Dairy Strong 2026 leading with purpose: One person, one policy and one farm at a time

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 18, 2025

Contact: Laura Hensley
Chief Marketing Officer
(517) 652-4524| lhensley@voiceofmilk.com

Dairy Strong 2026 leading with purpose: One person, one policy and one farm at a time

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Dairy Business Association today announced its 2026 Dairy Strong conference agenda, highlighting impactful session topics and speakers. The conference is set to take place in Green Bay at the KI Convention Center, Jan. 14-15.

Dairy Strong will feature keynote speakers: Brett Sciotto, CEO of Idealyst Innovation, and Ben Leibl, Public Relations Specialist for Kwik Trip, Inc., as well as a variety of breakout sessions that explore current topics shaping the future of the dairy community.

Several other speakers and sessions include:

Cultivating Collaboration: Farmers Engaging in Local Leadership

Farmer Panel

The disconnect between farmers and those running for office is growing, especially in local communities. In this panel discussion, you will hear from farmers around Wis. on how they are cultivating collaboration between the agriculture community and local leadership. Whether serving as an ag representative on their county board, serving on their town board or relationship building between all local leaders, hear how today’s farmers are having a meaningful impact on their community.

Immigration at the Farm Gate: Compliance, Reform, and Real-World Readiness

Attorney Samuel Moheban, Ruder Ware

Immigration policy remains one of the most complex and fast-changing issues facing agriculture today. This breakout session will provide an up-to-date look at where things stand in Congress, the courts, and federal agencies on immigration reform, including ongoing efforts to establish a year-round visa program that meets dairy’s workforce needs. Attorney Samuel Moheban of Ruder Ware will share practical guidance on preparing for I-9 audits, recognizing lawful document requests and implementing best practices for compliance. The session will also explore what resources farms can use to protect both employee and employer rights, how to build effective relationships with legal counsel and what to do when enforcement agencies such as ICE, the FBI, or local authorities become involved.

Developing Your Next Family Business Leaders

Barb Dartt & Lydia Tuthill, Family Business Consulting Group

What does it take to nurture thoughtful, capable, and caring next-generation leaders for your family business? And what if your next gens aren’t ready or interested? This session explores how to prepare future leaders, whether they’re family or non-family, and how to make thoughtful choices when there are multiple potential successors. The Family Business Consulting Group will share practical strategies for building leadership readiness, fostering engagement, and creating a leadership pipeline that ensures your business thrives well into the future — no matter who’s at the helm.

To view the full agenda details, visit DairyStrong.org.

Registration: Visit DairyStrong.org to reserve your spot at the 2026 Dairy Strong conference. Register using code Thanks50 to receive $50 off through the month of November. 

Photos:

DBA logo

Dairy Strong logo

About DBA:

The Dairy Business Association is Wisconsin’s leading dairy advocacy group, championing smart and sensible regulations affecting the dairy community. The nonprofit organization is comprised of farmers, milk processors, vendors, and other business partners who work collaboratively to ensure that dairy farms of all sizes have the support they need to keep America’s Dairyland strong. More information: www.dairyforward.com.