Dairy industry leaders from around the country will converge on the Omni Interlocken Resort Hotel in Broomfield, Colo., just north of Denver, from Sunday, April 19 through Tuesday, April 21 for the 2009 National Dairy Leaders Conference (NDLC).
The NDLC provides a forum for key players in the dairy industry to facilitate discussion and interaction as participants examine key challenges and opportunities facing dairy producers and marketers. Dairy producers, cooperative executives and directors, processors, dairy suppliers and consultants, state and federal regulators, promotion organization executives, and academics are all invited to attend.
Program topics will include discussions about the increasing focus on product traceability, the possibility of changing the way milk is priced going into cheese, whey, butter, and powder, and first-person experiences of dairy producers who operate manure digesters. DMI will also host a presentation on future innovation for the U.S. dairy industry.
Program highlights will include:
Outlook for the Dairy Economy – As 2009 shapes up to be one of the toughest years on record for dairy producers, speakers will discuss how producers can deal with the collapse in milk prices, volatile grain prices, the credit crunch, and high energy costs.
Farm Labor Availability and Immigration Policy – This panel will examine the outlook for immigration policy developments in the coming year as dairy producers struggle to find and keep an adequate workforce.
Dairy Exports in Challenging Times – U.S. dairy trade officials and consultants will analyze how the global dairy market has changed dramatically in less than a year and how U.S. companies can respond to softening international markets.
Impact of Increased Spotlight on Animal Care – This session will look at anti-animal agriculture activist attacks on industry practices and technology, and the best way for the industry to respond, such as through the newly announced National Dairy FARM Program. Dairy FARM, or Farmers Assuring Responsible Management, will help demonstrate the industry’s commitment to the highest levels of animal care and quality assurance.
Climate Change Legislation – Speakers from Capitol Hill and regulatory agencies will examine the various options under consideration by Congress and the Obama Administration to control greenhouse gases and reduce global warming, and discuss which might be best for dairy producers.