Dairy Forum 2018 will bring together a diverse group of industry leaders next week to discuss the future of dairy and ways to take advantage of the opportunities ahead. If you’re not able to attend, you can register at no cost to view two featured sessions that will be broadcast live online from Palm Desert, California. IDFA and Dairy Foods magazine have partnered to offer these broadcasts on Monday, Jan. 22.

Build Demand and Open New Markets

During his first year as president and CEO of IDFA, Michael Dykes, D.V.M., has focused on activities and relationships that will help build demand for U.S. dairy products and open new global markets. In his opening remarks, Dykes will outline specific successes on the farm bill, global trade, nutrition and labeling, and industry collaboration and share insight into the three key opportunities that will provide the foundation for significant growth in the future. This session will air from 9:00-9:45 a.m. Pacific time.

Influence the Future of U.S. Trade Policy

Current and former trade officials from the United States, Asia and Europe are set to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by recent changes in the U.S. trade agenda. With years of experience negotiating trade agreements at high levels, the panelists will explore the status of current U.S. trade negotiations, as well as the implications of changing trade alliances around the globe. The panelists are Ambassador Darci Vetter, former chief agricultural negotiator, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; Ambassador Tim Groser, New Zealand ambassador to the United States; and Ambassador David O'Sullivan, delegation of the European Union to the United States. The panel discussion will air from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Pacific time.

To watch the broadcasts, register for free online.

Join the #DairyForum Conversation

IDFA is also posting real-time highlights and breaking news from Dairy Forum 2018 using #DairyForum on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Members are encouraged to visit IDFA’s social media platforms to see latest #DairyForum posts and use the hashtag to join the conversation.

IDFA’s accounts can be found on:

For more information, contact Melissa Lembke, IDFA manager of meetings and educational services, at mlembke@idfa.org.