IDFA joined member companies California Dairies, Inc. and the Michigan Milk Producers Association to host a dairy industry fundraiser for Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. The dinner honored the senator’s decades of public service and work on behalf of the agriculture industry.

Stabenow, who is the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, will be a key decision-maker in the 2018 Farm Bill.

“For several years, Senator Stabenow has played an important role in developing policies that address dairy and agricultural issues,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO. “We look forward to working with her on the upcoming farm bill to promote a comprehensive policy for dairy.”

In addition to updates on the upcoming farm bill, Sen. Stabenow took questions from attendees about the 2018 midterm elections and international trade topics such the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Also attending the dinner were representatives from Albertsons Companies; Associated Milk Producers, Inc.; Dean Foods Company; Foremost Farms USA; The Russell Group; and Walmart.

In addition to Dykes, IDFA representatives who attended were Dave Carlin, senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy, and Colin Newman, manager of legislative affairs and political programs.

IDFA looks forward to hosting more members of Congress at future events. To learn more, contact Newman at cnewman@idfa.org.