By Peggy Armstrong, Director of Communications

Its time to mark your calendars for next year's Dairy Forum, which will be held January 1-14 in Orlando, Florida. IDFA's annual Dairy Forum has become the premier meeting place for leaders across the U.S. dairy industry, including producers, coops, processors, retailers and suppliers.

This year's theme is "Around the Corner, Around the World," and we'll be looking at the issues that will have the biggest influence on our industry from a local, national and international perspective. For example:

What long-term effect will skyrocketing food and fuel prices have on the U.S. dairy business? Will reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act change what our children are eating and drinking in schools? Where do we stand on our efforts to reform the federal milk market order system? And... Are there actions we can take to make the dairy industry friendly to both the environment and the bottom line? Dairy Forum participants will consider whether or not the U.S. dairy industry is positioned properly to survive the shifting sands of supply and demand, economic realities and worldwide politics. We will hear from the CEOs of international dairy companies on how they are navigating the changing dairy environment around the world. And we will talk with elected leaders as they share their views on how a new political landscape in Washington, D.C., could affect our industry.

And, recognizing that a commitment to excellence is at the heart of our business, Dairy Forum 2009 will celebrate some of the most accomplished leaders of the dairy industry: we will honor the Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year, the Dairy Foods Processor of the Year, and the Dairy Plant of the Year.

Plan now to join your colleagues at the premier meeting for the dairy industry. Dairy Forum 2009 will be held at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort, January 11-14.

Registration is now open. For more information, go to www.idfa.org or call (202) 737-4332. We hope to see you there.

DairyLine is heard on more than 90 radio stations, and IDFA provides listeners with a processor perspective on industry issues during bi-monthly broadcasts.