Overview
Dairy Forum heads to Palm Desert, Calif., in 2026 with the premier annual event for dairy business leaders.
Presented by the International Dairy Foods Association, Dairy Forum convenes more than 1,200 executives from dairy processors, cooperatives, retailers and suppliers to strengthen collaboration, spark innovation, and shape a bold, dynamic future for the industry.
Spread across four days, Dairy Forum includes dozens of insightful sessions, engaging keynotes, interactive panels, exclusive sponsor presentations, receptions, meals, and vibrant networking opportunities designed to inspire, unite, and energize dairy leaders like you.
At Dairy Forum 2026, we will explore what it truly means to be UNITED FOR DAIRY. Join us in leading the charge toward a more connected, collaborative, and resilient dairy industry.
Agenda
*All Times Pacific Print Agenda
| January 25, 2026 | Event | Speaker | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30am |
Morning Golf Tournament
Sponsored By:
|
Palm Golf Course | |
| 9:00am |
5K Fun Run
|
||
| 12:30pm |
Afternoon Golf Tournament
Sponsored By:
|
Palm Golf Course | |
| 2:00pm - 4:00pm |
IDFA Executive Council Meeting (invitation only)
|
Santa Rosa Ballroom | |
| 4:30pm - 5:00pm |
NextGen Welcome
|
Sinatra 5-6 | |
| 5:00pm - 5:45pm |
Chairman's Reception (invitation only)
Sponsored By:
|
Springs Ballroom Terrace | |
| 6:00pm - 7:00pm |
Chairman’s Lecture featuring Rahm Emanuel
Sponsored By:
|
Sinatra Ballroom 7-14 | |
|
Rahm Emanuel, former ambassador to Japan, mayor of Chicago, U.S. congressman and White House Chief of Staff, will deliver the Chairman’s Lecture during Dairy Forum 2026. Join us for a frank and honest discussion with Ambassador Emanuel as he covers a variety of subjects relevant to business and government sectors, including his take on the U.S. political landscape and insight into the upcoming mid-term elections. Blending high-level insights with an engaging and candid speaking style, Ambassador Emanuel will illuminate how evolutions in policy, politics, and international relations are reshaping the global economy and how businesses interact and partner with governmental and non-governmental actors. In a friendly fireside chat moderated by IDFA President & CEO Michael Dykes, the audience will discover what the upcoming elections could signify for future policies impacting the food and agriculture industries, as well as how state legislatures are playing an outsized role in shaping business, and an outlook on the 2028 presidential election and race to control U.S. Congress. |
|||
| 7:00pm - 8:30pm |
Welcome Reception
Sponsored By:
|
The Grove + Pavilion | |
| January 26, 2026 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:30am - 9:30am |
President's Breakfast
Sponsored By:
|
Sinatra Ballroom 7-14 | |
| 9:30am - 9:45am |
Networking Break
Sponsored By:
|
Sinatra Ballroom Foyer | |
| 9:45am - 10:45am |
Deep Dive Sessions
|
||
| 10:45am - 11:00am |
Networking Break
Sponsored By:
|
Sinatra Ballroom Foyer | |
| 11:00am - 12:00pm |
Deep Dive Sessions
|
||
| 12:15pm - 2:00pm |
Lunch Session with Sarah Frey
Sponsored By:
|
Sinatra Ballroom 7-14 | |
|
Join entrepreneur and food leader Sarah Frey for a conversation on how food company leaders can better position their businesses for success in the evolving food and nutrition policy landscape. Frey grew up on a small farm in southern Illinois that her family called the Hill. Today, she is founder of a multimillion-dollar agribusiness operation called Frey Farms, a produce shipping business that services Walmart, Whole Foods, and other stores, as well as the creator of a line of healthy drinks sold under the Sarah’s Homegrown label. Learn how Frey built the knowledge and skill set to launch a successful set of businesses by watching and listening to her mother while delivering melons store-to-store in her mom’s truck. “I really have my mother to credit for my success,” she said in an interview. “I was pretty small, seven or eight, when I started going with her. Pretty soon, I was the one who went into the supermarket or grocery store to negotiate, while mom sat in the truck.” Finally, gain insight from Frey’s recent work with leaders of the Make America Healthy Again policy movement to understand what moms and business leaders like her expect from food companies. |
