--- title: HighGround Dairy's 2027 Global Dairy Outlook Conference description: HighGround Dairy is eager to host our sixth annual Global Dairy Outlook Conference in Chicago, June 15-17, 2027. image: https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hubfs/2027%20conference%20thumbnail.png --- [![hgd-logo](https://22535539.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22535539/Imported%20images/hgd-logo.png)](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/) - Dairy Market Intel #### Dairy Market Intel - [Dairy Market Dashboard](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/dairy-market-intel) - [Dairy Market Analysis](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/category/dairy-market-analysis/) - [Dairy Market Blog](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/category/dairy-market-blog/) - [Producer Intel](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/category/producer-intel/) - [Podcast Episodes](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/category/podcast-episodes/) - [Forecast Webinars](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/category/dairy-market-analysis/webinars/) - [Spot Prices & Settlements](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/category/dairy-market-analysis/spot-prices-settlements/) - [Data Snapshots](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/category/data-snapshots/) [Market Intelligence Overview/Packages](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/dairy-market-intelligence) [Free Trial](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/free-trial) [Dairy Dashboard](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/dashboard/) - Services #### Services - [Dairy Market Intelligence](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/dairy-market-intelligence/) - [Dairy Hedging and Execution](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/dairy-hedging-and-execution/) - [Dairy Insurance](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/dairy-insurance/) - [Dairy Revenue Protection](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/dairy-insurance/dairy-revenue-protection/) - [Livestock Gross Margin-Dairy](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/dairy-insurance/livestock-gross-margin-dairy/) - [Livestock Risk Protection](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/dairy-insurance/livestock-risk-protection/) - [Dairy Market Consulting](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/dairy-consulting/) - [Dairy Market Education](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/dairy-market-education?hsLang=en) - Clients #### Clients - [Dairy Producers](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/dairy-producers/) - [Dairy Supply Chain](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/dairy-supply-chain/) - Tools #### Tools - [Milk Price Calculator](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/milk-price-calculator/) - [CME Spot Market Results](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/cme-spot-market-results?hsLang=en) - [Dairy Market Resources](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/dairy-market-resources?hsLang=en) - [DRP Quotes](https://highgrounddairy.aghedgedesk.com/) - [HGD Academy Courses](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/courses-overview/) - Events #### Events - [2027 Global Outlook Conference](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/conference) - [Dairy Industry Events](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/events/) - About #### About - [About HGD](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/about/) - [Our Team](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/our-team/) - [Contact Us](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/contact/) [Dairy Dashboard](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/dashboard/) Chicago, IL [+1 (312) 604-3080](tel:+1%20(312)%20604-3080) Visalia, CA [+1 (559) 623-4172](tel:+1%20(559)%20623-4172) ![Global Dairy Outlook Conference 2027](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2027%20conference%20logos.png?width=1000&height=333&name=2027%20conference%20logos.png "Global Dairy Outlook Conference 2027") ## June 15-17, 2027 | Union League Club, Chicago Building on five years of success, HighGround Dairy’s Global Dairy Outlook Conference will return to Chicago in June 2027. Join us as we welcome fresh perspectives, dive into the global trends influencing dairy markets, and connect with industry leaders through a variety of networking opportunities. [Conference Agenda](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/conference#agenda) [Speakers](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/conference#meet-our-speakers) [Accommodations](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/conference#accommodations) [Chicago Guide](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/conference#chicago-guide) [Sponsors](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/conference#sponsors) ![Union League Club of Chicago](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2026%20conf%20cta%20thumbnails.png?width=300&height=300&name=2026%20conf%20cta%20thumbnails.png "Union League Club of Chicago") ## Early Bird Registration is NOW OPEN! Register early to get a head start on your 2027 plans. Space is limited at the historic Union League Club and the 2026 conference sold out, so secure your spot now! Register here Close checkout Close checkout [Add to your calendar](https://www.addevent.com/event/snbfz6k77f40) ![Global Dairy Outlook Conference](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2025%20conf%20cta%20thumbnail%20-%20ulcc-1.png?width=300&height=300&name=2025%20conf%20cta%20thumbnail%20-%20ulcc-1.png "Global Dairy Outlook Conference") ## Registration has SOLD OUT --- ## Conference Agenda ## Tuesday, June 16 --- | 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm | Opening