FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 02, 2009

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Dairy Producers and Industry Suppliers Unite for the Annual PA Dairy Summit

Bellefonte, PA – Signifying the importance of the annual Pennsylvania Dairy Summit to the state’s dairy industry, 20 companies have contributed financially to support the program so that this unique opportunity for education and networking is affordable for dairy producers and their employees. In addition, nearly 70 industry suppliers will be on hand in the exhibit area to share the latest in technology and services making this the biggest trade show in Summit history.

A large group of producers with farms of all sizes have already taken advantage of the low registration fees for the Summit on February 11 and 12 at the Lancaster Host Resort in Lancaster, Pa. As dairy producers face an uncertain economic future, the sponsors are supporting a Summit program that offers practical information with long-term implications for the dairy industry. The two-day event brings together all segments of dairying to focus on the educational needs of Pennsylvania’s 8,500 dairy farm families.

The $80 fee for a producer owner/manager or any dairy employee covers both days of education, entrance to the exhibit area, two lunches, a banquet, a continental breakfast, and breaks. One day registrations are also available. Information on the producer discount and all the details of the Summit program are available at www.padairysummit.org. A special hotline for Dairy Summit questions has been set up at info@padairysummit.org.

Sponsor support has made it possible for the program to include such notable sessions as “Animal Well-Being: An Opportunity and An Obligation,” “Capturing Value and Creating Innovation,” and Sustainability and Dairy’s Carbon Footprint.” Costs for the banquet are partially covered by sponsorship from Lancaster Dairy Automation, Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, and Pennfield, Corp. The closing lunch featuring Wisconsin producer Hank Wagner with a message about “Finding Opportunity Under Every Rock,” is sponsored by AgChoice Farm Credit.

Other dairy industry suppliers supporting portions of the program include Fisher & Thompson, Inc.; Pfizer Animal Health; Elanco Animal Health; Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association; DMI, Inc.; MidAtlantic Farm Credit; Dairylea Cooperative; Dairy Farmers of America; Select Sires; Dairy One; Renaissance Nutrition; PA Farm Bureau; Novak Strategic Advisors; Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative; and Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition.

The expanded Exhibit Floor, always a large attraction for dairy producers, will be easily accessible in the same area as the education program. The broader selection of companies participating in 2009 event will be prepared to assist producers by answering questions and displaying new products that can increase productivity and profitability. The list of Summit exhibitors is updated almost daily at www.padairysummit.org. Past Summit attendees have indicated that they use the exhibits to increase their knowledge of new technology and to build a resource network.

The Summit program has breakout sessions where operational issues will be the focus, as well as general sessions where topics with a broader industry impact will be discussed. Dr. John Stanton will open the Summit setting the tone with a presentation on “Emerging Trends in the Dairy Industry.” In addition, two farm showcases will help producers understand the applicability of new techniques and solutions for their own farm problems. New on the Summit program this year are segments for open discussion among the entire audience featuring Ken Cassara, Wegmans Vice President of Dairy/Frozen Foods, on innovation, and Joe Cervantes, Farmland Dairies Vice President, on developing dairy markets.

The PA Dairy Summit is hosted by the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania (www.pdmp.org) and the Pennsylvania Dairy Stakeholders (www.padairystake.org). Supporting partners are The Center for Dairy Excellence (www.centerfordairyexcellence.org), the PA Department of Agriculture (www.agriculture.state.pa.us) and the Penn State Dairy Alliance, an initiative of Cooperative Extension (www.dairyalliance.org).