California Dairy Operators Association Announces ‘California Dreaming’ Conference
CCOA will hold its 123rd Annual Meeting June 26-27 in South Lake Tahoe; register before April 28 to save
PUBLISHED IN
Since 1900, the CCOA convention has served as an important forum for dairy farmers, processors, academics, allied industry members, and other partners. (Photo: US Department of Agriculture, Public Domain)
SACRAMENTO — The 123rd Annual Meeting of the California Dairy Operators Association (CCOA) returns June 26-27 to South Lake Tahoe, welcoming dairy industry leaders looking to stay informed on issues, trends and opportunities. Since 1900, the CCOA convention has served as an important forum for dairy farmers, processors, academics, allied industry members, and other partners. This year’s theme is California Dreaming: a vision for continued leadership and financial success.
The CCOA annual meeting aims to further strengthen the state’s position as a world leader in the production, processing and delivery of high-quality dairy products; ultimately providing nutritious and enjoyable milk and dairy foods to benefit local and global communities. Keynote speakers and panelists include a growing list of industry-leading analysts and executives, world-renowned researchers, and top-tier technical experts:
• Mary Ledman, Global Sector Strategist – Dairy, Rabobank
• Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Specialist, University of California, Davis
• Cliff Gladstein, Founding President, Gladstein, Neandross & Associates
• John Talbot, Executive Director, California Milk Advisory Board
• Paul Bleiberg, SVP, Government Relations, National Federation of Milk Producers
• Terry Brockman, Business Director, Saputo Dairy Products USA.
• Phil Plourd, President, Ever.Ag
• Darrin Monteiro, VP, Sustainability and Member Relations, California Dairies, Inc.
• Dr. Ermias Kebreab, Associate Dean for Global Engagement, University of California, Davis
• Amy DeLisio, Executive Director, California Dairy Council
• Veronique Lagrange, Director, California Dairy Innovation Center
• Joshua Long, CEO, President and CEO, E4E Solutions, LLC
• Arun Gupta, CEO, Skyven Technologies
• Michael Boccadoro, Executive Director, CCOA, Dairy Cares, Ag Energy Consumers Association
• Stephen Cain, Director, Economic Research and Analysis, National Dairy Producers Federation
• Justin Loyear, Business Development Manager, Cummins Alternative Technologies
The conference will illustrate the global perspective of dairy, including the trends, policies and innovations that are shaping the future. Taking into account California’s leadership in climate policy and sustainability, several sessions will discuss the realities of transitioning to clean energy, reducing emissions from farms, plants, and truck fleets, and meeting consumer and policymaker expectations. . Speakers will share insights into how decision makers are navigating evolving landscapes, embracing innovation, and adapting to meet sustainability goals and ensure a profitable future.
“The CCOA conference tackles head-on some of the most daunting challenges we face as an industry,” said Steve Galbraith, CCOA president and vice president of acquisitions and risk management for Saputo Dairy Products USA. “Through collaborative learning, our program engages attendees, equipping and inspiring us to meet these challenges and seize opportunities for growth and advancement.”
The CCOA Annual Meeting is a long-standing, family-oriented tradition like no other. Located in beautiful South Lake Tahoe, the two-day program provides opportunities to relax, network, and recharge. Attendees can choose to participate in the golf tournament or a cruise on the lake. Within walking distance of casino entertainment, shopping and dining, with endless outdoor activities nearby, the location offers something for everyone. A favorite of CCOA members, Tuesday night’s prized awards dinner includes raffle prizes with great odds for all attendees.
Presenting sponsors for the CCOA’s 2023 Annual Meeting include the California Dairy Advisory Board and the California Cattle Council. A full list of sponsors and additional information about the 2023 speaker schedule is available on the website, with more announcements to be made in the coming weeks. Early registration will be available until Friday, April 28. To secure a booth space, become a sponsor or register, visit CCOADairy.org.
–California Dairy Operators Association