Fluctuations in milk prices and rising costs of production as well as increasing environmental concerns have created significant challenges for the world's dairy farmers. Alltech's 28th Annual International Symposium May 20 – 23 in Lexington, Ky., will offer dairy-focused sessions that examine the issues and seek solutions for more sustainable, profitable dairy production that can grow sufficiently to meet the demands of the increasing global population.

"The dairy industry is a crucial segment in the future of food production," said Sylvie Andrieu, European technical ruminant manager for Alltech and dairy co-chair for the Symposium. "The dairy sessions at the International Symposium are geared towards people who are looking for innovative ideas and strategies to improve the future of dairy, whether that is by increasing the health and production of their cows, exploring solutions to environmental concerns or increasing sales and profitability."

Dairy-focused session topics will include:
  • Reimagining the Rumen: Smart strategies to feed the bacteria and not just the cow

  • The Global Grain Grab: How global forces, from ethanol to drought, affect market volatility and country/company behavior

  • Milk, the Perfect Food: Five ways to bring out the magic of milk and boost sales

  • Milk Waves: Why some producers make money in milk while others do not

  • Protein Problems: Balancing nitrogen and protein in the soil and in the cow

  • Our Children's Future: Designing smarter milk for health and development
Featured presenters at the dairy sessions include Paul Campbell of Fonterra, UK; Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois, USA; Joseph Kerns, International Agribusiness Group, USA; Jim Ostrom, Milk Source, USA; and Mikhail Ramanovich, IFCN Dairy Research Center, Germany. The 2012 Symposium will be the forum for more than 100 presentations by industry experts, including experts from Domino's Pizza, Jack in the Box, Wendy's, Nestlé, Murphy-Brown, Future Farmers of America, PetSmart and the Harvard School of Business.

Looking to 2050's burgeoning population, Alltech's 2012 Symposium will focus on ideas for better use of resources, improved business practices and natural nutritional solutions. New in 2012, breakout sessions will include legal, marketing, information technology and designer food in addition to the popular aquaculture, beef, dairy, equine, poultry, pig, pet and regulatory-focused offerings.

The event is expected to draw more than 2,500 delegates from around the world, making it the industry's largest symposium. To secure your place at the 2012 Alltech Annual International Symposium, visit www.alltech.com/symposium or contact symposium@alltech.com. Act now to save 20% on registration through April 14.

Join in the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag: #agfuture, and follow Alltech Symposium related news on Alltech's agriculture and science blog.

3.13.2012