Fearmongering for “Likes” - How to Tell the Truth and Your Dairy Story

Session Summary:

Today’s online world constantly bombards us with advice dictating what we should & shouldn’t be eating. While we may think our favorite foodie’s advice is helpful, the reality is what they share may not be factual. Food labels are confusing, food practices are complicated & our food system is best understood & shared by those within it. Tara will share tangible tips about how to successfully advocate for agriculture and how to connect with consumers through sharing your story and your passion. Farmers hear all the time "share your story", but what does that mean and what does that actually look like? Tara will break down and share what she has found to work and what doesn't. From sharing on multiple platforms to following your audience to connecting to consumers.

Presenter Bio:

As a fifth-generation dairy farmer hailing from the beautiful state of New Mexico, Tara has built a successful career out of a love for the land and her roots in agriculture. As an environmental scientist, Tara has worked on agricultural projects throughout the southwest, and as a professional speaker, her influence extends far beyond the borders of her home state. She has been invited to speak at prestigious national and global conferences, showcasing her knowledge and insights on agriculture sustainability.

Tara is also the co-host of the popular podcast and TV series Discover Ag where she melds food and pop culture to create captivating conversations that dive into the intricacies of our food system in a fun, light-hearted way. A fast talker with a quick wit, Tara engages audiences with her vibrant energy and captivating storytelling

Are You Prepared? Engaging, Educating and De-Escalating in Unexpected Situations - Presented By Ray Kerins & Dan Childs

Session Summary:

Unexpected engagements happen – whether with a member of the media, an activist or influencer, or even your colleague or next door neighbor. How will you address the questions they have about your dairy in a way that preserves its reputation, and yours? Led by a former head of corporate affairs for various Fortune 500 companies and a former managing editor from ABC News, this session will highlight various types of engagements and how you can be prepared to advance your dairy’s messages, de-escalate tense encounters, and ensure that the right people are provided with the right information at the right time.

Presenter Bio:

Ray Kerins – CEO

• Global leadership positions at Pfizer, Merck & Bayer
• Three decades of reputation & crisis/issues management
• Board member U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Chair, CDC Business Roundtable
• Adjunct professor, New York University

Dan Childs – Managing Director/Global Media Engagement

• Former director of U.S. external relations at Bayer
• Former Managing Editor at ABC News
• Adjunct lecturer at Tufts University School of Medicine

Running A Family Business - Presented by Betsy Erdelyi, Managing Director at BMO Harris Bank

Session Summary:

We will update this as soon as we get that information, please check back later.

Presenter Bio:

Betsy Erdelyi, Managing Director at BMO Harris Bank

Federal Order Update - Presented by Chris Allen, Senior Director of Industry Relations and Analytics

Session Summary:

This session will be focused on providing an update on potential changes to the Federal Order pricing formulas that drive your milk check. USDA has been busy reviewing the evidence presented during the National Federal Order hearing since it concluded in January. We anticipate that USDA will announce a preliminary decision by August. If this timeline holds up, we plan to provide you with an in-depth analysis of the USDA recommended changes.  If the USDA decision is delayed beyond our expected timeline, we will need to forgo this educational session and find another opportunity to provide you with the information.

Presenter Bio:

Chris Allen has been with Select for a little over two years serving as Senior Director, Industry Relations and Analytics. While he may have grown up in the suburbs of Dallas, TX, Chris has been working for dairy farmers for more than sixteen years with both a domestic and international focus on industry analysis, regulation, and farm practices.

Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest, Customers & World Markets - Presented by Numidia

Session Summary:

Our Marketer will talk about the powder business and the landscape they see marketing powder (including powder produced in Littlefield). This will provide some stats on where product moves. It will also provide insights into what is involved in moving various dairy products around the world.

Presenter Bio:

Various Numidia Staff

Dairy Management Inc., Market Trends - Presented by Paul Ziemnisky

Session Summary:

Paul Ziemnisky breaks down market and consumer trends within the dairy industry and how DMI is focusing on delivering against them.

Presenter Bio:

Paul Ziemnisky is the Leader for Science, Innovation, and Industry Growth Platforms at DMI (Dairy Management Inc). Paul has a history of building brand value and delivering strong financial results at and for DMI for the past 10 years. This will be Ziemnisky third year participating in the Educational Sessions at Select Annual Meeting. We are looking forward to his 2024 topic and presentation.

New World of Biosecurity - Presented by Dr. Brandon Treichler

Session Summary:

HPAI has exposed some of the biosecurity challenges large dairies face relative to other protein species groups when it comes to protecting our cattle and personnel from disease challenges.  As we see more and more outbreaks of diseases in various species globally, it is important to be able to look at our operations to identify and have open honest discussion of the risks we face.  While it is impossible to turn a commercial dairy into a completely bio-secure facility, there are many steps a dairy can take to mitigate their risk without significantly altering their daily operations.  This will be a guided discussion about what the risks truly are and what reasonable options exist for dairies when it comes to risk management.

Presenter Bio:

Brandon Treichler DVM joined Select Milk in 2015.  He is the leader of our Responsible Production Practices team whose objective is to support our producers and cooperative initiatives in the areas of Animal Welfare, Biosecurity, Food Safety and Milk Quality, Workforce Development and Safety, as well as Sustainability.

Prior to joining Select, Brandon was part of a 13 doctor dairy veterinary practice where he developed a consulting clientele of progressive dairies in many areas of the US and globally.  He has had the opportunity to share both his experience and practical views on functional biosecurity on dairy operations through talks with National Milk Producers Federation, AABP, state animal health regulators for 20+ states and even the Canadian government.

Operating Select 101 - Presented by various Select Milk Staff

This session will be offered and an OPTIONAL Session and will be held after the other sessions.

Session Summary:

In quick fashion, this session would seek to share at a high level what is involved in operating the cooperative.  This would include the basics of milk logistics, milk marketing, and monthly milk accounting activities. We would also zoom out and talk about the governance, controls, and management of the cooperative operations.