IDFA's premier annual meeting gathers players from all sectors of the dairy industry — producers, processors, cooperative leaders and suppliers — to discuss and debate the hottest policy issues in the industry. Program highlights will include the presentation of several industry awards, such as the National Cheese Institute Laureate Award, the IDFA Soaring Eagle Award and the Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year Award.

AGENDA

Internet Station sponsored by Dairy.com
Notepads sponsored by Elopak, Inc.

Saturday, January 19
2:00 - 5:00 pm	Registration
Sunday, January 20
8:00 am	AM Golf Tournament PGA West Resort Nicklaus Tournament Course (8:00 am Shotgun Start)
12:00 Noon	PM Golf Tournament La Quinta Resort Dunes Course (12:00 Noon Shotgun Start) Gold shirts and bags sponsored by Cintas Corporation. Golf carts sponsored by Danisco USA Inc., DeLaval Cleaning Solutions and Rice Dairy LLC. Golf holes sponsored by Silliker, Inc.; Chr. Hansen, Inc.; Berry Plastics Corporation; Corn Products & Specialty Ingredients; JohnsonDiversey; Kerry Ingredients; Polytainers, Inc.; Power Engineers, Inc.; Separators, Inc.; and Tate & Lyle.
3:00 - 5:00 pm	IDFA Board of Directors Meeting
3:00 - 7:00 pm	Registration
6:00 - 7:00 pm	The IDFA Chairman Guest Speaker: Forecasting the 2008 Political Landscape and Presidential Election Welcome and Introduction: Brian Haugh, IDFA Chairman; Chairman, National Dairy Holdings Speaker: Charlie Cook, Publisher of The Cook Political Report "The 2008 presidential election should end up being hotly contested; its result will certainly not be a foregone conclusion," predicts Charlie Cook, a nationally recognized political analyst and non-partisan publisher. Cook will combine colorful commentary with objective information and analysis to present the current dynamics of the presidential race, who the frontrunners are and why, and the factors to look for as their campaigns progress. Called "the Picasso of election analysis" by the Wall Street Journal and "one of the best political handicappers in the nation" by The New York Times, Cook also is a political analyst for NBC News and the National Journal Group, where he writes weekly for National Journal magazine and CongressDailyAM. Sponsored by Silliker, Inc.
7:00 - 8:30 pm	Welcome Reception Sponsored by Ecolab, Inc.
Monday, January 21
7:00 am - 5:00 pm	Registration
7:30 - 9:00 am	Breakfast & Opening Address — Where Do We Go from Here? The dairy landscape continues to swirl with uncertainty as 2007 winds down. After a year of historic farm milk prices, lengthy Farm Bill negotiations, stagnant world trade discussions and the initial wave of presidential election campaigns, what will 2008 bring? In her opening address, Tipton will discuss these variables and their potential impact on the growth and prosperity of the dairy industry. Speaker: Connie Tipton, President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association Sponsored by Tetra Pak Inc.
9:00 - 10:00 am	General Session — What's Driving Global Dairy Markets? Gain a better understanding of global economic forces that are influencing milk production and markets for dairy ingredients and dairy foods around the world. You'll also hear how these factors impact business practices for dairy companies, particularly in the U.S. market. Introduction: John Jeter, President and CEO, Hilmar Cheese Company Speaker: Mark Voorbergen, Global Industry Specialist Dairy, Rabobank International
10:00 - 10:30 am	Coffee Break Sponsored by Chicago Mercantile Exchange
10:30 am - 12:00 pm	General Session — Global Markets from a CEO Perspective What does it take to be a successful player in the burgeoning international market for dairy products? Surely size helps, but is it the key determinant for success? Or do other variables - such as corporate vision, the right product mix and strategic marketing - create opportunities that all companies, regardless of structure or size, can profit from? Executives from major dairy companies, each with a global footprint in the marketplace, will give their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges that exist in global markets now and into the future. Panelists: Andrew Ferrier, CEO, Fonterra, New Zealand Justin Sanders, Chairman, Executive Board, Campina, Holland Peder Tuborgh, CEO, Arla, Denmark Moderator: Tim Kahn, COO, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc.
