WASHINGTON — Insights from the upcoming DairyTech conference, taking place Oct. 23 and 24 in Denver, will be packaged into a first-ever State of AI in Dairy Report from the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).

The report will cover breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, future trends and current applications tailored to the dairy industry.

“We want to make sure every DairyTech attendee comes away from the conference with practical applications for AI at their business, and that they understand the essential principles of ethical AI implementation,” said Tom Wojno, chief operating officer and senior vice president of innovation and member impact at IDFA. “The State of AI in Dairy Report will be a resource for attendees to recall ideas and specifics from the conference throughout the coming year.”

The report format will be determined by the content at DairyTech, including keynote speakers, panelists and attendees, and will be developed immediately after the conference, according to IDFA.

The trade association has also announced several newly confirmed featured sessions for the DairyTech agenda:

How to Leverage AI Within Dairy Processing

This session will explore how AI is revolutionizing dairy processing plants. Experts will discuss AI-driven solutions for quality control, production optimization, predictive maintenance, and automation of processes such as pasteurization and homogenization. Case studies will showcase the tangible benefits of integrating AI technologies to improve product consistency, reduce waste and enhance overall efficiency in dairy processing. Speakers include: Jared Helenic, senior account manager – AI & technology platform, Infor; Jason Mischel, vice president of sales and milk procurement, Valley Queen Cheese Factory, Inc.; and Blake Tangen, director of supply chain and risk management, First District Association

Sustainable Practices Through AI Implementation in Dairy

This session will highlight how AI is driving sustainability initiatives across various aspects of dairy operations. Presentations will cover AI applications in energy management, waste reduction, water conservation and carbon footprint optimization within dairy production facilities. Attendees will learn about innovative AI-driven approaches to minimize environmental impact, comply with regulatory standards, and meet consumer demand for ethically sourced and environmentally responsible dairy products. Speakers include: Mike Aquino, director, ESG, IDFA; Matt Gould, senior director, co-lead sustainability, Ever.Ag; and Darren Wolfberg, founder, chairman and chief executive officer, Triangle Systems Inc.

Leveraging AI for Corporate Use in Dairy Companies

In this session, attendees will discover how AI is reshaping human resources management and marketing strategies within dairy companies. Speakers will delve into AI-driven recruitment and talent acquisition strategies, workforce optimization, performance management systems, and employee training programs. Practical insights will be shared on how AI tools can help dairy businesses in talent retention, skill development, and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Industry experts will discuss the use of AI in consumer behavior analysis, personalized marketing campaigns, product recommendations, and social media engagement. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging AI algorithms to understand consumer preferences, target specific demographics effectively, and drive brand loyalty and sales growth in the competitive dairy market landscape. Finally, the panel will explore the essential principles of ethical AI implementation. Discover best practices for ensuring transparency, fairness and security in AI systems, and learn how to integrate these principles into your organization.

Speakers include: 

  • Jason Bredimus, vice president, IT and CISO, Shamrock Foods Company
  • Jennifer Harnish, chief people officer, Aurora Organic Dairy
  • Michael Strohmaier, vice president, information technology and services, Crystal Creamery

AI-driven Supply Chain Optimization in the Dairy Industry

This session will focus on the transformative impact of AI on dairy supply chains. Participants will learn about AI-powered demand forecasting, inventory management, logistics optimization, and supplier relationship management. Real-world examples will demonstrate how AI technologies enable dairy companies to achieve greater agility, reduce costs, minimize stockouts, and ensure product freshness while navigating complex supply chain challenges. Speakers include: Sadi Carpenter, director, insights and milk optimization, at Dairy Farmers of America; Colleen Carr, senior director, sales operations, at Foremost Farms USA; and Duane Banderob, chief operating officer, Ever.Ag.

For more information and to register for DairyTech, visit the conference's website.