Join Us In Florida!

As farmer leaders of your national dairy promotion and policy organizations, we invite you to join us in Kissimmee, Fla., for the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA) that takes place Oct. 19-21.

This year’s theme, “U.S. Dairy: Committed. Resilient. Ready.” highlights dairy farmers’ and the dairy industry’s strong foundation, our ability to weather challenges over the years and U.S. dairy’s strong momentum to grow and seize opportunities in the short and long term. We invite you to come to Florida and participate in the conversations among farmer leaders, promotion and cooperative organizations, and others.

The Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is located outside of Orlando in Kissimmee, FL., about 20 miles from Orlando International Airport and located minutes from Orlando’s famous attractions.

This year’s meeting features both general and breakout sessions where attendees can participate in engaging conversations, pose questions to leading dairy and food industry experts and address critical topics important to the future of dairy farmers and the dairy industry. 

We hope you can attend the 2026 Joint Annual Meeting and experience firsthand how your national farmer promotion and policy organizations are Committed, Resilient and Ready to seize opportunities for dairy. 

Lolly Lesher

National Dairy Promotion & Research Board Chair

Brian Rexing

National Milk Producers Federation Chair 

Charles Krause

United Dairy Industry Association Chair 

See you at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center!

6000 Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, Florida 34746

Located about 20 miles from Orlando International Airport and minutes from Orlando’s famous theme parks and other fun attractions in central Florida.

General Sessions

Join returning Master of Ceremonies Tammie Arender for an informative, engaging general session where you’ll hear from dairy promotion and policy executive and farmer leadership; experts on health and wellness and food trends; and engaging panels to provide an overview on the domestic and global economic outlook, along with international marketing, trade and export policy.

Reading the Map: A Midterm Election Analysis 

Few analysts read the electoral map with more precision than David Wasserman, senior editor and elections analyst at The Cook Political Report

In this session, Wasserman breaks down the competitive races most likely to determine control of Congress -examining shifting district demographics, candidate recruitment and the national environment. 

Whether you’re tracking battleground House seats or toss-up Senate contests, leave with a clear-eyed forecast of where the midterms are headed and what the results could mean for dairy. 

The Future of Dairy Exports

Global demand for U.S. dairy is growing – but so is the competition. 

Moderated by Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, this panel brings together dairy processors on the front lines of international trade to explore where the greatest export opportunities lie, how processors are positioning their products for global markets and what policy headwinds stand in the way. 

Walk away with a sharper understanding of the trends and strategies that will shape the future of U.S. dairy on the world stage. 

Margins, Markets & Milk Prices: The Year Ahead

What does the road ahead look like for dairy markets? 

Drawing on deep industry expertise, NMPF’s Will Loux and Stephen Cain will unpack the forces driving milk prices, feed costs, margin pressures and supply-demand dynamics in the year ahead. 

From farm-level economics to broader market signals, this session equips dairy producers and industry stakeholders with the data and analysis needed to plan, adapt and make informed business decisions in an uncertain environment. 

Meeting Highlights

Breakout Sessions

Attendees will have the opportunity to choose two individual breakout sessions of the five to six that will be offered. Breakout sessions will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 20. 

Breakout topics:

  • The Future is Now: How Innovation Drives Sales
  • What SAWA Means for Dairy’s Workforce
  • Earning Trust in the Age of Information Overload
  • FARM Program: Navigating the Road to Version 2028

Welcome to Florida Reception

The Joint Annual Meeting kicks off Monday, Oct. 19, with a welcome reception on the coastal lawn that evening. The reception will offer dairy-friendly appetizers and hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, along with complimentary beverages and a cash bar. 

2026 Cheese Reception

Capping off Tuesday’s festivities is the annual cheese reception that showcases the top-quality and great-tasting dairy products produced by NMPF’s cooperative members. Meeting attendees can feast on the more than 3,000 pounds of cheese, butter, yogurt and other dairy products entered in the NMPF annual cheese competition, along with other complimentary appetizers. 

Dairy Bar

Visit the Dairy Bar on Tuesday and Wednesday where you can:

  • Sample innovative products and new dairy-friendly menu items that feature checkoff partners
  • Network with fellow farmers/attendees and meeting sponsors exhibiting in the Dairy Bar
  • Grab a portable breakfast and beverage
  • Replenish with single-serve milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream novelties provided by our Dairy Bar sponsor companies

The Dairy Bar offers a prime opportunity to share your input and engage with fellow attendees and national promotion and policy organizations. 

Checkoff Experience

Attend the Checkoff Experience on Monday, Oct. 19 in the Dairy Bar to hear from national dairy promotion farmer and executive leadership. This year’s meeting will engage in a “town-hall” format for checkoff funders to hear directly from, ask questions of and provide input to checkoff leadership and its priority programs. 

Hotel Family Fun

The Gaylord Palms Resort offers fun for the whole family. Attendees can experience the ultimate water park resort vacation at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, FL., perfectly situated near iconic theme parks Walt Disney World® and Universal Orlando Resort™. 

Attendees can rest in the newly renovated and updated sleeping rooms and lobby area that offer enhanced views of the Gaylord Palms stunning 4.5-acre garden atrium. This includes endless fun at the Cypress Springs Water Park, from thrilling water slides to a relaxing South Beach-inspired pool oasis. The Gaylord Palms offers plenty of dining options with nine on-site restaurants. 

Area Attractions

The Gaylord Palms offers magnificent surroundings, exciting Kissimmee attractions and a central Florida location near Walt Disney World® parks, SeaWorld®'s Discovery Cove and Universal Orlando®. The resort’s world-class concierges offer expert assistance to help attendees purchase tickets, make reservations and ensure a lifetime of memories.

Florida Weather

October generally brings pleasant, warm weather to Florida with significantly lower humidity and less rainfall than the sweltering summer months. Throughout central Florida highs range from 82° to 86° F and lows from 68° to 64°F. Temperatures are warm enough for the pool or beach, although October evenings can be refreshingly crisp. 

Countdown to the Event

See you in 74 days 15 hours 11 minutes
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