MANDAN, N.D. - The North Dakota Milk Producers Association will host its 50th North Dakota Diary Convention Nov. 29 at the Baymont Inn & Suites, 2611 Old Red Trail in Mandan, N.D.
"It's been a trying year for America's dairy producers, but North Dakota's dairy industry has a bright future ahead," the organization says, in announcing the event. "It is vital that our dairy producers and industry stakeholders continue to use a collaborative effort to sustain and expand our valuable industry."
Events start at 8:30 a.m. with a trade show and continental breakfast. President Mark Doll of New Salem, N.D., introduces Marin Brosic, an assistant professor in Dairy Foods Marketing Economics at the University of Minnesota, for her 9:30 a.m. speech: "Dairy Markets and Policy Outlook for 2017 and Beyond." She'll present results from the dairy check-off funded program, "A Path Forward," that looks at 10-year trends in dairy demand and comparative advantages of the Upper Midwest.
At 11:30 a.m., Josh Dukart of Dukart Consulting of Hazen, N.D., discusses how to plan for and integrate a biological succession plan through grazing, cover crops and animal impact. Dukart is a certified educator of holistic management, working with land managers, families and organizations. He concentrates on meshing grazing and forage cropping for enhancing all animals, wild and domesticated. He also works for the Burleigh County Soil Conservation District.
Kostas Voutsas, a professor of business at Dickinson State University, gives a 12:30 p.m. keynote speech titled, "Mission Possible: Solving the Communications Puzzle." Voutsas discusses generational, regional and cultural differences in today's workforce. At 4 p.m., Voutsas moderates a panel, "Bridging the Gap: Understanding Today's Consumers," discussing how "North Dakota consumers make their dairy food choices."
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At 6:15 p.m., the organization holds an awards banquet, which features an appearance from Heather Lauinger, the 69th North Dakota Dairy Princess.
