ST. PAUL, Minn. — Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Midwest Dairy jointly announce the agenda for the second annual Dairy Experience Forum on July 16-18 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minnesota. The forum’s unique program will facilitate conversation and learning opportunities among farmers, dairy experts and partners as they discuss useful insights and ideas that can be used in their ongoing work to help ensure a successful future for dairy. The two-day forum will convene the entire supply chain—including farmers, processors, cooperatives, dietitians, retailers and dairy ambassadors—to learn about disruptive, forward-thinking trends and how the industry can collaborate to build dairy demand nationwide and globally. Consumer trends and behaviors are changing at a rapid, ongoing rate; thus it is imperative dairy farmers and industry stay on top of the latest disruptive, forward-thinking trends to ensure the category maintains and continues to grow market share globally. “With more than 95 percent of the world’s population outside of the United States, it is more important than ever to understand dairy’s opportunities to reach global consumers,” says Tom Vilsack, President and CEO of US Dairy Export Council who will provide one of the forum’s keynotes. Building on the success of last year’s live consumer focus group, during which attendees listened to and observed adult consumers discuss their food preferences, the 2019 forum will also feature a similar event, however all panelists will represent Generation Z. With $44 billion in purchasing power and nearly 50 percent of 18-21 years olds participating in their household’s grocery shopping, it’s critical for the dairy industry to take a close look at how Generation Z makes purchasing decisions and what drives their eating choices. “Understanding youth culture provides valuable clues on the food, health and snacking trends that will drive profitable sales growth,” says Jeff Fromm, President of FutureCast, who in addition to serving as the opening speaker, will facilitate the Generation Z live consumer focus group.