Meteorologist Matt Makens talks to local dairy farmers about weather patterns during the Dairy Business Summit at the DoubleTree Hotel in Greeley on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. (Jim Rydbom/Staff Photographer)
While the first discussion at the dairy summit in Greeley on Wednesday was about weather, the rest of the summit’s agenda focused on areas that are controllable.
nutrition, animal husbandry and the commercial side of the industry — fitting for the summit’s motto, “Control what you can control, protect what matters.”
Northern Feed & Bean Co. and Purina Animal Nutrition Co. held their first-ever Dairy Summit Wednesday afternoon at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton Greeley, 919 7th St.
“We’re going to be talking about all kinds of things that will help ensure financial freedom for our customers,” Purina’s Rick Jackson said. “Our hope is that everyone who comes to today’s meeting will walk away with at least one tip that will improve their business.”
The invitation-only summit was attended by veterinarians, influencers, producers and other industry professionals.
Jay Ewald, CEO of Northern Feed & Bean, said the livestock industry comes together for a similar event each March, and like the summit, those events are aimed at adding value and providing solutions to livestock farmers, Ewald said.
“We’re in it for the long haul,” he said. “We’re committed. We just want to provide the best possible service to our customers, the livestock farmers.”
According to the Colorado State University Extension website, agriculture contributes $40 billion annually to the Colorado economy. As of the 2022 Agriculture Census, Weld County was home to 3,881 farms totaling more than one million acres. The census ranked Weld County first in the state and third in the nation for livestock, poultry and products.
Jackson said this won’t be the last time the summit will be held in Greeley. Plans are in place to host the event again next year and beyond. The date and time may change, but Jackson said he is committed.
“The bottom line is, it all starts with the customer and what do they really want,” he said. “We offer some thought-provoking strategies to help them do better and survive better.”
As with this summit, the agenda for future summits will also be determined by the customers who attend the summit.
