The World Dairy Summit, recently held in Santiago, Chile, brought together industry leaders, dairy farmers and passionate advocates for U.S. dairy exports. Among those leading discussions were Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), and Charles Krause, a Minnesota dairy farmer.
The Global Stage for U.S. Dairy
Both Harden and Krause highlight the pivotal role that relationships and trust play in expanding U.S. dairy exports. They emphasize the importance of being present in international markets and establishing connections that go beyond simple transactions. As Harden points out, the commitment of U.S. dairy farmers and member companies is critical to overcoming the cultural, language and geopolitical challenges that arise in the global marketplace.
“Establishing those relationships, those pipelines of how they can see where products come from is crucial,” Harden says. “We bring people to the U.S., buyers and customers, to look at our dairy farms, to look at our processing facilities. It’s a process, but it pays off.”
Krause, who is deeply involved in fostering these international relationships, believes in engaging directly with farmers and consumers around the world.
“It’s all about relationships, and nothing beats these boots-on-the-ground opportunities,” he says. Krause smiled widely, sharing that while visiting Chilean grocery stores, he saw U.S. dairy products on the shelves, underscoring the tangible results of these efforts. “The reality is, two-thirds of every pound of milk produced in the U.S. needs to be exported for the industry to grow and thrive.”
Opportunities and Challenges
During the summit, discussions also focused on the opportunities and challenges facing U.S. dairy exports. Harden identifies Central America, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa as regions with significant growth potential.
“We have a lot of opportunity,” she says. “We’re starting to see real growth in in Central America and the Dominican Republic. All of Latin America always excites me.”
However, geopolitical issues, such as trade tensions with China, present ongoing challenges that require strategic diversification and adaptability.
“We do have a few challenges, obviously China and the trade situation between governments, it’s hard to replace the size of a population and a market like China,” she says. “You don’t do that with just one other country. That’s why we have to have diversity in our markets. We have to be looking around the corner for what’s next, who’s next, who can grow, who can take advantage of our great, high-value products.”
Strategic Vision and Farmer Involvement
The summit’s sessions, such as the farmer roundtables, provided invaluable insights and fostered collaboration among dairy producers from around the globe. These discussions revealed both common challenges and shared opportunities, reinforcing the importance of global collaboration in sustaining and expanding dairy markets.
Harden says this is her fourth time attending the World Dairy Summit and she loves making connections with dairy people from all over the globe.
“Each summit is better because you know more people and the connections; you’re coming home to see friends in some places, especially the farmers,” she says, noting the deep discussions that unfold, talking about both the opportunities and challenges on the radar. “We can’t do it all ourselves, and I think that sometimes it’s forgotten by our own industry. We have a loud voice. There needs to be a lot of echoes, too.”
Both Harden and Krause also underscore USDEC’s commitment to exploring new markets and facilitating pathways for U.S. dairy exports. The organization works diligently with member companies to open doors and bolster market access, ensuring the high-quality standards and values upheld by U.S. dairy farmers reach consumers worldwide.
Harden applauds Pennsylvania dairy farmer and Dairy Management Inc. chair, Marilyn Hershey, who was recently elected to the board of the International Dairy Forum, the host of the World Dairy Summit, on the farmer seat.
“She’s the only farmer on that board, and so we have a voice front and center,” she says.
Farmers in attendance, like Krause, returned home with enriched perspectives and a stronger resolve to advocate for the U.S. dairy industry’s global presence.
For those unable to travel globally, Krause reassures that: “Exports matter because they bring value back to our local farms.”
The World Dairy Summit not only celebrated the accomplishments of U.S. dairy exports but also emphasized the continuous journey of growth and collaboration necessary for future success. As the summit concluded, the commitment to building and nurturing international relationships was clear, leaving participants inspired and hopeful for the expansive opportunities ahead.
