CHICAGO — HighGround Dairy is hosting its fourth annual Global Dairy Outlook Conference this summer in Chicago. The event, set for June 24-26 at the historic Union League Club, will offer attendees insight into the latest trends shaping global dairy markets as well as the chance to connect with industry leaders through networking opportunities.
In addition to the market experts that comprise HighGround Dairy’s staff, speakers announced so far include Dr. Ho Wanxing Eugene, Mengnui Dairy China; Amy Penterman, Dutch Dairy LLC; Billy Schmitz, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding; Lukasz Wyrzykowski, IFCN Dairy Research Network; and Azize Yanina, Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Co. — with more to be announced.
“We aim to bring something new to the table every year because it is important to evolve alongside the industry,” says Alyssa Badger, vice president of global operations and insights, HighGround Dairy. “Given the shifts over the past year, HighGround felt it was the perfect time to take a deeper look into the Middle East — a region with limited market visibility but growing influence. We are bringing in a panel of professionals from the region who will share firsthand perspectives on demand trends, trade flows and market developments.”
HighGround also has added a beef outlook session, recognizing the significant impact that the beef market has had on dairy, Badger notes. The session will explore where supply and demand fundamentals may be headed in 2025 and how those shifts could influence dairy farm decisions.
Also of note is the event’s popular dairy producer panel. From herd management and risk mitigation to adapting to market pressures, the session offers a rare and valuable perspective that attendees truly appreciate, Badger says.
“Our dairy producer panel has consistently been ranked as one of the most popular sessions by our attendees,” she says. “It is not every day you get a front-row seat to understand how dairy farmers think and make decisions.
“Another session that always draws strong interest is our panel discussion on China,” she adds. “There is never a shortage of news coming out of China when it comes to dairy, and the complexity of the market makes it a critical area to watch.”
Badger notes one aspect that sets HighGround’s outlook conference apart from other events is that it is purely market focused.
“While other events cover a wide range of topics and try and sell you something, we keep the discussions centered on what actually impacts your bottom line, from global trade shifts to supply and demand fundamentals, all with a focus on what is ahead,” she says. “With budgeting deadlines approaching during that time of year, this is the time to cut through the noise and focus on the insights that matter most for financial planning and risk management. Whether you are a producer, processor, trader or buyer, every session is designed to provide real, actionable takeaways that help you make informed decisions.
“We take pride in the fact that when people come to this conference, they truly engage — this is not an event where attendees drift in and out of sessions,” she adds. “Every discussion is packed with insight, and there is not a single speaker you will want to miss. Our goal is for everyone to walk away with new knowledge that they can immediately apply to their business.”
In addition to the educational lineup, the event offers various networking opportunities for attendees.
“Networking is just as important as the content itself,” Badger says. “We want attendees to leave not just with new insights, but with new connections — people they can do business with, learn from and collaborate with long after the conference ends. At the end of the day, this conference is not just about information — it is about equipping attendees with the insights, connections and confidence they need to navigate the year ahead in dairy. After all, that is what drives us as a company. HighGround’s mission has always been a relentless pursuit of industry and customer success, and this event is a direct reflection of that commitment.”
Early-bird registration is open and space is limited, so attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the discount offer. Visit highgrounddairy.com/conference for ongoing updates on speakers, agenda, hotel options and registration. For specific inquiries, contact the HighGround Dairy team at info@highgrounddairy.com. CMN
Reprinted with permission from the February 28, 2025, edition of CHEESE MARKET NEWS®; © Copyright 2025 Quarne Publishing LLC; (608) 288-9090; www.cheesemarketnews.com
