Former Congressman Charlie Stenholm (D-TX) will open IDFA's Dairy Forum 2009 program on January 11 as the guest speaker for the Chairman's Lecture. Focusing on the economy and changes in Washington, Stenholm will provide valuable insight into what the dairy industry can expect from the new administration and Congress.

Stenholm knows agriculture and dairy policy issues well; he served as a member of the U.S. House committee on agriculture throughout his 26-year legislative career and was the committee’s ranking Democrat for eight years. Stenholm also is one of the founders of the Democratic Blue Dog Coalition, a group of conservative Democrats who are sure to be a real force in the next Congress. Visit Dairy Forum 2009 online for the full agenda.