Innovation in dairy marketing - insights from producers

By Blake Jackson

Three dairy producers, Joel Riehlman, Ken Smith, and Jason Frye, will lead a panel discussion titled "Innovating a Producer-Led Marketplace" at the upcoming Pennsylvania Dairy Summit on February 7-8, 2024, in Lancaster. The keynote session will showcase how these producers have actively participated in efforts to market their dairy products directly to consumers, sharing insights into their successful endeavors.

Joel Riehlman, from Tully, New York, played a pivotal role in establishing Cayuga Marketing, a collaborative effort of 29 dairy producers. He will discuss the process involved in founding Cayuga Marketing and establishing the Cayuga Milk Ingredients plant in Auburn, New York.

Ken Smith, operating Cool Lawn Farms in Remington, Virginia, ventured into the ice cream market by establishing Moo Thru Ice Cream in 2010. Handcrafted and slow churned, the ice cream is sold in six Moo Thru Ice Cream Shoppes across northern Virginia.

Jason Frye and his family founded the Creamery at Pleasant Lane Farms in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, in 2020. The Creamery has rapidly expanded, processing artisan cheeses marketed along the East Coast and providing co-packing services for local dairy producers.

The Dairy Summit will feature various other sessions with dairy producers sharing valuable insights:

• The Key to Achieving Low Employee Turnover: A panel discussion with Rod Hissong, Tom Barley, and Pete Posner, focusing on strategies for hiring, training, and retaining high-quality employees.
• Who Should Be Part of Your Transition Team? Tyler Rohrer, Lori Butler, and Justin Risser will discuss the importance of having the right individuals involved in the farm transition and succession planning process.
• Challenge the Status Quo: A panel including Alan Waybright, Joseph Zug, and Yvette Longenecker will explore the delicate balance between profitability and growth.
• Transitioning From a "Doer" to a "Manager": Sarah Moag of Noblehurst Farms will share insights into the transition from hands-on tasks to managing and delegating responsibilities.

Registration for the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit is open, and attendees can register online at www.padairysummit.org or contact the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit Business Office at 814-355-2467. Hosted by the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania and the Center for Dairy Excellence, the summit offers affordable registration fees for dairy producers, fostering an inclusive environment for knowledge-sharing and industry advancement. The event will be held at the Lancaster Wyndham Resort and Convention Center, and discounted hotel rates are available until February 1.

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