Reception / Meet & Greet at Panchos Rooftop Cantina (327 S Plymouth Ct.) | | --- | --- | --- ## Wednesday, June 17 --- | 8:00 am - 8:30 am | Registration & Continental Breakfast | | --- | --- |   --- | 8:30 am - 8:45 am | **Opening Remarks** **Eric Meyer**, Founder & President, HighGround Dairy | | --- | --- |   --- | 8:45 am - 10:15 am | Dairy Market Outlook: US & Global Fundamentals & Price Forecasts **Alyssa Badger**, Vice President, Global Operations & Insights, HighGround Dairy Betty Berning, Contributing Dairy Economist, HighGround Dairy Stu Davison, Senior Manager, Global Market Insights, HighGround Dairy Cara Murphy, Senior Manager, Market Intelligence, HighGround Dairy | | --- | --- |     --- | 10:15 am - 10:30 am | Break | | --- | --- |   --- | 10:30 am - 12:00 pm | Producer Panel: Boots on the Ground Perspective from US Dairy Producers Moderator: Alex Gambonini, Senior Manager, Advisory Services, HighGround Dairy Amber Horn-Leiterman, Managing Director, Hornstead Dairy LLC Denton Ross, Owner/Manager, Arizona Dairy Company Jason Sheehan, Partner Manager, J & K Dairy, LLC | | --- | --- | --- | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Networking Lunch | | --- | --- |   --- | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm | **Perspectives on International Markets** **Philipp Goetz**, Head of Sales and Business Development, IFCN Earl Rattray, Managing Director, Dairy Link Ltd. | | --- | --- | --- | 2:30 pm - 2:45 pm | Break | | --- | --- | --- | 2:45 pm - 4:15 pm | **Dairy's Path Forward in a Protein-Focused World** Tom Bailey, North America Head: Consumer, Rabobank **Lucas Fuess**, Senior Dairy Analyst, Rabobank **Jaime Underwood**, Principal, Edible Chemistry | | --- | --- | --- | 4:15 pm - 4:30 pm | Break | | --- | --- |   --- | 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm | **Connecting Trade Policy, Shocks, and Food Price Trends** David Ortega, Professor and Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics and Policy, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Michigan State University | | --- | --- | --- | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm | Reception sponsored by Global Dairy Trade | | --- | --- |   --- ## Thursday, June 18 --- | 8:30 am - 9:00 am | Continental Breakfast | | --- | --- |   --- | 9:00 am - 10:00 am | **Butter Session: Consumer Demand and Market Signals** **Michael Burdeny**, Chief Commercial Officer, California Dairies Inc. | | --- | --- |   --- | 10:00 am - 10:20 am | Break | | --- | --- |   --- | 10:20 am - 12:00 pm | **Retail & Restaurant Outlook Panel** Moderator: **John Barone**, President, Market Vision, Inc. Ralph Hoffman, Chief Business Officer, Schuman Cheese **Jessi Webb**, Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing, Casey’s General Stores | | --- | --- |   --- | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Networking Lunch | | --- | --- |   --- ## Meet Our Speakers ![Alyssa Badger](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alyssa%20Badger-2.png?width=400&height=400&name=Alyssa%20Badger-2.png "Alyssa Badger") ## Alyssa Badger ### VP, Global ### Operations & Insights ### **HighGround Dairy** ![Betty Berning](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Betty%20Berning-3.png?width=400&height=400&name=Betty%20Berning-3.png "Betty Berning") ## Betty Berning ### Contributing Dairy Economist ### **HighGround Dairy** ![Brian Bledsoe](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Brian%20Bledsoe.png?width=400&height=400&name=Brian%20Bledsoe.png "Brian Bledsoe") ## Brian Bledsoe ### Founder & Chief Meteorologist-Climatologist ### **Bledsoe Weather** ![Stu Davison](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stu%20Davison-3.png?width=400&height=400&name=Stu%20Davison-3.png "Stu Davison") ## Stu Davison ### International Insights Consultant ### **SD Agri** ![Alex Gambonini](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alex%20Gambonini.png?width=400&height=400&name=Alex%20Gambonini.png "Alex Gambonini") ## Alex Gambonini ### Senior Manager, Advisory Services ### **HighGround Dairy** ![Eric Meyer](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Eric%20Meyer-2.png?width=400&height=400&name=Eric%20Meyer-2.png "Eric Meyer") ## Eric Meyer ### President & Founder ### **HighGround Dairy** ![Cara Murphy](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cara%20Murphy%202027.png?width=400&height=400&name=Cara%20Murphy%202027.png "Cara Murphy") ## Cara Murphy ### Senior Manager, Dairy Market Intelligence ### **HighGround Dairy** ![blank headshot](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blank%20headshot.png?width=400&height=400&name=blank%20headshot.png "blank headshot") [Read More About Our Speakers Here](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hubfs/2027%20Global%20Dairy%20Outlook%20Conference/2027%20Meet%20Our%20Speakers.pdf?hsLang=en) ## Chicago Accommodations Here are some of our recommendations on where to stay nearby depending on your loyalty preference: •  Union League Club (Conference Host): call 1.800.443.0578 or email [clubservices@ulcc.org](mailto:clubservices@ulcc.org) & Reference HighGround Dairy Group for $279/night + 22% Club Access Fee (Room block closes May 5, 2027) •  [Palmer House a Hilton Hotel](https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chiphhh-palmer-house/?SEO_id=GMB-HI-CHIPHHH) •  [Hampton Inn Theater District](https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chitdhx-hampton-majestic-chicago-theatre-district/?SEO_id=GMB-HP-CHITDHX) (Hilton Affiliation) •  [JW Marriott Chicago](https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/chijw-jw-marriott-chicago/rooms/) •  [Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Central Loop](https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chiwjgi-hilton-garden-inn-chicago-central-loop/) •  [Canopy by Hilton Chicago Central Loop](https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chijbpy-canopy-chicago-central-loop/) •  [The Buckingham Hotel](https://thebuckinghamclub.com/) ![chicago cta thumbnail](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/chicago%20cta%20thumbnail.png?width=300&height=300&name=chicago%20cta%20thumbnail.png "chicago cta thumbnail") ## Speaker Interview Podcast Series Leading up to the conference, we will interview selected speakers and panelists to give you a sneak peek into their backgrounds and sessions at the conference. Find the first episode with Jaime Underwood below!   [Jaime Underwood](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/jaime-underwood-speaker-interview-series/), Principal, Edible Chemistry *Session: Dairy's Path Forward in a Protein-Focused World*   [David Ortega](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/david-ortega-speaker-interview-series/), Professor and Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics and Policy, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Michigan State University *Session: Connecting Trade Policy, Shocks, and Food Price Trends*   [Jessi Webb](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/jessi-webb-speaker-interview-series/), Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing, Casey’s General Stores *Session: Retail & Restaurant Outlook Panel* [Subscribe So You Don't Miss Our Next Interview](https://open.spotify.com/show/351xnEAgSwtCFZ93x55uXv) ![Let's Chat Dairy Podcast](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/podcast%20CTA.png?width=300&height=300&name=podcast%20CTA.png "Let's Chat Dairy Podcast") ## Read Alyssa Badger's Interview with Cheese Market News *"We take pride in the fact that when people come to this conference, they truly engage — this is not an event where attendees drift in and out of sessions. Every discussion is packed with insight, and there is not a single speaker you will want to miss. Our goal is for everyone to walk away with new knowledge that they can immediately apply to their business..."* [Read the Entire Article Here](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/cmn-highgrounds-global-dairy-outlook-conference-offers-strategic-insights-networking-opportunities-for-industry-leaders/) ![alyssa badger cta thumbnail](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/alyssa%20badger%20cta%20thumbnail.png?width=300&height=300&name=alyssa%20badger%20cta%20thumbnail.png "alyssa badger cta thumbnail") ![chicago summer guide](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/chicago%20green-1.png?width=300&height=300&name=chicago%20green-1.png "chicago summer guide") ## Things to do in Chicago Since you are visiting us in our city, here is a guide for you with must-do activities during the long-awaited Chicago summer! The timing of the conference is perfect for you to bring your family and enjoy an extended weekend in the Second City! We Look forward to seeing you in June. Some things featured in the guide below include:   •  A complete list of Chicago beaches •  Links to the city's best museums & tours •  Our favorite dive bars and pizza places (all types of crusts included!) •  Unique locations to listen to live music while enjoying the best places around Chicago [View the Guide Here](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hubfs/2024%20Global%20Dairy%20Outlook%20Conference/2024%20A%20Chicago%20Summer%20Guide.pdf?hsLang=en) ## Secure Your Spot Now Register early to get a head start on your 2027 plans. Space is limited at the historic Union League Club and the 2026 conference sold out, so secure your spot now!   Market Intelligence customers can add their registration fee to their renewal invoice for the upcoming year. Email us at [info@highgrounddairy.com](mailto:info@highgrounddairy.com) if you are interested in taking advantage of that option. Register here Close checkout Close checkout Planning to attend, but paying in 2027? Reserve your seat now by submitting the form at the link below. We will contact you in January to complete your reservation. [Reserve your seat](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/reserve-your-spot-2027?hsLang=en) ![Chicago](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2026%20conf%20thumbnail%20chicago.png?width=300&height=300&name=2026%20conf%20thumbnail%20chicago.png "Chicago") ## More details coming soon - Sign up to receive updates! From now until June, we will continue to provide more information about the committed speakers, agenda, and more. Fill out the form below to be the first to know: ## Registration opens soon - Sign up to receive updates! Fill out this form to receive notifications and updates as they are available. ## A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors: ![cme group logo](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cme%20group%20logo.png?width=500&height=63&name=cme%20group%20logo.png "cme group logo") ![gdt logo-1](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gdt%20logo-1.png?width=400&height=163&name=gdt%20logo-1.png "gdt logo-1") ## View Previous Agendas & Speaker Lists [2026 Agenda & Speakers](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hubfs/2026%20Global%20Dairy%20Outlook%20Conference/2026%20Agenda%20%26%20Speakers.pdf?hsLang=en) [2025 Agenda & Speakers](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hubfs/2025%20Global%20Dairy%20Outlook%20Conference/2025%20Agenda%20%26%20Speakers.pdf?hsLang=en) [2024 Agenda & Speakers](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hubfs/2024%20Global%20Dairy%20Outlook%20Conference/2024%20Agenda%20%26%20Speakers.pdf?hsLang=en) [2023 Agenda & Speakers](https://marketing.highgrounddairy.com/hubfs/2024%20Global%20Dairy%20Outlook%20Conference/2023%20Conference%20Agenda%20%26%20Speakers.pdf?hsLang=en) Any other questions? Email us at [info@highgrounddairy.com](mailto:info@highgrounddairy.com) or [click here to contact us](https://www.highgrounddairy.com/contact/). 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