Dairy farmers, state officials, technology providers, researchers, and partners will speak at the virtual California Dairy Sustainability Summit, November 5-6, 2020.
The second California Dairy Sustainability Summit takes place online this November 5-6, with two education-packed days of keynotes and panels, 50+ expert speakers, and 800+ registered attendees. The event brings together dairy farmers, policymakers, industry leaders, and partners to showcase successes and amplify efforts to advance planet-smart, sustainable practices. Recognizing that true sustainability includes economic and social aspects in addition to environmental, the agenda takes a comprehensive look at the dairy supply chain and ways to support family dairy farmers as they implement innovative technologies and strategies. Ultimately, the program aims to help ensure the continued availability of affordable and nutrient-rich foods—now and for future generations.
Virtual event attendees will enjoy an exciting line-up of speakers, bringing unique expertise and important perspectives as they discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding dairy sustainability.
California dairy farmers will share what they are doing to invest in new technologies and participate in industry-wide efforts to improve the environment and serve their communities. Speakers include:
Tyler Ribeiro, Dairy Farmer and California Cattle Council Board Member, Rib-Arrow Dairy
Jennifer Beretta, Dairy Farmer, Beretta Family Organic Dairy
Brad Scott, Dairy Farmer and Chairman of Dairy Council of California, Scott Brothers Dairy Farms
Jonathon Postma, Managing Partner, Pete Postma and Sons Dairy
Leading policymakers and government officials will discuss achievements and current progress in working with dairy farmers to advance the protection of natural resources. Speakers include:
Richard Corey, Executive Officer, California Air Resources Board
Jenny Lester Moffitt, Undersecretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture
Taryn Ravazzini, Deputy Director, California Department of Water Resources
Carlos Suarez, California State Conservationist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Top executives from the nation’s leading dairy organizations will share what they are doing to support family dairy farmers and assure customers and consumers of sustainable practices. Speakers include:
Secretary Tom Vilsack, President and CEO, U.S. Dairy Export Council
David Darr, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, Dairy Farmers of America
Rob Vandenheuvel, Senior Vice President, Member & Industry Relations, California Dairies, Inc.
Pete Kappelman, Senior Vice President, Member and Government Relations, Land O’ Lakes, Inc.
World-leading scientists in the areas of climate change and livestock emissions, who will discuss the latest research, climate warming impacts, and opportunities to continue reducing methane emissions. Speakers include:
Dr. Myles Allen, Professor, Head of the Climate Dynamics Group, Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford
Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Specialist, Director, CLEAR Center, University of California, Davis
Dr. Ermias Kebreab, Professor and Sesnon Endowed Chair, Director, World Food Center, Associate Dean of Global Engagement, University of California, Davis
Experts in consumer trends, nutrition, and sustainable food sourcing will talk about health and nutrition needs, consumer expectations, and opportunities to continue advancing sustainability throughout the supply chain. Speakers include:
Emily Johannes, Category Manager for Ethical Sourcing, Nestlé USA
Lisa Zwack, Head of Sustainability, The Kroger Co.
Phil Lempert, Founder and Editor, Founder and CEO, The Lempert Report, Retail Dietitians Business Alliance
Ashley Rosales, Program Director of Nutrition Sciences, Dairy Council of California
Technical experts, technology providers, and partners will share about their efforts to support dairy farmers in implementing innovative technologies. Speakers include:
Lyle Schlyer, President, Calgren Dairy Fuels
Mark van Nieuwland, VP and Program Director, DSM Nutritional Products
David Jones, Robotic Specialist, DeLaval
Theresa Dunham, Partner, Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLP
Organizers will use an interactive online platform to host educational sessions, a virtual research poster session and expo hall, and valuable networking opportunities to promote the advancement of dairy sustainability efforts in California and beyond. The two-day agenda will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT on both days. All sessions will be recorded and made available again to registrants for on-demand viewing after the event. Sessions will spotlight opportunities to further environmental sustainability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water resources, improve nutrient management and soil health, develop new business opportunities, improve operational efficiency and reduce on-farm costs.
“I think one of the greatest things about the summit is that it gives us a chance to share our story,” said second-generation dairy farmer, Ray Prock, Jr. “As dairy farmers, it also gives us a chance to see what our peers are doing as we work toward a more sustainable model. We can’t forget that sustainability is not just about the environment, but also about economics. There are several sessions designed to help dairy farmers improve their efficiency, prepare for new regulations, and combat some of the rising costs and other challenges we are facing.”
The Summit is hosted by California’s leading dairy organizations—Dairy Cares, California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, and Dairy Council of California. Event Partners include the California Cattlemen’s Association, California Farm Bureau Federation, California Dairy Campaign, California Dairies, Inc., Dairy Farmers of America - Western Area, Dairy Institute of California, Hilmar Cheese Company, Land O’ Lakes, Milk Producers Council, Producer’s Dairy, and Western States Dairy Producers Association.
The California Dairy Sustainability Summit will bring together experts and visionary leaders, including dairy families who aim to pass their farms to the next generation. To see the full speaker agenda, full speaker roster, and to register, visit CADairySummit.com.
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Dairy Cares (DairyCares.com) is a statewide coalition with a mission to ensure the long-term sustainability of California’s dairy farm families through strong environmental stewardship and responsible animal care.
The California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) (CDRF.org) is an independent non-profit organization that leads and delivers research and science-based programs towards a more innovative and sustainable California industry.
For twenty years, the award-winning California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) (CDRF.org/cdqap) has worked as a partnership between the dairy industry, academia, and others to provide science-based education and third-party certifications, promoting the health of consumers, the environment, and the health and welfare of dairy animals.
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) (RealCaliforniaMilk.com), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s more than 1,300 dairy families. With a mission to increase demand for products made with Real California Milk, the CMAB promotes California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world.
Funded by California's dairy farm families and local milk processors, Dairy Council of California (HealthyEating.org) empowers stakeholders, including educators, health professionals and communities, to elevate the health of children and families through the pursuit of lifelong healthy eating habits.
