PDP Hosts 2026 Dairy Insights Summit to Explore Protein Trends

Protein demand is reshaping the food industry, creating new economic opportunities and complex challenges for the dairy sector, according to a report from Morning Ag Clips.

The Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) will host the 2026 PDP Dairy Insights Summit on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026, to address how these shifting consumer preferences impact everything from global marketing to daily farm management. The event, held at the Madison Marriott South in Madison, Wis., aims to bridge the gap between high-level market trends and the practical realities of dairy production.

As consumer expectations evolve, the industry is facing a turning point. The summit is designed to help producers understand how to maintain a competitive edge in a marketplace that is increasingly focused on protein density and nutritional transparency.

Market forces driving protein demand

The summit’s agenda centers on three specific pillars of the dairy business. The first session, titled “The business of protein,” will examine the specific forces driving demand and the unique competitive advantages that dairy products hold over other protein sources. Industry leaders will look at how changing consumer expectations are dictating what ends up on grocery store shelves.

The second session, “Positioned to lead,” focuses on the research and strategic alliances currently being formed with major brands. This part of the program explores how dairy is being solidified as a trusted, nutrient-dense protein source through innovation and scientific validation.

The final session, “From the farm: opportunity into action,” shifts the focus toward the producer. It intends to connect these broad market trends to specific on-farm decisions, including:

Genetic progress and component production
Herd nutrition and management strategies
Tools for long-term business success

Expert voices in food science and management

The program features a diverse lineup of speakers with expertise ranging from global marketing to dairy genetics. These professionals will provide the technical and strategic data necessary for producers to adapt to changing market conditions.

Presenters include Kevin Ryan, PhD, the founder and CEO of Malachite Strategy and Research, and Tom Benson, executive vice president of Actus Nutrition. The summit also brings in culinary and nutritional perspectives from Tessa Nguyen, MEd, RD, a culinary strategist and registered dietitian.

Representing the management and scientific side of the industry are Rebecca MacKay Allen, senior vice president of global growth platforms and partnerships at Dairy Management Inc., and Abby Korhonen, vice president of strategic intelligence at Dairy Management Inc. The technical aspects of herd health and genetics will be addressed by Dr. Jeffrey Bewley, PhD, executive director of genetics and innovation at Holstein Association USA, alongside dairy consultant Jacob Guenzler from ProAGtive Dairy Nutrition and Marlena Wagner, a herd manager at Jagiello Dairy Farm.

The economic stakes for dairy operations

For many dairy producers, the “so what” of this summit lies in the direct connection between consumer trends and farm-level profitability. When global markets shift toward specific protein profiles, the ability to adjust herd nutrition and genetics becomes a matter of economic survival rather than just operational preference.

While some critics of industrial dairy production argue that the industry should focus more on environmental footprint than protein maximization, the PDP is positioning the conversation around the necessity of meeting existing consumer demand through efficient, science-based production. By focusing on “component production”—the specific fats and proteins in milk—producers can better align their output with the needs of food processors and retailers.

The summit is accredited for up to 4.25 Dairy AdvanCE (DACE) continuing education credits, highlighting the professional development aspect for those managing complex agricultural businesses.

Registration for the event begins at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 1, with the formal program scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.