12:00 Noon - 1:30 pm	Awards Luncheon Sponsored by Chr. Hansen Come learn more about some of our accomplished industry leaders in an entertaining program: Recipients of IDFA's Soaring Eagle Award, National Cheese Institute Laureate Award, Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year, Dairy Foods Processor of the Year, and Dairy Field Processor of the Year. Presiding: Mike Reidy, Chairman, National Cheese Institute, Senior Vice President, Procurement, Logistics and Business Development, Leprino Foods Company
2:00 - 5:00 pm	Committee Meetings (invitation only)
2:00 - 5:00 pm	Tennis Tournament Sponsored by Herbein + Co., Inc. and Alcan Packaging
5:00 - 6:00 pm	Editors' Reception (invitation only)
6:00 - 7:30 pm	PAC Reception (invitation only)
Tuesday, January 22
7:00 am - 5:00 pm	Registration
7:30 - 8:30 am	Coffee and Congress — A View of Congress from Key Former Members Capitol Hill has moved to a new level of political maneuvering and bickering that creates barriers to moving important measures through Congress. IDFA has invited a panel of key former congressional leaders to share their views on how best to negotiate for good dairy policies in the current political environment. Panelists: Charlie Stenholm, Olsson, Frank, Weeda, Terman, Bode and Matz, PC; 26-year service as Congressman from Abilene, Texas Trent Lott, Former Senate Majority Leader with 34 years of service as Congressman from Mississippi Others invited Moderator: Jerry Slominski, Senior Vice President of Legislative and Economic Affairs, International Dairy Foods Association Sponsored by APV Invensys
8:30 - 9:45 am	General Session — Is it Possible to Reform Federal Milk Marketing Orders? Many industry leaders now agree that the current Federal Milk Marketing Orders are hurting our industry's performance and competitiveness. Congress is considering a commission to study ways to address problems with the orders, and industry organizations have task forces of their own. But how can we reach consensus? Four top industry executives will discuss the need for reform and how we might approach change so that there is industry agreement. Panelists: Dave Fuhrmann, President and CEO, Foremost Farms John Kaneb, Chairman, HP Hood Lee Davis, Senior Director, Global Dairy Buying Group, Kraft Foods Moderator: Andy Novakovic, Professor of Agricultural Policy, Cornell University Sponsored by Portola Packaging Inc.
9:00 am - 12:00 Noon	Spouse Event — Bird's Eye View of Palm Springs The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway climbs smoothly over two and one-half miles of cable to the evergreen trees of the San Jacinto Mountains, one of the West's most popular attractions. In 8.5 minutes, two 80-passenger, revolving tramcars will carry guests safely from thorny cactus and warm desert sands to invigorating mountain air and the threshold of the Mt. San Jacinto State Wilderness Park. Once atop the mountain station of the tram, you'll see spectacular desert views revealing the immense diversity of Southern California.
9:45 - 10:00 am	Coffee Break Sponsored by Chicago Mercantile Exchange
10:00 - 11:15 am	Concurrent Sessions 1.  Do We Have the Right Price Discovery Tools for Today's Dairy Industry? Buyers and sellers of all types discuss price transparency and volatility, how current policies and regulations impact our cash and futures markets, what risk management tools are available to companies in today's marketplace -- and what is still needed. Panelists: Mike McCully, Associate Director, Dairy Procurement, Kraft Foods John Wilson, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Industry Affairs, Dairy Farmers of America Glenn Millar, Managing Partner, Modern Dairy Markets Bill Curley, Chief Economist, Blimling and Associates Moderator: Ken Bailey, Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics, Penn State University 2.  Marketing Dairy Products Against the Tide of Obesity How is public concern about obesity and increasing interest in nutrition changing the marketplace for dairy products? Panelists will discuss product innovation, changes in formulation and labeling, and new advertising and marketing practices. Panelists: Elaine D. Kolish, Director, Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative Kathleen Seiders, Associate Professor, Boston College (invited) Julie Greene, Director of Healthy Living, Hannaford (invited) Christine Bruhn, Director, Center for Consumer Research, University of California-Davis Reid Leslie, Director, Food & Beverage, Disney Consumer Products Jim McBride, Director of Guiding Stars Information Systems, Hannaford Bros. Co. Moderator: Cary Frye, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, International Dairy Foods Association 3.  You Don't Have to be Big to be International: Global Opportunities for Smaller Companies The international market for dairy products has reached record highs recently and may continue to climb for some time. Can only large, multinational corporations take advantage of this market? Our expert panel will explain how small and medium-sized companies can also participate in this robust market. Panelists: Jay Waldvogel, Senior Vice President, Strategy and International Development, Dairy Farmers of America Marc Beck, Vice President, Marketing, U.S. Dairy Export Council Ross Christieson, Director, iRIS Consulting Representative from the Foreign Agricultural Service (invited) Moderator: Clay Hough, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, International Dairy Foods Association
