The Professional Dairy Producers® (PDPW) will be hosting the PDPW Food & Policy Summit on October 25-26, 2016 at the Sheraton Hotel, Madison, Wis.
The event will bring together dairy farmers, processors, regulators and allied industry to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing today’s dairy operations.
The first day will be dedicated to the voices driving policy and will feature Keynote speaker Ben Brancel, the Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Secretary Brancel will share thoughts on the agriculture industry, policies affecting agriculture, consumer trends and potential for the future. Also on day one, a food panel representing Dean Foods, JBS USA, The Hershey Company and Grassland Dairy Products, Inc., will shed light on processors and food trends, while a consumer panel will highlight the driving factors behind consumer decision making. Closing day one of the Summit, Scott Beckstead of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) will offer the organization’s current expectations for the dairy industry.
Day two of the Summit will focus on issues facing the dairy industry. Topics of discussion will include the use of animal antibiotics, led by Brian Lubbers, DVM, PhD; an update on National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) policies; and changes in the Wisconsin DNR regulations. Participants will also choose from a series of breakout sessions to receive updates from various groups including Dairy Management, Inc., NMPF, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board and the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association’s (WVMA) Food Armor® program.
All dairy farmers and industry professionals interested in current trends driving policy changes are encouraged to attend this industry-leading training event. Those who register can choose to attend one or both days of the event.
To learn more and to register, visit www.pdpw.org or contact PDPW at 1-800-947-7379.
By Mike Opperman
Source: Farm Journal’s MILK