|||
| 2:00pm - 3:00pm |
General Session
|
||
| 3:15pm - 3:45pm |
Media Meet and Greet (invitation only)
|
||
| 3:15pm - 4:15pm |
International Trade Committee Meeting (invitation only)
|
Santa Rosa Ballroom | |
| 3:15pm - 4:15pm |
Legal Community Meeting (invitation only)
|
||
| 3:15pm - 4:00pm |
Partner Sessions
|
||
| 3:45pm - 4:15pm |
Press Briefing
|
||
| 4:15pm - 5:45pm |
Foundation Cornhole Tournament
|
The Grove | |
| 5:15pm - 6:15pm |
Women in Dairy Event
Sponsored By:
|
Springs Ballroom Terrace | |
| 6:00pm - 7:30pm |
PAC Reception (invitation only)
|
||
| January 27, 2026 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 7:30am - 8:30am |
Trade Meet & Greet (invitation only)
|
||
| 8:30am - 9:30am |
Breakfast Session with Brad Nordholm
Sponsored By:
|
Sinatra Ballroom 7-14 | |
| 9:30am - 9:45am |
Networking Break
|
Sinatra Ballroom Foyer | |
| 9:45am - 10:45am |
Deep Dive Sessions
|
||
| 10:45am - 11:00am |
Networking Break
|
Sinatra Ballroom Foyer | |
| 11:00am - 12:00pm |
Deep Dive Sessions
|
||
| 12:15pm - 2:00pm |
Lunch Session with Jason Dorsey
Sponsored By:
|
Sinatra Ballroom 7-14 | |
| 2:00pm - 2:15pm |
Networking Break
|
Sinatra Ballroom Foyer | |
| 2:15pm - 3:15pm |
Partner Sessions
|
||
| 2:00pm - 3:30pm |
NextGen Leadership Roundtable (invitation only)
|
Sinatra Ballroom 5-6 | |
| 2:30pm - 3:30pm |
Economic Policy Committee Meeting (invitation only)
|
Santa Rosa Ballroom | |
| 2:30pm - 3:30pm |
Sustainability Committee Meeting (invitation only)
|
||
| 3:45pm - 5:15pm |
CEO In-Transition Roundtables
|
||
| 5:00pm - 6:30pm |
Cocktails and Conversation
Sponsored By:
|
Q Lot | |
| 9:00pm - 10:30pm |
NextGen Nightcap (invitation only)
Sponsored By:
|
||
| January 28, 2026 | Event | Speaker | Location |
| 8:00am - 9:00am |
General Session
|
Sinatra Ballroom 7-14 | |
| 9:00am - 10:00am |
General Session
|
Sinatra Ballroom 7-14 | |
Chairman’s Lecture featuring Rahm Emanuel
Rahm Emanuel, former ambassador to Japan, mayor of Chicago, U.S. congressman and White House Chief of Staff, will deliver the Chairman’s Lecture during Dairy Forum 2026. Join us for a frank and honest discussion with Ambassador Emanuel as he covers a variety of subjects relevant to business and government sectors, including his take on the U.S. political landscape and insight into the upcoming mid-term elections. Blending high-level insights with an engaging and candid speaking style, Ambassador Emanuel will illuminate how evolutions in policy, politics, and international relations are reshaping the global economy and how businesses interact and partner with governmental and non-governmental actors. In a friendly fireside chat moderated by IDFA President & CEO Michael Dykes, the audience will discover what the upcoming elections could signify for future policies impacting the food and agriculture industries, as well as how state legislatures are playing an outsized role in shaping business, and an outlook on the 2028 presidential election and race to control U.S. Congress.
Rahm Emanuel
Rahm Emanuel was confirmed in a bipartisan vote as the 31st United States Ambassador to Japan on December 18, 2021.
Previously, Ambassador Emanuel was the 55th Mayor of the City of Chicago, a position he held until May 2019. During that time, he made the critical choices necessary to secure Chicago’s future as a global capital.
As Mayor, the Ambassador added four years to a student’s education. He increased the school day by 75 minutes and added more than 200 hours to the school year, marking the largest single increase in educational time by any city and taking Chicago from having the least educational time of any large school district in the country to being on par with its peers. He implemented universal pre-kindergarten and full-day kindergarten for every Chicago child, and made Chicago the first city in America to provide free community college.
