FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
September 29, 2026
 
Contact: Shelly Mayer
800-947-7379
mail@pdpw.org
 
Image of presenter, attendees [caption at end]
Program Flyer
 
 
Protein Opportunities in Focus at PDP Dairy Insights Summit
Policy Makers, Dairy Producers, Industry Leaders to Explore Protein Demand and Dairy’s Position
 
DAIRY NEWS – The future of food will be driven by nutrient density, protein demand and consumer trust, and dairy has the opportunity to be a driving factor in each of those trends. The 2026 PDP Dairy Insights Summit, presented by Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP), will bring together industry leaders, processors, policy makers, educators and dairy producers to explore emerging trends, technologies and market opportunities that position dairy to thrive in a protein-focused world.
 
The one-day summit will be held Tues., Dec. 1 at the Madison Marriott South in Madison, Wis. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; the summit runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
 
Workshop sessions will include:

• “The business of protein” will explore how protein demand is creating new opportunities throughout the food chain and why dairy remains one of the most trusted and effective protein sources. Panelists include Kevin Ryan, PhD, founder and CEO of Malachite Strategy and Research, Tom Benson, executive vice president of Actus Nutrition, and Tessa Nguyen, MEd, RD, culinary strategist and registered dietitian.

• “Positioned to lead” will feature insights from Rebecca MacKay Allen, senior vice president of global growth platforms and partnerships at Dairy Management Inc.  She will review the research, innovation, strategic partnerships and industry collaborations that are helping ensure that dairy remains a proven, competitive protein source for consumers around the world.
• “On the farm: opportunity into action” will be a candid discussion with dairy producers and industry experts about the genetic progress, component production, management strategies and long-term business planning necessary to capitalize on current trends. Panelists include Dr. Jeffrey Bewley, PhD, executive director of genetics and innovation at Holstein Association USA, Jacob Guenzler, dairy consultant with ProAGtive Dairy Nutrition, and Marlena Wagner, fifth-generation dairy producer at Jagiello Dairy Farm.

 
Dairy Insights Summit is accredited for up to 4.25 Dairy AdvanCE (DACE) continuing education credits. Learn more and register at www.pdpw.org or by contacting PDP at 800-947-7379. Follow along digitally in advance of and during the event by following @dairyPDPW on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
 
 
Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP) is the nation's largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind, focusing on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.
 
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PHOTO CAPTION
Kevin Ryan, founder of Malachite Strategy and Research, speaks to dairy professionals about how to identify shifts in consumer behavior to cultivate smarter innovations and practices in dairy production and processing.