Summit to Explore Dairy Protein’s Appeal, Producer Opportunities

Dairy Insights Summit will spotlight protein possibilities and trends with producers and thought leaders.

Understanding where the dairy industry is headed takes insight from across the food system. During this year’s edition of PDP Dairy Insights Summit, presented by Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP), dairy producers, industry leaders and subject-matter experts will share perspectives on protein demand, research and innovation, and the genetic progress and management strategies necessary to capitalize on current trends.

The summit is set for December 1, 2026, at the Madison Marriott South in Madison, Wis. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; the program runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Speakers at the 2026 event include:

• Kevin Ryan, PhD, is founder and CEO of Malachite Strategy and Research where he applies 20 years of experience in anthropology, food science and corporate strategy to help companies map emerging demand opportunities.
• Tom Benson is executive vice president with Actus Nutrition, bringing more than two decades of experience with dairy ingredients, business development and strategic leadership and a firsthand perspective on the forces shaping dairy’s role in the future of protein.
• Tessa Nguyen, MEd, RD, is a culinary strategist and registered dietitian at the intersection of global health equity and inclusive media. Her work transforms traditional nutritional frameworks into inclusive, accessible, community-centered resources.
• Rebecca MacKay Allen is senior vice president of global growth platforms and partnerships at Dairy Management Inc., where she helps marketplace partners develop strategic sales-driving initiatives to redefine how dairy is positioned on U.S. and international menus.
• Dr. Jeffrey Bewley, PhD, is the Holstein Association USA executive director of genetics and innovation. He earned an M.S. in dairy science at UW-Madison; his PhD work at Purdue University focused on precision-dairy technologies.
• Jacob Guenzler is a dairy consultant with ProAGtive Dairy Nutrition, where he works with producers to develop nutrition programs that improve herd performance, milk production, feed efficiency and farm profitability.
• Marlena Wagner is the herd manager at Jagiello Dairy Farm in Lena, Wis., where she is part of the fifth generation operating the farm that milks 850 cows and farms 3,500 acres. She earned a bachelor’s degree in dairy science from California Polytechnic State University before returning to the farm.

Dairy Insights Summit is accredited for up to 4.25 Dairy AdvanCE (DACE) continuing education credits. Learn more and register at www.pdpw.org or by contacting PDP at 800-947-7379. Follow along digitally in advance of and during the event by following @dairyPDPW on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP) is the nation’s largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind, focusing on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.