The Mayor’s comprehensive public safety strategy focused on expanded prevention programs for at-risk youth, smarter policing strategies, and empowering parents and communities to reduce violence. The Ambassador made it a priority to bring global companies to the city, helping Chicago to lead the U.S. in corporate relocations and foreign direct investment for seven consecutive years. His administration invested in infrastructure, public transportation, open space, and cultural attractions. From the $8.5 billion O’Hare International Airport modernization program that is cementing Chicago’s status as a global leader in travel, tourism, and trade to the development of the iconic 1.25-mile Chicago Riverwalk, the City’s investments are creating thousands of good-paying jobs and making Chicago a better place to live, work, and play.
Prior to becoming Mayor, from November 2008 until October 2010, Ambassador Emanuel served as President Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff. In addition to being the President’s top advisor, the Ambassador helped the Obama administration secure the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the landmark Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Ambassador Emanuel was elected four times as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois’s 5th Congressional District (2002-2008). As Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, Emanuel helped pass legislation to raise the minimum wage and authored the Great Lakes Restoration Act.
From 1993 to 1998, Ambassador Emanuel was a key member of President Bill Clinton’s administration, rising to serve as Senior Advisor to the President for Policy and Politics. During this time, Emanuel served as a legislative liaison to Congress and spearheaded efforts to pass several of President Clinton’s signature achievements, most notably the Federal Assault Weapons Ban, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, and the historic Balanced Budget Act, which created the Children’s Health Insurance Program that expanded health care coverage to 10 million children. The Ambassador also worked closely with President Joseph R. Biden Jr., then a U.S. Senator, to shepherd the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 through Congress.
As a former Senior Counselor at Centerview Partners and former Managing Director at Wasserstein Perella & Co., Emanuel brings a depth of financial experience to the post.
Ambassador Emanuel graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1981 and received a Master’s Degree in Speech and Communication from Northwestern University in 1985. He is married to Amy Rule, and they have three children.
Michael Dykes, D.V.M.
Michael Dykes, D.V.M., a long-time government affairs strategist, agricultural policy expert, and veterinarian, became president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association in January 2017. In this role, he represents members that make more than 85 percent of the milk, cultured products, cheese, ice cream and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States. Since joining IDFA, Dykes has been a strong advocate for the importance of global competitiveness to the future of the U.S. dairy industry. He has made preserving trade partnerships with Mexico and improving Canadian market access for U.S. dairy exports in all future trade agreements a priority for IDFA. Prior to assuming his role at IDFA, Dykes served as vice president of government affairs for Monsanto, where he was responsible for developing and implementing a portfolio of U.S. government relations strategies and programs that included agricultural biotechnology policy. He led Monsanto's office in Washington, D.C., and served as the company's primary point of contact for elected officials, regulatory authorities, U.S. farm organizations, key industry participants, trade associations, international organizations and embassies. He directed the company's efforts in state and local government affairs, in addition to government affairs in Mexico and Canada. Dykes is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the National Academy of Practitioners. He has served on the Farmhouse Fraternity board for 3+ years. He is also a member of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) and has served on the USDA Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21).
Dykes grew up on a small dairy and tobacco farm in Kentucky. He earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University. He also attended the University of Kentucky where he received a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science.
Lunch Session with Sarah Frey
Join entrepreneur and food leader Sarah Frey for a conversation on how food company leaders can better position their businesses for success in the evolving food and nutrition policy landscape. Frey grew up on a small farm in southern Illinois that her family called the Hill. Today, she is founder of a multimillion-dollar agribusiness operation called Frey Farms, a produce shipping business that services Walmart, Whole Foods, and other stores, as well as the creator of a line of healthy drinks sold under the Sarah’s Homegrown label. Learn how Frey built the knowledge and skill set to launch a successful set of businesses by watching and listening to her mother while delivering melons store-to-store in her mom’s truck. “I really have my mother to credit for my success,” she said in an interview. “I was pretty small, seven or eight, when I started going with her. Pretty soon, I was the one who went into the supermarket or grocery store to negotiate, while mom sat in the truck.” Finally, gain insight from Frey’s recent work with leaders of the Make America Healthy Again policy movement to understand what moms and business leaders like her expect from food companies.
Sarah Frey
Sarah Frey is the founder and CEO of Frey Farms, an Agribusiness headquartered in South Florida. Sarah oversees the diverse operations of the Frey family of companies, including land acquisition, regenerative agriculture initiatives, raw ingredient manufacturing, and a fully integrated beverage business. Spanning seven states, Frey Farms is a leading U.S. grower, shipper, and marketer of fresh fruits and vegetables and is best known as America’s largest producer of fresh watermelons and pumpkins.
