IFCN SUPPORTER CONFERENCE 2025
Making Sustainability profitable
How to future proof the dairy industry
23–25 September 2025 / Graz, Austria
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Sponsors
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IFCN SUPPORTER CONFERENCE
MAKING SUSTAINABILITY PROFITABLE
Be part of this live only event and join us in Austria
As global demand for sustainable food production grows, the dairy industry faces increasing pressure to adapt. How can dairy businesses remain competitive while embracing sustainability? Join us in Graz, Austria, for a forward-thinking conference that explores how innovation, policy, and technology can drive both profitability and environmental responsibility in dairy farming and production.
Industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts will share insights on regenerative agriculture, carbon reduction strategies, circular economy models, and emerging technologies that enhance efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
IFCN SUPPORTER CONFERENCE | MAKING SUSTAINABILITY PROFITABLE
Why this topic is important?
Address Environmental Challenges
like Dairy production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions (methane from cows, CO₂ from machinery, etc.). Sustainability initiatives can help reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
Enhance Economic Viability
like Resilience to Market Volatility: Sustainability practices can help farms withstand economic pressures like fluctuating feed prices or weather-related disruptions
Regulatory and Market Demands
like Supply Chain Requirements: Retailers and processors are setting sustainability benchmarks for suppliers, pushing dairy farmers to adopt greener practices.
Futureproofing Against Climate Change
like Climate Risks: Dairy farms are vulnerable to climate events such as droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures. Sustainable practices like regenerative agriculture improve farm resilience.
Unlocking Opportunities for Innovation
like Technology Adoption: Sustainability pushes the industry toward adopting innovations like methane-reducing feed additives, automated milking systems, and AI-driven monitoring.
Global Implications for Food Security
like Balancing Production and Sustainability: As global populations grow, ensuring a stable dairy supply while minimizing environmental harm is critical for food security.
IFCN SUPPORTER CONFERENCE | MAKING SUSTAINABILITY PROFITABLE
Preliminary program – status 06.2025
Program
Tuesday 23rd September / Experience Austrian Dairy
Get a firsthand look at Austrian dairy farming! On Field Trip Day, we will visit, among others, the Agricultural Research and Education Center (AREC) Raumberg-Gumpenstein, a leading research institution focused on grassland management, livestock production, and organic farming.
With two state-of-the-art research barns housing over 90 dairy cows, AREC conducts cutting-edge research on feeding, health, welfare, efficiency, and the environmental impact of dairy production. The center collaborates with partners from science, industry, and agriculture — including a long-standing partnership with smaXtec to enhance rumen sensor technology.
Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at innovative dairy research and modern farming technologies!
Wednesday 24th September / IFCN Dairy Data & Insights
09:00 Welcome from IFCN Management & Board | Łukasz Wyrzykowski & John Allen
09:25 Welcome from smaXtec | Stefan Scherer
09:35 Austrian agriculture from a dairy perspective | Josef Hambrusch
10:00 Global & regional trends in the dairy industry: current market dynamics | Philipp Goetz & Milica Kocić
10:45 Growing uncertainties & market disruptions: What lies ahead for the dairy industry in the upcoming months | Philipp Goetz & Erik Elgersma
11:15 US Perspective & Outlook: Navigating policy and markets under the new administration | Erik Meyer
11:35 Current trends in dairy trade and recent policy developments: What could shape the future of the European dairy industry? | Jukka Likitalo
11:55 Panel: Navigating the present & shaping the future: challenges & opportunities in the dairy industry
Panelists: Erik Meyer, Jukka Likitalo, tba, tba
12:30 Lunchbreak
14:00 Exploring farm-level challenges & opportunities with an emphasis on regional variations & trends | Milica Kocić
14:40 Climate-Proof your milk: Why regenerative Dairy is a No-Brainer | Helen Dent
15:00 Building the Dairy ecosystem: Milk Sustainability | Fernando Mazeris & Alexander Berges
15:20 Animal welfare as key for profitability | Dr. Johann Gasteiner
15:40 Panel: Exploring dairy farming today with a view for the future
Panelists: Helen Dent, Fernando Mazeris, Grant Hartman, Stefan Rußegger, Dr. Johann Gasteiner
17:00 Revolutionizing dairy insights: Introducing the new IFCN Dairy Platform | Philipp Goetz & Milica Kocić
18:00 Sum Up & Closing
19:30 Networking Evening in Graz
Thursday 25th September / IFCN Knowledge & Special Topic
09:00 Laying the foundation: How to make the dairy industry future-proof? | Łukasz Wyrzykowski
09:15 Keynote I tba
09:30 Global Dairy Outlook: Future challenges & opportunities – Building a profitable & sustainable supply chain to feed the world | Philipp Goetz & Milica Kocić
10:00 Global Dairy Sustainability: Its importance & the challenges Ahead? | Gilles Froment
10:20 We All Need to Eat: Strengthening collaboration & communication is key | Angus Chalmers
10:40 Presentation about dairy sustainability | tba
11:00 Balancing sustainability & profitability: How dairy farmers / processors can achieve both? | Grant Hartman
11:20 Panel: What does sustainability & profitability mean in the dairy supply chain
Panelists: Gilles Froment, Angus Chalmers, Grant Hartman, tba, tba
12:15 Lunchbreak
13:30 Smart Investments, Sustainable Profits: Economic impact analysis of farm investments | Milica Kocić
13:50 Enhancing dairy farm efficiency: Disrupting herd monitoring & health management| Stefan Scherer
14:10 TBA
14:25 Company case study | Ab Agri representative
14:40 The drivers of change in the ESG landscape | Tara McCarthy
14:55 Connected Cows: The role of smart technologies in a sustainable dairy future | John Heslin
15:10 Panel: Sustainability & Profitability – Making the dairy industry future proof
Panelists: Stefan Scherer, John Heslin, Tara McCarthy, tba
16:15 Movie & Discussion Session: “World without Cows” | IFCN & Alltech
18:00 Sum Up & Closing of the conference
20:00 Farewell Gala at Schlossbergrestaurant
Conference venue & recommended hotels
CONFERENCE VENUE
Helmut List Halle, Graz, Austria
Where Innovation Meets Sustainability
Experience the Helmut List Halle in Graz, Austria—an iconic venue that blends cutting-edge technology with sustainable design. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to green energy, this dynamic space provides the perfect backdrop for forward-thinking discussions on the future of the dairy industry. With its modern architecture and adaptable event spaces, Helmut List Halle sets the stage for inspiring keynotes, engaging panels, and meaningful networking opportunities. Join us in a venue that embodies the very principles of sustainability and innovation!
