Midwest Dairy proudly sponsored and participated in the 2025 Water for Food Global Conference, hosted by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute in Lincoln, Nebraska. Themed “A Resilient Future: Water and Food for All,” the conference brought together global leaders, researchers, and producers to explore innovative solutions for ensuring long-term water and food security.
The weeklong event began with the Agricultural Innovation Tour, co-sponsored by Midwest Dairy, the Nebraska Corn Board, and the Nebraska Soybean Board. Designed to showcase Nebraska’s leadership in agricultural advancement, the tour highlighted cutting-edge technologies and research initiatives, concluding with a visit to a working production farm.
A highlight was the stop at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Animal Science Complex, where participants observed a methane reduction study involving dairy cows. Professors Paul Kononoff, Dairy Nutrition Specialist, and Rick Stowell, Extension Specialist in Animal Environment, shared insights into the dairy industry’s proactive efforts in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Throughout the tour, Midwest Dairy staff and Nebraska dairy farmer Brooke Engleman of Classic Dairy, Inc., engaged attendees in conversations about sustainable dairy practices. Their presence helped bridge the gap between academic research, real-world application, and the producers’ perspective.
The tour welcomed 22 participants from across the globe, including faculty, students, and professionals in agriculture, policy, and technology from Nigeria, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Brazil, and Nebraska. The experience sparked meaningful conversations and deepened understanding of dairy’s role in a more resilient global food system.
At the conference, Midwest Dairy hosted an informational booth focused on water stewardship in dairy farming, highlighting how water is carefully recycled and managed on farms. With more than 350 in-person attendees from 23 countries and an extended virtual audience, the event provided a valuable platform to share the dairy industry’s sustainability story and foster future collaboration.
Midwest Dairy supports initiatives that elevate innovation, collaboration, and sustainable agriculture, working toward a resilient future for producers, communities, and the planet.