As a teenager, Sarah fearlessly expanded her mother’s summer produce delivery route from 12 independent grocery stores to over 150, saving her family’s struggling small farm. She defied rural poverty, running her full-time business while attending high school and college. At age 19, Sarah’s negotiation with Wal-Mart, securing fresh produce contracts, was a turning point that led to expansive growth into national retail. Her business negotiation strategies became the subject of a Harvard Business case study. Sarah’s four older brothers returned to the farm and joined her in growing the business. Today, the Frey Family proudly feeds America 200 million servings of fresh produce annually.
Distributed across the U.S. from over 200 cold-chain distribution centers and 35,000 retail grocery and food service locations. Her entrepreneurial ventures led to the development and production of Tsamma, America’s first bottled, nationally distributed watermelon juice. Penguin Random House published Sarah’s best-selling book, The Growing Season: How I Built a New Life and Saved an American Farm. Sarah also serves as co-executive producer of the optioned film rights to The Growing Season.
Frey serves on the board of FMI, The Food Industry Association, which advocates for the retail grocery industry to advance a safer, healthier, and more efficient consumer food supply chain. Frey has held industry appointments by both Democratic and Republican administrations. As one of the most influential women in agriculture, serving in bipartisan Ag Advisory roles for multiple members of the US Congress. Sarah is a highly skilled and persuasive communicator who has provided congressional testimony on key issues affecting the US food supply, including the Ag guest worker program reform.
Frey is an appointed Advisor of the NCAC, U.S. Representative and House Committee on Agriculture Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson’s National Agriculture Advisory Council. Sarah provides the Committee with fruit and vegetable commodity-specific expertise to inform agriculture policy and strategy on the upcoming Farm Bill. In 2025, Sarah was appointed Senior Advisor on Rural Policy to the America First Policy Institute. AFPI was Founded by Brooke Rollins, USDA Secretary of Agriculture.
Sarah passionately advocates for better health initiatives, nutrition policies, and economic opportunities for underserved rural communities. Frey Farms proudly partners with Feeding America® and actively works to improve the lives of those in rural poverty. Her companies provide financial support, professional college advisory assistance, and internships to students interested in pursuing higher education in business and agriculture, demonstrating their commitment to the future of these communities.
Sarah attributes her American success story to humble beginnings, hard work, and strong family bonds.
Brad Nordholm
Brad Nordholm is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Farmer Mac, the largest secondary market lender for American agriculture, where he leads the company’s efforts to successfully deliver on its core mission of increasing the availability and affordability of credit for the benefit of American agriculture and rural communities.
With a career that spans over four decades, Brad is a seasoned executive with a wealth of experience in the financial services environment, including his involvement in agricultural and energy finance, capital markets, and credit. He has built a reputation for high-integrity leadership, collegiality, consistent results, and purpose of mission. He is well respected for his financial and business acumen and has devoted his career to solving complex problems, creating opportunities, and delivering value on a broad scale in the agriculture, banking, and energy and power sectors.
Brad joined Farmer Mac in October 2018 from Starwood Energy Group Global, LLC, a leading private investment firm specializing in energy infrastructure, where he served as the company’s first CEO from 2006 to 2016 and, more recently, as Vice-Chairman. Prior to his time at Starwood Energy, Brad founded and served as CEO of an energy and power-focused investment firm, Tyr Energy, after serving as General Manager at Aquila, Inc., a leading merchant energy company. He spent the first half of his career in banking focused on agriculture and cooperative organizations, including serving as CEO at U.S. Central and as Managing Director at National Cooperative Bank (NCB), as well as working in various management positions at Federal Land Bank of St Paul and Interregional Service Corporation of Minneapolis, both of which were acquired by successor organizations of the Farm Credit System.
Brad was born and raised in Cloquet, Minnesota and completed his undergraduate degree in Economics at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Today, he and his wife, Alison, own and operate a 134-acre family farm in Southern Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Jason Dorsey
Jason Dorsey’s passion is uncovering hidden insights and new strategies that future-proof your organization. He has led over 150 benchmark research studies on four continents to separate myth from truth for leaders. Adweek calls him a “research guru.”
Unique Speaker
Jason is known for his unique, interactive, content-rich presentation style. He has received more than 1,000 standing ovations at events around the world, from India and Singapore to Chile, Finland, France, and Egypt.
Over 200 TV Appearances
A trusted expert on emerging trends, Jason has been featured on over 200 TV shows such as 60 Minutes, The Today Show, CNN, CNBC, and hundreds more media interviews, including a New York Times cover story.
