Oregon Dairy Farmers Association Conference

Oregon dairy farmers produce great milk products for the northwest! Jakob Wiley attended the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association (“ODFA”) conference in Salem, Oregon this February. The conference included a fascinating keynote presentation by Alison Van Eenennaam of UC Davis. Her presentation addressed the intersection of climate change, dairy products, and cultured meat. Cultured meat is difficult to manufacture at any commercial scale. Her conclusion: cultured meat won’t be available anytime soon. 

Additionally, other topics at the Oregon Dairy Farmers conference included the carbon footprint of dairy products and the looming carbon cap and trade bill, resulting in the flight of Republican lawmakers just before and during the conference. A presentation by Troy Downing at the OSU Extension Service discussed the carbon cycle and its effects on climate. Likewise, David Grimes of the World Meteorological Organization discussed increasing variability in climate. Later, attendees mingled during the receptions with ODFA leadership, other dairy farmers, local businesses, and state lawmakers (at least those still in town!).

At least 200 multi-generational dairy farms provide milk products to Oregon consumers. All of these dairy farms have a “Grade A” license. These licenses allow production, transportation, and processing of milk for sale. You can find more information about dairy licenses here.

Later, attendees tried new products from local dairy companies, sampled ice cream, and visited with local vendors. You can find more information about the Oregon Dairy Farmers conference here. Jakob continues to support ODFA members and assist with their water right problems!