Attendees at IDFA's Washington Conference next month will get the "inside scoop" on federal dairy policy from Rep. Reid Ribble (R-WI), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, when he addresses the group at the Washington Insiders Breakfast on June 23. Currently serving his first term in Congress, Ribble represents a district with one of the highest concentrations of dairy processors in the nation.

"We are delighted that Rep. Ribble has agreed to speak to our group," said Jerry Slominski, senior vice president for legislative and economic affairs. "He definitely recognizes the important role of processors in the farm-to-table chain and brings a fresh perspective to dairy policy."

The annual Washington Conference is an important opportunity for IDFA members to make their voices heard in Washington. Conference highlights will include a dairy policy briefing, networking opportunities with members of Congress and the annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party.

There are social activities, too. The evening before the Insiders Breakfast, attendees are invited to dinner and a baseball game at Nationals Park, where the Nats will take on the Seattle Mariners.

Washington Conference will be held June 22-23 at the Washington Court Hotel, only three blocks from the U.S. Capitol Building and the National Mall. Members are encouraged to register today.

Members with questions regarding the conference agenda may contact Ashley Burch, IDFA assistant director of political programs, at aburch@idfa.org or (202) 220-3534.

For information about registration or hotel reservations, contact Patrick Crosson, IDFA meetings registrar, at pcrosson@idfa.org or (202) 220-3536.