3x Company Founder
Jason is President of The Center for Generational Kinetics (CGK), the leading generations and emerging trends research, strategy, and speaking firm. CGK has worked with over 700 companies around the world to drive innovation, growth, and research-based thought leadership.
Bestselling Author
Jason wrote his first bestselling book at age 18. His latest bestseller is Zconomy: How Gen Z Will Change the Future of Business and What to Do About It. This breakthrough book was a #1 New Release on Amazon and a Top 10 Business Book of the year by Forbes.com.
Mission to Serve Leaders
Jason’s mission is to unlock the potential of leaders and organizations through original research, unexpected strategy, and innovation that future-proofs organizations.
Speakers
Jason Dorsey
Researcher | Speaker
Jason Dorsey
Jason Dorsey’s passion is uncovering hidden insights and new strategies that future-proof your organization. He has led over 150 benchmark research studies on four continents to separate myth from truth for leaders. Adweek calls him a “research guru.”
Unique Speaker
Jason is known for his unique, interactive, content-rich presentation style. He has received more than 1,000 standing ovations at events around the world, from India and Singapore to Chile, Finland, France, and Egypt.
Over 200 TV Appearances
A trusted expert on emerging trends, Jason has been featured on over 200 TV shows such as 60 Minutes, The Today Show, CNN, CNBC, and hundreds more media interviews, including a New York Times cover story.
3x Company Founder
Jason is President of The Center for Generational Kinetics (CGK), the leading generations and emerging trends research, strategy, and speaking firm. CGK has worked with over 700 companies around the world to drive innovation, growth, and research-based thought leadership.
Bestselling Author
Jason wrote his first bestselling book at age 18. His latest bestseller is Zconomy: How Gen Z Will Change the Future of Business and What to Do About It. This breakthrough book was a #1 New Release on Amazon and a Top 10 Business Book of the year by Forbes.com.
Mission to Serve Leaders
Jason’s mission is to unlock the potential of leaders and organizations through original research, unexpected strategy, and innovation that future-proofs organizations.
Michael Dykes, D.V.M.
President & CEO | International Dairy Foods Association
Michael Dykes, D.V.M.
Michael Dykes, D.V.M., a long-time government affairs strategist, agricultural policy expert, and veterinarian, became president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association in January 2017. In this role, he represents members that make more than 85 percent of the milk, cultured products, cheese, ice cream and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States. Since joining IDFA, Dykes has been a strong advocate for the importance of global competitiveness to the future of the U.S. dairy industry. He has made preserving trade partnerships with Mexico and improving Canadian market access for U.S. dairy exports in all future trade agreements a priority for IDFA. Prior to assuming his role at IDFA, Dykes served as vice president of government affairs for Monsanto, where he was responsible for developing and implementing a portfolio of U.S. government relations strategies and programs that included agricultural biotechnology policy. He led Monsanto's office in Washington, D.C., and served as the company's primary point of contact for elected officials, regulatory authorities, U.S. farm organizations, key industry participants, trade associations, international organizations and embassies. He directed the company's efforts in state and local government affairs, in addition to government affairs in Mexico and Canada. Dykes is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the National Academy of Practitioners. He has served on the Farmhouse Fraternity board for 3+ years. He is also a member of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) and has served on the USDA Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21).
Dykes grew up on a small dairy and tobacco farm in Kentucky. He earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Auburn University. He also attended the University of Kentucky where he received a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science.
Rahm Emanuel
Former U.S. Ambassador to Japan | 55th Mayor of Chicago | White House Chief of Staff for President Barack Obama | U.S. Congressman (D-IL)
Rahm Emanuel
Rahm Emanuel was confirmed in a bipartisan vote as the 31st United States Ambassador to Japan on December 18, 2021.
Previously, Ambassador Emanuel was the 55th Mayor of the City of Chicago, a position he held until May 2019. During that time, he made the critical choices necessary to secure Chicago’s future as a global capital.
As Mayor, the Ambassador added four years to a student’s education. He increased the school day by 75 minutes and added more than 200 hours to the school year, marking the largest single increase in educational time by any city and taking Chicago from having the least educational time of any large school district in the country to being on par with its peers. He implemented universal pre-kindergarten and full-day kindergarten for every Chicago child, and made Chicago the first city in America to provide free community college.
