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Updated as of January 12, 2009
Tipton Opens Dairy Forum with Call for ‘Change for a Better Tomorrow’
“If change was the keyword in the 2008 presidential election . . . then what better standard can there be for our own industry?” asked Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO, during her opening remarks today at Dairy Forum 2009 in Orlando, Fla. Speaking before a crowd of more than 700 dairy industry leaders, Tipton identified several opportunities for change that would expand the U.S and world market for dairy products, encourage innovation to meet changing consumer demands and provide new tools to help manage market volatility. Full text of speech, “Around the Corner, Around the World.”
Soaring Eagle, NCI Laureate and Innovative Farmer Award Winners Honored
Several awards for outstanding industry achievements were presented at a luncheon ceremony today during IDFA’s Dairy Forum 2009, including the IDFA Soaring Eagle Award, the National Cheese Institute's Laureate Award and the Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year Award.
IDFA presented Soaring Eagle Awards to Brian Haugh, CEO of National Dairy Holdings, and Mike Reidy, senior vice president of procurement, logistics and business development of Leprino Foods Company, in recognition of their leadership and years of service to the associations. More details.
This year's NCI Laureate Award winner is Jerome Schuman, chairman of Arthur Schuman, Inc. The NCI Laureate Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth of the industry. More details.
High Plains Dairy of Friona, Texas, and owner Harry DeWit were honored with the 2009 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year Award, co-sponsored by IDFA and Dairy Today magazine. Now in its 11th year, this award recognizes U.S. dairy producers that apply creativity, excellence and forward thinking to achieve greater on-farm productivity and improved milk marketing. More details.
IDFA Supports Vilsack Nomination, Backs Thornton for USDA Under Secretary’
IDFA voiced its support for former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to become the next secretary of agriculture in a letter sent last week to Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee. In a separate letter to President-elect Barack Obama's transition team, IDFA recommended the appointment of Dr. Janey Thornton, a school nutrition expert and board member of the Milk Processor Education Program, to the position of under secretary of agriculture for food, nutrition and consumer affairs.
DairyLine Broadcast Questions What ‘Promise of Change’ May Mean for Dairy
Although President-elect Barack Obama was elected on a promise of change, it may be too early to tell what — if any — significant changes are in store for dairy policy, said Jerry Slominski, IDFA senior vice president, in his DairyLine broadcast to producers last week. Noting the recent Cabinet nominations for agriculture and trade, Slominski expressed hope that the new leaders will change what needs to be changed and stay the course when that is the best direction to take. DairyLine is heard on more than 90 radio stations, and IDFA regularly provides a processor perspective on key industry issues.
FDA Says Labels Must Identify Certain Color Additives by Name
The Food and Drug Administration last week published a final rule amending its color additive regulations for products containing cochineal extract and carmine. The rule will require companies that use carmine and cochineal in food products to list the additives by name on the product label, instead of declaring them as "artificial color" or "color additives." IDFA submitted comments to FDA in May 2006 supporting the agency's proposal, which will take effect in 2011.
Sweetener Colloquium Only Four Weeks Away: Have You Registered?
The 2009 International Sweetener Colloquium will be held February 8-11 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Fla. Join your colleagues for three days of discussion and networking at educational sessions, social events, and the annual golf and tennis tournaments. The sessions will cover domestic and international markets, Mexico, farm bill implementation, energy costs and other timely topics presented by a variety of experts. You'll be sure to leave with fresh ideas and a new perspective on the latest developments in the sweetener market. Visit Sweetener Colloquium online where you can register and find the latest agenda updates, details on optional activities and travel discounts.
Start the New Year with the Latest Edition of Dairy Facts
Dairy Facts 2008, published by IDFA and Dairy Foods magazine, provides a comprehensive overview of 2007 sales, consumption and production data for the dairy foods industry. This 120-page booklet offers an excellent summary of the overall health of the U.S. dairy industry and dairy trends. Delivered in an easy-to-use format, Dairy Facts provides information from government and private market research sources on the fluid milk, cultured dairy, cheese, and ice cream and frozen desserts markets.
For more news on regulatory, legislative, international and marketing issues or on membership and educational opportunities, visit IDFA's News Center.
