Dairy Forum 2021 convened more than 600 dairy food executives to connect with other industry leaders, advance their knowledge, and discover new perspectives on issues important to the dairy industry. To those of you who were able to join us this past week, thank you! I hope you enjoyed reconnecting with your colleagues and that you leave this program better equipped and inspired to lead change for continued growth in the dairy industry.

To relive your favorite moments, visit the Dairy Forum 2021 hub on the IDFA Knowledge Center. Session recordings will be made available beginning Tuesday, February 2, to all registered attendees, and for purchase to non-registrants.

My main takeaways from this year’s Forum: we are a resilient, vibrant, and growing industry because of strong leaders who prioritize their people, strong partnerships and collaboration up and down the supply chain, and a strong desire to innovate through new technology, logistics, people strategies, and product development. We all know that we cannot stand still. Disruption will continue to be initiated by our consumers, markets, governments, and natural disasters. We need to stay ahead of the technology and innovation curve, be nimble and willing to adapt, and always strive to meet consumer demands both in the United States and abroad. 

Thank you once again to this year's attendees for making Dairy Forum 2021 a success. If you are a member of IDFA, we are grateful for your engagement and support which allows us to provide training, education, networking and advocacy on behalf of your interests. If you are thinking of becoming a member, I hope this Dairy Forum demonstrated how IDFA is the voice for all of dairy. Join us—together, we are making a difference for dairy.

Michael Dykes, D.V.M.

President & CEO, International Dairy Foods Association