techniques and practices – from housing to the use of antibiotics – are increasingly important to food manufacturers and consumers as they’re making sourcing and purchasing decisions. The event’s discussion will address whether what is happening on farms and ranches across the nation is meeting consumers’ expectations.

“This important animal care session will be a great exclamation point to the Dairy Forum,” said Connie Tipton, chief executive officer of IDFA. “Having been a panelist for a previous Food Dialogues, I know how engaging these discussions are and I’m thrilled to bring this important topic to all of the dairy processors, producers, suppliers, retailers, academics and media that will be at the Dairy Forum.”

Elisabeth Leamy, a 13-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, author and Dr. Oz consumer and investigative correspondent will return to moderate the panel. Leamy also moderated The Food Dialogues: Chicago; Integrity in Food Marketing in June.

The panel will include:
– Chuck Ahlem, dairy farmer, Hilmar Jerseys, Hilmar, California
– Dr. Marcia Endres, D.V.M., Ph.D., professor of dairy science, University of Minnesota
– Bruce Feinberg, global animal health and welfare officer, McDonald’s
– Dr. Robin R. Ganzert, Ph.D., president and CEO, American Humane Association
– Jim Mulhern, president and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation
– Mike Reidy, senior vice president, corporate affairs, Leprino Foods Company

The panel is open to all registered attendees of the Dairy Forum and will also be available online. To register for the live stream, go to Food Dialogues: Dairy Forum.