Excitement builds for Dairy Strong conference

By Travis Senn, senior communications specialist

As the program continues to take shape, DBA is excited to welcome attendees back to its signature event, the Dairy Strong conference. Already one of the Midwest’s premiere conferences for the dairy community, this year’s Dairy Strong program features speakers such as Mike Pompeo, a former director of the Central Intelligence Agency and secretary of state.

The annual event will be held Jan. 19-20 at the Monona Terrace in Madison, Wis. A virtual option will also be available for guests unable to make it in-person.

Dairy Strong brings together farmers, allied professionals, government, and university representatives to learn, network, celebrate, and explore challenges and opportunities in the state’s signature industry.

“We always strive to provide programs, presenters, speakers and sessions that are innovative, instructive and inspiring,” DBA President Amy Penterman said. “It’s so important to provide a rich experience for our farmers, processors and the many others who make up such a critical part of our economy, rural communities and food system.”

Among the various topics of focus at the 2022 event are the growing importance of renewable natural gas, carbon strategies and animal activism. There will also be a panel discussion featured on the pandemic’s impact on the supply chain and lessons to carry forward. In addition to Pompeo, keynote speakers will be Ryan Estis and John O’Leary.

• Pompeo is the first person to have served in the Cabinet posts of CIA director and secretary of state, both in the Trump administration. Previously, Pompeo was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kansas from 2011 to 2017 and was an Army officer.
  
  
• Ryan Estis is a sales and leadership expert who prepares companies and individual contributors to embrace change and achieve breakthrough performance. Estis has 20 years of business experience working with brands around the world to initiate change, inspire innovation and deliver growth.
  
  
• John O’Leary is an inspirational speaker who survived a horrific accident as a 9-year-old when he was burned on 100 percent of his body and was given a 1 percent chance to live. He has shared his story as a best-selling author, podcast host and in talks with more than 1 million people.

The conference will also feature a tradeshow, Innovation Stage and breakout sessions. The Innovation Stage will feature topics like organic pollutants, building teams and using data. Breakout sessions tracks will cover renewable natural gas, carbon opportunities and farm management.
The Wisconsin’s Master Cheesemakers Reception will take place Jan. 19, and DBA will announce its
Advocate of the Year.

For more information, a full schedule and sponsorship opportunities, go to our website, www.dairyforward.com/dairystrong.