The Mayor’s comprehensive public safety strategy focused on expanded prevention programs for at-risk youth, smarter policing strategies, and empowering parents and communities to reduce violence. The Ambassador made it a priority to bring global companies to the city, helping Chicago to lead the U.S. in corporate relocations and foreign direct investment for seven consecutive years. His administration invested in infrastructure, public transportation, open space, and cultural attractions. From the $8.5 billion O’Hare International Airport modernization program that is cementing Chicago’s status as a global leader in travel, tourism, and trade to the development of the iconic 1.25-mile Chicago Riverwalk, the City’s investments are creating thousands of good-paying jobs and making Chicago a better place to live, work, and play.
Prior to becoming Mayor, from November 2008 until October 2010, Ambassador Emanuel served as President Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff. In addition to being the President’s top advisor, the Ambassador helped the Obama administration secure the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the landmark Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Ambassador Emanuel was elected four times as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois’s 5th Congressional District (2002-2008). As Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, Emanuel helped pass legislation to raise the minimum wage and authored the Great Lakes Restoration Act.
From 1993 to 1998, Ambassador Emanuel was a key member of President Bill Clinton’s administration, rising to serve as Senior Advisor to the President for Policy and Politics. During this time, Emanuel served as a legislative liaison to Congress and spearheaded efforts to pass several of President Clinton’s signature achievements, most notably the Federal Assault Weapons Ban, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, and the historic Balanced Budget Act, which created the Children’s Health Insurance Program that expanded health care coverage to 10 million children. The Ambassador also worked closely with President Joseph R. Biden Jr., then a U.S. Senator, to shepherd the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 through Congress.
As a former Senior Counselor at Centerview Partners and former Managing Director at Wasserstein Perella & Co., Emanuel brings a depth of financial experience to the post.
Ambassador Emanuel graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1981 and received a Master’s Degree in Speech and Communication from Northwestern University in 1985. He is married to Amy Rule, and they have three children.
Sarah Frey
Farmer | Best-Selling Author | Speaker | Entrepreneur
Sarah Frey
Sarah Frey is the founder and CEO of Frey Farms, an Agribusiness headquartered in South Florida. Sarah oversees the diverse operations of the Frey family of companies, including land acquisition, regenerative agriculture initiatives, raw ingredient manufacturing, and a fully integrated beverage business. Spanning seven states, Frey Farms is a leading U.S. grower, shipper, and marketer of fresh fruits and vegetables and is best known as America’s largest producer of fresh watermelons and pumpkins.
As a teenager, Sarah fearlessly expanded her mother’s summer produce delivery route from 12 independent grocery stores to over 150, saving her family’s struggling small farm. She defied rural poverty, running her full-time business while attending high school and college. At age 19, Sarah’s negotiation with Wal-Mart, securing fresh produce contracts, was a turning point that led to expansive growth into national retail. Her business negotiation strategies became the subject of a Harvard Business case study. Sarah’s four older brothers returned to the farm and joined her in growing the business. Today, the Frey Family proudly feeds America 200 million servings of fresh produce annually.
Distributed across the U.S. from over 200 cold-chain distribution centers and 35,000 retail grocery and food service locations. Her entrepreneurial ventures led to the development and production of Tsamma, America’s first bottled, nationally distributed watermelon juice. Penguin Random House published Sarah’s best-selling book, The Growing Season: How I Built a New Life and Saved an American Farm. Sarah also serves as co-executive producer of the optioned film rights to The Growing Season.
Frey serves on the board of FMI, The Food Industry Association, which advocates for the retail grocery industry to advance a safer, healthier, and more efficient consumer food supply chain. Frey has held industry appointments by both Democratic and Republican administrations. As one of the most influential women in agriculture, serving in bipartisan Ag Advisory roles for multiple members of the US Congress. Sarah is a highly skilled and persuasive communicator who has provided congressional testimony on key issues affecting the US food supply, including the Ag guest worker program reform.
Frey is an appointed Advisor of the NCAC, U.S. Representative and House Committee on Agriculture Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson’s National Agriculture Advisory Council. Sarah provides the Committee with fruit and vegetable commodity-specific expertise to inform agriculture policy and strategy on the upcoming Farm Bill. In 2025, Sarah was appointed Senior Advisor on Rural Policy to the America First Policy Institute. AFPI was Founded by Brooke Rollins, USDA Secretary of Agriculture.
