The dairy industry is changing quickly. From artificial intelligence and robotics to evolving consumer preferences and new approaches to farm management, producers are navigating a future that looks different from even a few years ago. Staying ahead means more than keeping up with new technology. It means making time to step back, ask better questions, and consider what those changes could mean for your operation.
That's the thinking behind Dairy Strong 2027, hosted by Voice of Milk on January 13–14 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. On a recent episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Peggy Coffeen sat down with Aidan Connolly, president of Agritech Capital, to discuss the innovations shaping dairy and why events like Dairy Strong matter for the industry's future.
With two days dedicated to fresh perspectives, meaningful conversations, and forward-thinking ideas, Dairy Strong offers producers and industry leaders an opportunity to return to their operations with new questions, new connections, and a clearer perspective on what's ahead.
Artificial Intelligence and Technology Are Changing Dairy
Few areas are moving as quickly as agricultural technology. From robotic milkers and smart sensors to artificial intelligence and automated farm management systems, technology is creating new opportunities to improve efficiency and rethink how dairy operations function.
Aidan Connolly brings a global perspective to these changes through his experience working with agricultural technology and innovation, including his time with Alltech and his current work with Agritech Capital. He describes the current pace of advancement as a "bullet train moment" for dairy, emphasizing just how quickly new tools and capabilities are developing.
The priorities aren't the same everywhere. In China, technology investments are heavily focused on environmental controls, water conservation, and smart farm management. Across Europe, there is a strong emphasis on tools that save time and reduce the demands placed on farm teams. In the United States and other markets, labor-saving devices, robotics, and automation are helping producers rethink how daily work gets done.
While the technologies may differ, the broader opportunity is consistent: finding practical ways to use innovation to address real challenges on the farm.
Turning Data Into Better Decisions With AI
As dairy operations adopt more monitoring systems and connected technologies, they are collecting more information than ever before. But having more data doesn't automatically lead to better decisions.
Connolly points to the challenge of "data obesity," where producers are overwhelmed by information coming from multiple systems and platforms. When teams are spending more time sorting through data than using it, technology can become another layer of complexity instead of a solution.
This is where artificial intelligence has significant potential. AI can help organize information, identify patterns, and turn large amounts of data into insights that are easier for producers and managers to act on. But getting the most out of these tools starts with having clean, accurate, and automated data collection.
The opportunity isn't simply to add another technology platform. It's to build systems that help producers understand what's happening in their operations and make more informed decisions without creating unnecessary work.
As AI continues to evolve, the dairies that benefit most will be those that approach it strategically, focusing on how technology can solve specific problems rather than adopting new tools simply because they're available.
Understanding Global Dairy Trends and Consumer Demand
Technology isn't the only force shaping dairy's future. Consumer preferences, global demand, and changing approaches to nutrition are also influencing where the industry is headed.
Connolly shares his perspective on the continued demand for dairy and the growing interest in protein-rich products. As consumers become more focused on health, nutrition, and wellness, dairy has an opportunity to remain part of that conversation.
He also addresses the influence of trends such as GLP-1 weight management medications and how shifts in consumer behavior could affect food choices. These developments create new questions for the dairy industry, but they also reinforce the importance of understanding what consumers value and how dairy products fit into evolving nutritional priorities.
For producers and industry leaders, keeping an eye on these broader trends can help inform decisions about the future. The dairy industry doesn't operate in isolation, and understanding what's happening globally can create a more informed perspective on the opportunities ahead.
Why Dairy Leaders Need to Make Time for Fresh Perspectives
One of the biggest challenges for dairy producers is finding time to think beyond the immediate demands of the operation. When daily responsibilities are constant, it can be difficult to step back and consider new approaches, evaluate emerging trends, or have conversations that challenge the way things have always been done.
That's one of the reasons Dairy Strong is valuable. The event creates space for producers, business owners, partners, and industry professionals to connect with people who are thinking about the future from different perspectives.
The 2027 program brings together speakers and discussions covering several important areas of dairy leadership and business. Dr. Mark DeVolder will explore leadership through change, while Marin Bozic and Roland Fomasi will share economic insights. Additional conversations will address diversification, policy, and other issues influencing the industry.
The value of attending goes beyond the individual presentations. It's an opportunity to hear how others are approaching similar challenges, exchange ideas, and bring new perspectives back to your own operation.
Bring Your Team and Build a Stronger Vision for the Future
Dairy Strong 2027 isn't just an opportunity for owners and executives. It's also a chance to involve the people who help make important decisions and carry out the daily work of the operation.
Consider attending with your business partners, management team, or the next generation of farm leaders. When multiple people from an operation participate in these conversations, they can return with a shared understanding of new opportunities and a stronger foundation for making decisions together.
The conversations that happen outside the sessions can be just as valuable as the presentations themselves. Meeting people from different backgrounds, hearing how other operations are adapting, and challenging your own assumptions can create momentum that continues long after the event ends.
Make Dairy Strong 2027 Count
The future of dairy will be shaped by the people willing to ask questions, explore new ideas, and adapt as the industry changes. Technology, artificial intelligence, consumer demand, and leadership will continue to influence how farms operate, but making the most of those changes requires intentional thinking and collaboration.
Dairy Strong 2027 offers two days to step away from the routine, connect with forward-thinking leaders, and explore what's next for the industry.
Join Peggy Coffeen, Aidan Connolly, and other industry voices January 13–14 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Don't just register yourself. Bring the decision-makers, partners, and future leaders who will help shape your operation's next chapter.
Learn more and register at dairystrong.org.
The future of dairy is already moving. Make time to be part of the conversation.
Follow the Uplevel Dairy Podcast for more conversations with the people shaping the future of dairy. Subscribe at UplevelDairy.com and follow along on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for more stories, insights, and lessons from leaders across the industry.
To hear the complete discussion, stream now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch the full conversation on YouTube.
