This press article based on the IFCN Supporter Conference 2025, Graz, Austria.

The International Farm Comparison Network (IFCN) gathered global dairy leaders and supporters for its 23rd IFCN Supporter Conference in Graz, Austria, held September 23–25, 2025. The event focused on the theme “Making Sustainability Profitable: How to Future-Proof the Dairy Industry.” Graz, located in Styria—an area renowned for its strong dairy heritage and innovative sustainability practices—welcomed over 150 participants from around the world.

Łukasz Wyrzykowski, General Manager of IFCN, opened the conference by stressing that sustainability and profitability must go hand in hand to secure the dairy industry’s future. He emphasized the need to balance short-term market shocks with long-term trends, noting that global milk production must continue to grow to meet increasing demand.

Stefan Scherer, General Manager of smaXtec and conference sponsor, described the event as a platform for exchanging knowledge, refining strategies, and fostering global connections. He underscored that while the dairy sector faces uncertainty, recognizing the difference between temporary pressures and structural changes is crucial for long-term success. Although high milk prices offer opportunities, sustainable dairy growth depends on aligning production with economic, environmental, and social goals.

A key panel titled “What Does Sustainability & Profitability Mean in the Dairy Supply Chain?” explored how profitability supports sustainability across the industry. Gilles Froment, President of IDF, pointed out that only profitable businesses can invest in innovations that secure the future. Amber Horn-Leiterman noted that “profitability is sustainability,” linking efficiency to environmental progress. Grant Hartman, representing Müller UK, emphasized investment as essential for farm resilience and future readiness.

A key panel titled “What Does Sustainability & Profitability Mean in the Dairy Supply Chain?” explored how profitability supports sustainability across the industry. Gilles Froment, President of IDF, pointed out that only profitable businesses can invest in innovations that secure the future. Amber Horn-Leiterman noted that “profitability is sustainability,” linking efficiency to environmental progress. Grant Hartman, representing Müller UK, emphasized investment as essential for farm resilience and future readiness.

Throughout the event, presentations reinforced the connection between sustainability, profitability, and innovation in dairy farming. Helen Dent, Sustainability Lead at Kite, stressed that measurable outcomes are essential for evaluating progress and credibility. The discussions highlighted how a company’s environmental commitment has become part of its brand identity, enhancing consumer trust and market value.

The second panel, “Sustainability & Profitability – Making the Dairy Industry Future-Proof,” united key voices from across the global dairy value chain. Stefan Scherer highlighted dairy’s unique capacity to turn grass into quality protein. Franz Waxenecker of dsm-firmenich emphasized that connecting all links in the chain proves sustainability and profitability reinforce each other. John Allen of AB Agri/Asterra underscored renewable and high-nutrition approaches. John Heslin from MSD called for stronger technological support for farmers, while Robert Walker of Keenan (Alltech) underlined the transformative role of technology and data in building a profitable and sustainable dairy future.

In conclusion, the IFCN Supporter Conference 2025 in Graz demonstrated that data, measurement, and informed decision-making are vital foundations for achieving both sustainability and profitability in the dairy sector. IFCN continues to serve as a trusted global reference, delivering insights that help the dairy industry navigate change and build a resilient, future-ready market.

The event was hosted by smaXtec and supported by AB Agri, Alltech, dsm-firmenich, Milk Sustainability Center, MSD Animal Health, Asterra, C-Lock Inc., FoodChain, Novonesis, Royal Agrifirm Group, Royal GD, SimHerd, and Uniform Agri.