Sarah passionately advocates for better health initiatives, nutrition policies, and economic opportunities for underserved rural communities. Frey Farms proudly partners with Feeding America® and actively works to improve the lives of those in rural poverty. Her companies provide financial support, professional college advisory assistance, and internships to students interested in pursuing higher education in business and agriculture, demonstrating their commitment to the future of these communities.
Sarah attributes her American success story to humble beginnings, hard work, and strong family bonds.
Brad Nordholm
President and Chief Executive Officer | Farmer Mac
Brad Nordholm
Brad Nordholm is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Farmer Mac, the largest secondary market lender for American agriculture, where he leads the company’s efforts to successfully deliver on its core mission of increasing the availability and affordability of credit for the benefit of American agriculture and rural communities.
With a career that spans over four decades, Brad is a seasoned executive with a wealth of experience in the financial services environment, including his involvement in agricultural and energy finance, capital markets, and credit. He has built a reputation for high-integrity leadership, collegiality, consistent results, and purpose of mission. He is well respected for his financial and business acumen and has devoted his career to solving complex problems, creating opportunities, and delivering value on a broad scale in the agriculture, banking, and energy and power sectors.
Brad joined Farmer Mac in October 2018 from Starwood Energy Group Global, LLC, a leading private investment firm specializing in energy infrastructure, where he served as the company’s first CEO from 2006 to 2016 and, more recently, as Vice-Chairman. Prior to his time at Starwood Energy, Brad founded and served as CEO of an energy and power-focused investment firm, Tyr Energy, after serving as General Manager at Aquila, Inc., a leading merchant energy company. He spent the first half of his career in banking focused on agriculture and cooperative organizations, including serving as CEO at U.S. Central and as Managing Director at National Cooperative Bank (NCB), as well as working in various management positions at Federal Land Bank of St Paul and Interregional Service Corporation of Minneapolis, both of which were acquired by successor organizations of the Farm Credit System.
Brad was born and raised in Cloquet, Minnesota and completed his undergraduate degree in Economics at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Today, he and his wife, Alison, own and operate a 134-acre family farm in Southern Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Hotel
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Dairy Forum will be held at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California. A discounted room rate of $309 per night plus a daily resort amenity fee of $10 and applicable taxes will be available to Dairy Forum attendees. The deadline to secure a room is Friday, January 9, 2026 or until the room block sells out. We have reserved a large block of rooms, but once the room block is full, we cannot guarantee that additional space will be available.
Hotel Reservation Policy: You must register for the Dairy Forum to be eligible for the conference discounted room rate. All registrants will receive a registration confirmation email that will include instructions on how to confirm your hotel reservation. Only one reservation is permitted per registrant. If a hotel guest is not registered for Dairy Forum, IDFA reserves the right to remove the guest room reservation from the conference room block without notice.
Hotel Cancellation Policy: Hotel reservations can be canceled up to twenty-four (24) hours prior to arrival without fees. If complete cancellation of an individual reservation takes place within twenty-four (24) hours of the scheduled arrival a cancellation fee equal to one (1) night room and tax will be charged by the hotel.
The Palm Golf Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs
The Palm course is complemented by sprawling water features and rolling greens. While challenging approaches can be found at every turn, the most picturesque holes round out the back nine. Find Flamingo Island near the 16th tee box, aptly named for the resident JW Pink Flamingos that nest nearby and finish the round on the challenging water-lined 18th fairway. Eighteen holes, par 72.
Schedule
7:30 a.m. Pacific - Morning Golf Tournament – Shotgun Start (Scramble)
12:30 p.m. Pacific - Afternoon Golf Tournament - Shotgun Start (Scramble)
Golf Tournament Registration Fee: $315
Registration includes greens fee, cart fee, practice facilities, light breakfast (morning players) or boxed lunch (afternoon players), beverages and service fees.
How to play a golf scramble?
In a scramble, each golfer in the foursome takes a shot from the tee. From that point, the team decides who has the best drive, and all players advance forward to that spot to take their second shots. This process continues, with the best shot being taken each time, until a member of the team is able to hole out. The team’s score for that particular hole is recorded as the number of team strokes it took to get the ball in the cup.
Sponsors:
IDFA Foundation Cornhole Fundraiser
Join us on Monday afternoon, Jan. 26, from 4:15- 5:45 p.m. for the second annual Dairy Forum Cornhole Fundraiser to benefit the IDFA Foundation. All cornhole enthusiasts and novices are welcome. Register in groups of two or on your own to have an opportunity to play cornhole while also fundraising to make a difference for our industry and the communities where we work.