11:15 am - 12:30 pm	Concurrent Sessions 4.  Do Consumers Care How We Treat Our Cows? Are consumer perceptions of farm production and animal welfare really changing? Are these attitudes affecting purchase behavior? Responding to consumer demand on foodservice chains and retailers (and some say animal rights organizations), the hog and poultry industries have already made significant changes in how they manage their animals and communicate about what goes on at the farm. Where do dairy farms fit in the animal welfare dialogue? This panel will review the state of thinking in animal agriculture on this evolving topic, and whether dairy producers and processors should be doing more in terms of on-farm action and communication. Panelists: Andrew Gunther, Animal Compassionate Program, Whole Foods Market Shelly Mayer, Executive Director, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin Kay Johnson Smith, Executive Vice President, Animal Agriculture Alliance Moderator: Charlie Stenholm, Senior Policy Advisor, Olsson, Frank, Weeda, Terman, Bode and Matz, PC 5.  International Perspectives on Dairy Market Promotion How do other countries promote their dairy products? IDFA has invited promoters from other countries to display and discuss their advertising and promotion strategies and activities. Moderator: Kurt Graetzer, CEO, Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) Panelists: Ian McDonald, National Marketing and Nutrition Director Gayle Mclardie, Marketing Manager, Marketing & Communication Group, Dairy Australia 6.  Are We Doing Enough To Keep Healthy Dairy Products in Our Schools? Federal and local policies and nutrition programs are affecting what kinds of milk and dairy products can be served in schools -- and there's more to come. Do policies that limit dairy foods consumption make sense in terms of good nutrition? Where should schools draw the line on which foods to allow? What changes will the social and political climate dictate in terms of change to what we offer kids in schools -- and how will that affect dairy producers and processors? Hear from a few of the experts on this controversial topic. Panelists: Margo Wooten, Nutrition Policy Director, Center for Science in the Public Interest Karen Vogel, Director, Food Services, Clark Country School District, Nevada Pat McCoy, Vice President of Sales, School Food Service, The Schwan Food Company (invited) Tracy Fox, President, Food, Nutrition and Policy Consultants (invited) Moderator: Jim Mulhern, President, Watson-Mulhern
12:30 - 2:00 pm	Luncheon: Member-to-Member Roundtable Discussions Return This Year! Join your colleagues for lunch and dynamic roundtable discussions on the hottest dairy industry topics, including regulatory issues, dairy economics, health and nutrition updates, and many more. Be sure to look for the complete list of topics at the registration desk when you pick up your registration materials. (Luncheon Sponsorship Available)
2:15 - 3:30 pm	General Session — Where in the World Will the Milk Be? Global Milk Production in the 21st Century What does the dairy farm sector look like in other countries? Hear a report from Torsten Hemme, Director of the International Farm Comparison Network, a worldwide association of agricultural scientists, advisors and farmers from 34 countries. Hemme will discuss recent research into dairy farming systems, milk costs of production, and factors likely to determine where milk will be produced in the future. Two widely traveled U.S. dairy producers will react to this report with observations from their own international experiences. Speaker: Torsten Hemme, International Farm Comparison Network Responders: Don Bennink, Managing Partner, North Florida Holsteins, Inc. Dick Waybright, Owner, Mason Dixon Farms, Pennsylvania Moderator: Mark Stephenson, Department of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University
3:30 - 3:45 pm	Coffee Break Sponsored by Chicago Mercantile Exchange
3:45 - 5:00 pm	Concurrent Sessions 7.  Where in the U.S. Will the Milk Be? U.S. Milk Production in the 21st Century The U.S. dairy industry succeeds by continually developing new production systems that capitalize on local opportunities, fulfill market needs and extend the production frontier. This panel of experienced industry representatives will discuss where the frontier lies over the next 20 years. Panelists: John Zonneveld, Director, Land O'Lakes, California Bill Stouder, Owner, Stouder Holsteins, Idaho Bob Topel, Owner, North Crest Dairy, Wisconsin Moderator: Jim Dickrell, Associate Publisher, Dairy Today 8.  Managing the Federal Orders: From Dollars to Details Hear from the source about current issues related to the management of the Federal Milk Marketing Order system, including the implementation of the tentative final rule on mandatory dairy product price reporting and the status of pending Federal Order hearing issues. Hear about funding sources for program oversight, including how administrative assessments on handlers are used. Panelists: Dana Coale, Assistant Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service Erik Rasmussen, Northeast Market Administrator, Dairy Programs H. Paul Kyburz, Upper Midwest Market Administrator, Dairy Programs James Daugherty, Pacific Northwest and Arizona Market Administrator, Dairy Programs Moderator: Sue Taylor, Vice President, Dairy Policy and Procurement, Leprino Foods Company
6:00 - 7:30 pm	Reception Sponsored by Evergreen Packaging Equipment
Wednesday, January 23
8:00 - 9:00 am	General Session: Sustainability — The Hot Dairy Topic This session will explore the sustainability movement that has gained tremendous support in Europe and is growing in the United States, impacting both the processing and production sides of the industry. As more and more customers impose sustainability requirements on their supply chain, you'll want to hear the latest on this complex and continually evolving issue.
9:15 - 10:30 am	General Session — Generic Programs: What's Working, What's Not, What's Next? The industry collects hundreds of millions of dollars from producers and processors to invest in a range of research, promotion and advertising activities. Hear how these promotional investments are performing and how the newcomer, Global Dairy Platform, is working to play a role in coordinating activities around the world to maximize positive impacts on dairy sales. Panelists: Kevin Bellamy, Executive Director, Global Dairy Platform Tom Gallagher, CEO, Dairy Management Inc. Kurt Graetzer, CEO, Milk Processor Education Program Speaker: Don Schriver, Consultant, Global Dairy Platform; former Executive Vice President of Dairy Farmers of America
10:30 am	Adjourn

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