Agenda

DairyTech 2025’s agenda is designed to help all attendees understand the impact that technology is having across the dairy supply chain.

Day 1 – Wednesday, October 29

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9:30am – 12:00pm

Optional Tour

Tour of The Ohio State University Parker Dairy Foods Science Plant

 

Experience the future of dairy foods and innovation firsthand during our exclusive DairyTech Tour, hosted by THE Ohio State University, Department of Food Science and Technology at their renowned Parker Food Science and Technology Building. Discover how cutting-edge technology, breakthrough research, and real-world innovation are shaping the future of dairy processing, safety, and sustainability. From advanced automation to next-gen quality assurance, this behind-the-scenes experience offers a unique look at the technology and science driving dairy forward.

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2:30pm – 3:45pm

Welcome and Opening Session: The Future of the Dairy Supply Chain – From a Cost Center to a Competitive Advantage

As demand evolves and operational pressures mount, supply chain leaders in all industries need to be transforming their supply chains from cost centers into competitive advantages.

enVista’s SVP of Consulting, Nate Rosier, has seen first-hand the evolution of supply chain practices over the decades, and he is bringing his exclusive insights to DairyTech 2025 to share how the insights and best practices he’s learned can be applied to the dairy supply chain, from source to consumption.

Rosier will explore critical technology domains, including AI, automation and more, that are reshaping how industry leaders move product through the supply chain. From large corporations to small businesses, Rosier will address the unique challenges the dairy industry is facing, providing a practical digital transformation roadmap that delivers measurable ROI without overwhelming resources or budgets.

Attendees will walk away with real-world examples of supply chain success across retail, manufacturing and consumer goods companies and actionable strategies that will transform their supply chain into their greatest competitive asset.

Nate Rosier

Nate Rosier

Senior Vice President, Consulting Group Leader, enVista

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3:45pm – 4:30pm

Session I: Innovations on the Farm

As farms become more connected and data-driven, technology is playing a central role in modernizing dairy operations. In this session, discover how cutting-edge technologies are transforming farm operations, enhancing efficiency, improving cow comfort, and generating valuable new data streams. Learn what processors need to know about these advancements and how they can unlock new opportunities across the supply chain.

Moderator: Kathleen Wolfley

Nicholas Randle

Nicholas Randle

Senior Marketing Lead for Dairy Productivity & Milk Quality, Zoetis

Mitch Schwieterman

Mitch Schwieterman

Operator of Schwieterman Farm

Owen Mickley, DVM

Owen Mickley, DVM

Dairy Nutritionist, Vita Plus

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4:35pm – 5:15pm

Breakout Roundtables I

Digital transformation is accelerating on the farm, and data visibility is becoming a critical differentiator. Join facilitated discussions on AI, E2E platforms, and on-farm data integration to explore what this means for processors and brands. Participants will share insights and walk away with practical ideas for using AI and farm-level data to enhance supply chain performance.

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6:00pm – 6:30pm

Welcome Reception

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6:30pm – 8:00pm

Dinner Sponsored by Infor

Day 2 – Thursday, October 30

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7:00am – 8:00am

Networking Breakfast

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8:00am – 8:45am

Session II: Innovations on the Road

Transportation and logistics are rapidly evolving as technology reshapes how dairy products are moved, stored, and delivered. In this session, explore how innovations in automation, AI, and connected systems are transforming logistics operations and unlocking new efficiencies across the supply chain. Attendees will learn how to apply these tools to reduce costs and boost supply chain agility.

Moderator: Hill Pratt

Kelly Pettijohn

Kelly Pettijohn

Senior Director of Business Development, Key Accounts, Americold

Melanie Smith

Melanie Smith

Director of Sales, Domestic Intermodal, CPKC Railway

Ben Schaendorf

Ben Schaendorf

Operations VP, Schaendorf Custom Farming Inc.

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8:45am – 9:30am

Session III: The Dairy Plant of the Future

With historic levels of investment in U.S. dairy processing, the next generation of plants is setting new standards for what’s possible. In this session, discover how greenfield sites are integrating robotics, data analytics, and smart systems to build world-class operations. Learn how these technologies are creating the most productive assets in the world—redefining plant efficiency and raising expectations across the industry.