The fundraiser will include a round-robin tournament and playoff with the top eight players. The top two players at the end of the tournament will win their very own cornhole boards and an inscribed award plaque! 100% of the funds raised will support the IDFA Foundation, which promotes the health and wellbeing of people, communities, and our planet on behalf of U.S. dairy.
If you would like to support the IDFA Foundation, please click here.
Registration Fees
Individual $249
Doubles $399
5K Fun Walk/Run
Sunday, January 25 | 9:00AM
All levels of runners and walkers are invited to participate in the Dairy Forum 5K Fun Run/Walk. This event is a great way to start your day with a little cardio alongside your colleagues. The 5K (3.1 miles) route will lead you around the JW Marriott Desert Springs property.
Registration Fee: $75
Registration fees for Dairy Forum are based on your company's IDFA membership status. For more information about membership, please email membership@idfa.org.
FAQs
Q: Registration Payment by Check or ACH/Wire Transfer
The fastest and easiest way to register is online. If an invoice is required to submit payment by check or ACH/wire transfer, please email registrar@idfa.org.
Q: Registration Substitutions
Registration is non-transferable from one company to another; however, substitutions within companies are welcome at any time. Please email registrar@idfa.org if you would like to make a registration substitution.
Q: Registration Cancellation Policy
Registration cancellations received in writing will be accepted prior to December 19, 2025 for a full refund, minus a $75 processing fee. Cancellations received after December 19, 2025, will be eligible for a 50 percent refund, less the processing fee. Your Dairy Forum registration fee is non-refundable after January 5, 2026. Substitutions may be made without penalty. All cancellations and substitutions must be received in writing at registrar@idfa.org.
Q: Golf Tournament Cancellation Policy
All 5K fun walk/run cancellations will receive a full refund before December 19, 2025. No 5k fun walk/run refunds will be issued after December 19, 2025. All cancellations must be received in writing at registrar@idfa.org.
Q: 5K Fun Walk/Run Cancellation Policy
All 5K Fun Walk/Run cancellations will receive a full refund before December 19, 2025. No 5K Fun Walk/Run refunds will be issued after December 19, 2025. All cancellations must be received in writing at registrar@idfa.org.
Q: Foundation Cornhole Fundraiser Cancellation Policy
All Foundation Cornhole Fundraiser cancellations will receive a full refund before December 19, 2025. No Foundation Cornhole Fundraiser refunds will be issued after December 19, 2025. All cancellations must be received in writing at registrar@idfa.org.
Q: News Media
Credentialed members of the news media are welcome to register at a special rate by contacting press@idfa.org. News media must present credentials to qualify.
Q: Attire
Attire is business casual although we encourage attendees to dress comfortably for evening receptions which may be held outdoors.
Q: Affiliate Events
Affiliate events are non-IDFA sponsored events that take place before, during, or after Dairy Forum. These include, but are not limited to business meetings, receptions, dinners, group activities, and other functions. If you are interested in reserving space at the conference hotel for an affiliate meeting or event, please contact lgold@idfa.org. Space is limited, and requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Questions: If you have questions or need assistance with the registration process, please contact IDFA at (202) 737-4332 or registrar@idfa.org.
Sponsor Information
Dairy Forum propels the dairy industry to new heights by providing attendees with the most cutting-edge information. Designed to elevate the industry and the businesses within it, Dairy Forum offers an unrivaled platform for exchanging ideas, fostering innovation, and cultivating meaningful connections. With a focus on empowering attendees with actionable insights, Dairy Forum equips them with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate emerging trends, capitalize on opportunities, and overcome challenges. By attending Dairy Forum, industry professionals can expect to elevate their businesses, advance their expertise, and actively contribute to the conversation that shapes the future of dairy.
For those interested in sponsorship, Dairy Forum is the place to be seen and heard. Sponsorship is one of the best ways to brand your organization as a thought-leader and to highlight your commitment to advancing the dairy industry. IDFA offers various levels of sponsorship.
Please contact lgold@idfa.org for more information.
Highlight Your Dairy Products at Dairy Forum
Dairy Forum will feature a Dairy Bar showcasing some of the most popular and innovative products produced by our members. The Dairy Bar will feature a broad selection of dairy products including milk, yogurt, cheese, snack packs, ice cream, novelties, as well as other products and beverages. All products will be displayed for attendees to enjoy throughout the conference.
We hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity and consider donating a selection of your single serve products. To participate, please contact vpender@idfa.org.