Interactive Event Calendar
Dairy Forum 2009
January 10-14, 2009
Disney Yacht and Beach Club Resort | Orlando, FL
Overview
At IDFA's Dairy Forum 2009, more than 700 leaders in the dairy industry will come together to prepare for the new political and economic forces that will influence our markets and shape our businesses. With the theme "Around the Corner, Around the World," Dairy Forum will take an in-depth look at the challenges of operating in a global marketplace and explore the interconnection between local and national policy initiatives.
Agenda
Day One - Saturday, January 10, 2009
| 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. |
Registration |
Day Two - Sunday, January 11, 2009
| 8:00 a.m. | Morning Golf Tournament Osprey Ridge Golf Course? 8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start |
| 12:00 p.m. |
Afternoon Golf Tournament Lake Buena Vista Golf Course? 12:00 noon Shotgun Start |
| 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Registration Asbury Rotunda |
| 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. |
IDFA Chairman's Lecture Incoming IDFA Chairman Paul Kruse, who is president and chief executive officer of Blue Bell Creameries in Texas, will host this year's Chairman's Lecture. He has asked fellow Texan and former Congressman Charlie Stenholm (D-TX) to kick-off Dairy Forum 2009 by sharing his insight into what the dairy industry can expect from the new administration and Congress. ??Picked by U.S. News and World Report as a potential Agriculture Secretary, Stenholm knows agriculture and the food industry well. He served on the House agriculture committee throughout his 26-year career as a legislator, and was the committee’s ranking Democrat for the last eight years. A co-founder of the Democratic "Blue Dog" Coalition, known for their moderate and fiscally conservative policies, Stenholm earned a reputation for building bipartisan alliances in areas as diverse as agriculture, resource conservation, food safety, energy and budget. He is currently a senior policy advisor at Olsson Frank Weeda, P.C. Come listen to his view on the future direction of agricultural policy. |
| 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. |
Opening Reception Immediately following IDFA Chairman's Lecture |
Day Three - Monday, January 12, 2009
| 7:00 - 5:00 p.m. |
Registration Asbury Rotunda |
| 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. |
President's Welcome Address? "Around the Corner, Around the World" With skyrocketing production costs, new leadership in Washington, D.C., and increasing global demand for dairy products, what is waiting around the corner for the dairy industry? In her opening address, IDFA CEO Connie Tipton will weave these and other issues into an industry outlook that takes us from the dairy farm around the corner to a marketplace that is spreading around the world. |
| 8:45 - 9:30 a.m. |
General Session -? Economic Outlook Supply and demand vs. economic reality and political momentum: Are the U.S. and global dairy industries positioned properly to survive these constantly shifting sands? Are our supplies of milk and dairy products strategically placed to meet demand around the world? Dr. Bruce A. Scherr, chairman and CEO of Informa Economics, will share research and insight on our economic future while addressing energy, land use and other factors that will have a direct influence on supply and demand in the local, national and global markets we serve. Bruce A. Scherr is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Informa Economics, a world leader in food, agriculture, energy and transportation research. Informa develops improved price risk management procedures, organizes and manages purchasing and merchandising programs, and assists agribusinesses and public sector institutions in strategic and tactical planning. Dr. Scherr has more than 20 years of experience in researching key issues that affect agriculture and food production around the world. |
| 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. |
Coffee Break |
| 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. |
General Session? - Dairy Leaders' Eye on the World: the CEO Perspective Operating in a global economy presents new challenges and new opportunities for the U.S. dairy industry. Come hear Dean Foods Chairman and CEO Gregg Engles lead a panel of global dairy executives as they discuss how they are navigating the changing dairy environment around the world. |
| 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. |
Awards Lucheon The IDFA Dairy Forum 2009 Awards Luncheon will celebrate some of the most accomplished leaders of the dairy industry. Join us in honoring these outstanding individuals as we celebrate their lives, achievements and contributions to our industry. Awards include IDFA's Soaring Eagle Award, the National Cheese Institute's Laureate Award, the Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year Award (co-sponsored by IDFA and Dairy Today), the Dairy Foods Processor of the Year Award and the Dairy Plant of the Year Award from Dairy Field Reports. |
| 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. |
Tennis Tournament |
| 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. |
Worldwide Food Expo Reception Enjoy a preview of the new Seasoning, Flavoring & Ingredients Pavilion, which is coming to Worldwide Food Expo in 2009. Martin Smith of ethnoMetrics, Inc., a leader in retail behavioral research, will share secrets on how to maximize your company's sales and marketing investments by translating retail shoppers' behavior to other venues, including trade shows. |
| 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. |
Editor's Reception (Invitation Only) |
| 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. |
PAC Reception (Invitation Only) |
Day Four - Tuesday, January 13, 2009
| 7:00 - 5:00 p.m. |
Registration Asbury Rotunda |
| 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. |
Immigration and Hot Topics on Capitol Hill With a new president heading for the White House and a new Congress in session, change is in the air . . . and in legislative priorities. Join us for coffee and a frank discussion on what our Capitol Hill insiders expect will be the hot legislative issues in the coming year. Our panelists will provide a special focus on the immigration debate and how any changes to current U.S. policy would affect the dairy industry. |
| 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. |
General Session? - Truth and Consequences of Exploding Input Costs It's no secret that the cost of doing business is on the rise. Increases in fuel, fertilizer and feed costs appear to be here to stay, while customers continue to tighten their belts in the face of economic uncertainty. Examine the truth about rising expenses and the consequences all companies face as they try to strike that delicate balance between costs and customers. Join Larry Jensen of Leprino Foods as he hosts a lively discussion with four industry colleagues who have found ways to navigate these rough economic waters. |