Moderator: Katie Moore

Jean-Pierre (JP) Berlan

Jean-Pierre (JP) Berlan

Vice President, Processing - Liquid Food and Ice Cream, Tetra Pak U.S. and Canada

Jose Quijada

Jose Quijada

Senior Director, Digital Solutions, Ecolab

Adam Breiterman

Adam Breiterman

Senior Director, Information Technology, Maola

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9:30am – 10:00am

Networking Break

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10:00am – 10:45am

Session IV: Building Resilience in the Modern Supply Chain: Leveraging Technology to Mitigate Risk

In an era marked by escalating cyber threats, shifting trade policies, and global uncertainties, the dairy industry faces unprecedented challenges in maintaining a resilient supply chain. In this session, learn how businesses are harnessing advanced technologies to build more resilient, adaptive, and secure supply chains. This session will equip attendees with tools and strategies to future-proof operations and reduce risk.

Moderator: Phil Plourd

Jeremy Ridley

Jeremy Ridley

Technical Director, MADCAP

Jonathan Braley

Jonathan Braley

Director, Food and Agriculture ISAC

Thomas Chadwick

Thomas Chadwick

Strategic Risk Consulting, Assistant Vice President, Marsh McLennan

Jenny Drake

Jenny Drake

Senior Vice President of Operations, Grande Cheese Company

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10:45am – 11:30pm

Session V: The Seamless Supply Chain of the Future

Achieving a frictionless supply chain has long been the goal for dairy. In this session, explore how integrated platforms are bringing planning, production, and logistics into alignment through real-time data and automation. Attendees will discover how to leverage E2E systems to create more seamless, transparent, and responsive supply chains.

Moderator: Robbie Turner

Jared Helenic

Jared Helenic

Product Specialist, Tech & Innovation, Infor

Rob Miller

Rob Miller

EVP of Supply Chain and Operations, Eagle Foods

Shashikanth Sheri

Shashikanth Sheri

Supply Chain & Business Ops Analyst, Valley Queen

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11:35am – 12:15pm

Breakout Roundtables II

As digital solutions spread across all areas of the supply chain, dairy processors face new challenges and opportunities in implementation. Engage in focused conversations about adopting new technologies, with an emphasis on practical strategies and real-world applications. These discussions will provide actionable takeaways for navigating innovation at every supply chain stage.

 

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12:15pm – 1:00pm

Networking Lunch

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1:00pm – 1:45pm

Session VI: Delivering Next-Generation Sustainability Data Infrastructure

Every dollar spent by a consumer is one less dollar that a business, CPG brand, or retailer needs to spend on carbon. This session will explore how innovative technologies are being combined to deliver next-generation sustainability data infrastructure, enabling digital product passports that support concepts like carbon-free transactions paid for by consumers. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how integrated digital infrastructure can support compliance, enhance ESG reporting, reduce operational costs, and empower organizations to lead with data-driven climate and sustainability action.

Moderator: Mike Aquino

Matt Gould

Matt Gould

Senior Director, Co-Lead Sustainability, Ever.Ag

Darren Wolfberg

Darren Wolfberg

Founder and CEO, Triangle Systems Inc.

Paul Myer

Paul Myer

Founder and CEO, Athian

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1:45pm – 2:30pm

Closing Session

As DairyTech 2025 comes to a close, this capstone session brings together senior leaders from McKinsey to explore how advanced supply chain technologies used outside the dairy sector can unlock transformational value within it.

With insights from sectors like MedTech, consumer packaged goods, and food tech, this conversation will provide concrete playbooks and digital strategies for modernizing dairy operations. This session isn’t just about ideas—it’s about action. Attendees will leave with a practical roadmap to deploy proven technologies, inspired by what’s worked in other sectors and tailored to the complex, fast-moving world of dairy.

Chirag Pandya

Chirag Pandya

Partner, McKinsey & Company

Shyam Karunakaran

Shyam Karunakaran

Partner, McKinsey & Company

Kate Toews

Kate Toews

Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company