Recommended Hotels near Helmut List Hall
Raddison Blue
Hotel Daniel
All listed hotels are conveniently located and offer a comfortable stay during your visit.
Please note: We have not reserved any room contingents this year, so we recommend booking early.
Recommended Hotels in the city center
NH Hotel Graz City
this is where the IFCN team will be staying
Hotel Weitzer
Hotel Wiesler
Motel One
All listed hotels are conveniently located and offer a comfortable stay during your visit.
Please note: We have not reserved any room contingents this year, so we recommend booking early.
Helmut List Halle
Localisation
Address
Helmut List Halle
Waagner-Biro-Straße 98a
8020 Graz, Austria
How to get there by public transportation?
Tramway: If you are traveling on tram line 6, get off at the “Dreierschützengasse / HELMUT LIST HALLE” stop, which is located near the Helmut List Halle.
Timetable Tramway Line 6
Be part of the IFCN Supporter Conference 2025
Join the IFCN Supporter Conference – Connect, Learn, and Lead in the Dairy Industry
The IFCN Supporter Conference 2024 brought together 125 live participants from more than 28 countries, fostering global collaboration in the dairy sector. In total, over 2,500 dairy professionals engaged in IFCN events throughout the year. Now, it’s your turn!
Be part of the IFCN Supporter Conference 2025 and connect with top companies, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world. Gain exclusive insights into the latest trends and challenges shaping the future of the dairy industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your network and stay ahead in the evolving Dairy World.
Be part of the IFCN Supporter Conference
Data and international perspective
Get a better understanding of your national dairy market in a global context and the latest analysis of recent developments in the dairy world.
Grow your expertise
Learn more about this year’s special topic and share your insights among experts from all over the world. We look forward to knowing more about your views and to providing further insights and expert opinions.
Networking and knowledge exchange
Meet other dairy experts from across the globe and be informed about the latest development in the IFCN Network.
125 live Participants from more than 28 countries for IFCN Supporter Conference 2024
500 online Participants from more than 80 countries for IFCN Supporter Conference 2022
Together we can lead the dairy world into a better future
Profile of participants at IFCN Events
The dairy world comes together – under the organization of IFCN, passionate dairy professionals from all over the world meet to discuss and evaluate the latest developments. To identify the challenges and opportunities of the future and form an active and world-leading network.
Speakers & Panelists
Speakers & Panelists
John Allen
Global & Corporate Director at Ab Agri
Stefan Scherer
CEO
Josef Hambrusch
Head of Department of Agricultural Economics and Data Management
Jukka Likitalo
Secretary General
Eric Meyer
President, Seasoned dairy risk management
Helen Dent
Sustainability Lead
Fernando Mazeris
Managing Director at DDW
Alexander Berges
Production System Manager Dairy&Livestock
Stefan Rußegger
Dairy Farmer
Angus Chalmer
Owner
Grant Hartman
Dairy Farmer & Chairman MMG Dairy Farmers Ltd
Gilles Froment
President
Tara McCarthy
Global VP of ESG at Alltech
Becki Reay
Principle Consultant - Corporate Commercial Manager
IFCN Team
Łukasz Wyrzykowski
Managing Director
Philipp Goetz
Head of Sales & Business Development
Erik Elgersma
Senior Consultant
Milica Kocić
Lead Product Development
Muzaffar Yunusov
Senior Network Manager
Amelie Kölbl
Lead Events & Marketing
Tytti Alho
Executive Assistant
IFCN CONFERENCE PARTNERS
These partners were sponsors of IFCN events since 2022:
Get more information about upcoming conference
Are you eager to learn more about our upcoming dairy conference in the Netherlands or interested in presenting as a research partner? We’re here to help!
Our dedicated team is ready to provide all the details you need, including the conference topics, expert speakers, event schedule, and registration information. Have questions or special requests? Don’t hesitate to get in touch.
This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and contribute to advancing dairy research. Reach out today for personalized assistance and make the most of this incredible opportunity!
Contact us now for more information!