| 9:45 - 10:00 a.m. |
Coffee Break |
| 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions 1. Soup to Nuts on Trade Policy What do we think will be the trade agenda of the next U.S. administration? What will happen to existing trade agreements? Will Congress reinstate and act on Trade Promotion Authority? What's next in the Doha Round negotiations? Will we see an increased emphasis on enforcement, new non-tariff barriers and more protectionism, and will dairy programs around the world (New Zealand, EU, U.S.) be subject to challenge? Come hear a panel of experts discuss hot trade issues and their impact on the dairy industry. 2. Take the Mystery out of Milk Marketing Channels Research shows that the sale of milk through traditional channels — grocery, drug and big box stores — is declining while sales in 'all other channels' — a catch-all category — has increased to approximately 40 percent of all sales. To take the mystery out of 'all other channels,' Marketing expert Doug Adams will unveil the results of his recent research that examines milk sales through convenience stores, schools, food service and other outlets that research has ignored until now. He will outline which types of milk are selling where, and which channels offer the best prospects for growth in coming years. 3. Protecting the Food Supply Recent bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate proposes to 'improve the way the U.S. Food and Drug Administration protects the nation’s food supply' from farm to table. What impact will the legislation have on farmers, processors and retailers? Join John Ford as he leads a panel of experts on the shape new legislation might take. ??John Ford, Sidley Austin, served as senior Democratic counsel to the House Energy and Commerce Committee under Chairman John Dingell for more than 10 years. He was responsible for advising Members of Congress and staff on the programs administered by the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and other agencies of the Public Health Service of the Department of Health and Human Services. Prior to his service with the Committee, Mr. Ford was the director of government relations for a global food company and practiced law for more than nine years. |
| 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions 4. Government Policy and Dairy Innovation: Case Studies in Dairy Ingredients What drives new product development and increased sales? Is it identifying market opportunities, or a company's ability to maneuver through government standards, red tape and regulations? Unfortunately, the answer to both questions is yes. Industry veterans will discuss the opportunities that result when outdated dairy policies are lifted, and the impediments that current regulations continue to place on market expansion. Leave with new insights and motivation to change policies that weigh down opportunity. 5. Traceability from Farm to Plant Traceability is a simple concept, but the practical realities can be controversial and technically challenging. A hot issue for food safety regulators and national defense, traceability is a likely target for legislative action and media attention. Come learn about the latest efforts within the industry to trace milk from farm to plant. 6. Mother Was Right: Milk Is Good for You! Believe it or not, some consumers remain oblivious to the real nutritional value of milk and dairy products. It's time for us to get ahead of the curve and remind people what mothers have known forever: milk and dairy products are the foundation of good health. This session explores scientific developments in the United States and around the world in the area of natural nutritional values and nutrient enrichment. You'll also learn effective ways to increase public awareness and improve consumer education. |
| 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. |
Luncheon and Address A Pundit Prognosticates on the New Political Landscape On the heels of an election-year marathon, what better companion for lively luncheon commentary than Mark Shields, one of the most respected political analysts in the country? Named the “wittiest political journalist in America” by The Wall Street Journal, Mark Shields is well known for his incisive and humorous exploration of today’s critical issues. His career as a political columnist and pundit spans the terms of eight presidents, making his byline one of the most trusted in journalism. For nearly two decades, Shields has been one half of the political analysis team on PBS' award-winning "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer." He is also moderator of CNN’s "Capital Gang." |
| 2:15 - 3:30 p.m. |
General Session - ?The Dollars and Sense of Federal Milk Marketing Orders Will recent hearings and decisions in the Southeast and Midwest on higher Class I milk prices lead to more of the same elsewhere? What impact will USDA's new streamlined procedures for the hearing process have on milk pricing? Don't miss this in-depth discussion of the federal milk pricing issues as well as local decisions in California and other areas. |
| 3:30 - 3:45 p.m. |
Coffee Break |
| 3:45 - 5:00 p.m. |
Concurrent Sessions |
| 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. |
Private Reception for CEOs and Sponsors (invitation only) |
| 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. |
General Reception |
Day Five - Wednesday, January 14, 2009
| 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. |
Coffee with Colleagues When it requires an advanced degree in agricultural economics to know how much your milk is worth or what it will cost to buy your primary ingredient, it is time to find a new way to price farm milk. What is the status of industry efforts to modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order system? When will we begin to see some relief? Join Dave Fuhrmann, Foremost Farms USA and John Kaneb, HP Hood LLC for a discussion on efforts to reform milk pricing regulations. |
| 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. |
General Session - ?Sustainability: Where the Grass Is Always Greener Sustainability is gaining momentum, in concept and in practice. Our industry's long tradition of environmental stewardship has put all of us at the forefront of the discussion about reducing the carbon footprint across the value chain. A lot has happened in the sustainability movement since last year's meeting. We'll bring you up to date on those developments and talk about where the industry is headed. We'll also discuss the action plan that has the power to make the dairy industry friendly to both the environment and your company's balance sheet. |
| 10:30 a.m. |
Adjournment |


