To grow trust in dairy, Midwest Dairy is building relationships with environmental thought leaders influential in sustainability and food systems in South Dakota. To kickstart and enhance relationships, Midwest Dairy partnered with Tim Meagher, COO of Vanguard Hospitality and Friends of the Big Sioux River board member, and Paulsen Marketing, to host 24 sustainability experts and guests at an event at Morrie’s Steakhouse in Sioux Falls — Dairy & Conservation: A 5-Course Conversation.
Guests indulged in five dairy centric courses accompanied by conversations showcasing dairy’s sustainability story. Eight table hosts, including local dairy farmers, Midwest Dairy staff, and industry leaders led conversations about topics like cow comfort, upcycling byproducts, the health benefits of dairy products, soil health, water quality, the FARM program and Net Zero Initiative, manure management, methane digesters, and general South Dakota dairy industry topics.
Attendees represented a variety of organizations such as the University of South Dakota, Augustana University, South Dakota State University and Extension, the Association of Environmental Professionals, Friends of the Big Sioux River, the Conservation District board, Farmer’s Business Network, the City of Sioux Falls, East Dakota Water, and Remedy Brewing Company.
Midwest Dairy will continue building these relationships throughout the rest of the year and beyond, looking for collaboration opportunities and making sure that dairy has a voice at the table for these important conversations.