CHESTERFIELD, Mo., Jan. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance® (USFRA®) will assemble a range of voices to discuss animal care and animal care standards during The Food Dialogues®: Dairy Forum; Animal Care and Consumers' Emerging Expectations. The event will take place at the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Dairy Forum from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 in Boca Raton, FL.

"Animal care and welfare is not only an important factor in consumers' purchasing decisions, but it's also of the upmost importance to America's farmers and ranchers, food processors and retailers," said Nancy Kavazanjian, chairperson of USFRA. "USFRA is excited to partner with IDFA to host a dialogue on this topic that is so important to the U.S. food industry."

Food industry and animal care experts will discuss the various tools and strategies that farmers, ranchers and veterinarians use to promote animal health and a safe food supply. These animal care techniques and practices – from housing to the use of antibiotics – are increasingly important to food manufacturers and consumers as they're making sourcing and purchasing decisions. The event's discussion will address whether what is happening on farms and ranches across the nation is meeting consumers' expectations.

"This important animal care session will be a great exclamation point to the Dairy Forum," said Connie Tipton, chief executive officer of IDFA. "Having been a panelist for a previous Food Dialogues, I know how engaging these discussions are and I'm thrilled to bring this important topic to all of the dairy processors, producers, suppliers, retailers, academics and media that will be at the Dairy Forum."

Elisabeth Leamy, a 13-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, author and Dr. Oz consumer and investigative correspondent will return to moderate the panel. Leamy also moderated The Food Dialogues: Chicago; Integrity in Food Marketing in June.

The panel will include:

• Chuck Ahlem, dairy farmer, Hilmar Jerseys, Hilmar, California
• Dr. Marcia Endres, D.V.M., Ph.D., professor of dairy science, University of Minnesota
• Bruce Feinberg, global animal health and welfare officer, McDonald's
• Dr. Robin R. Ganzert, Ph.D., president and CEO, American Humane Association
• Jim Mulhern, president and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation
• Mike Reidy, senior vice president, corporate affairs, Leprino Foods Company

The panel is open to all registered attendees of the Dairy Forum and will also be available online. To register for the live stream, go to Food Dialogues: Dairy Forum page on FoodDialogues.com.

For more information about USFRA or The Food Dialogues, visit FoodDialogues.com. Follow the panel discussion on USFRA's Twitter handle @USFRA using #FoodD. To review a video recap of the session, visit Food Dialogues: Dairy Forum page. For more information about the IDFA's Dairy Forum, visit http://www.idfa.org/forms/meeting/Microsite/dairyforum2015.

About The Food Dialogues®
The Food Dialogues signature events are designed to bring together farmers, ranchers, industry experts, scientists, media and consumers for dynamic panel discussions on some of today's most pressing topics related to food and food production. Since its launch in 2011, the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance has hosted 25 panels across the country.

About the Dairy Forum
IDFA's Dairy Forum is a dynamic, annual gathering that brings together the leadership of the U.S. dairy industry – processors, producers, suppliers, retailers, policy makers, academics and agricultural media. Dairy Forum offers exceptional opportunities to build relationships, hear about the latest consumer trends from industry experts and discuss the current political landscape as it relates to the dairy industry. 

About U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance® (USFRA®)
U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) is a group of more than 80 farmer- and rancher-led organizations and agricultural partners leading a movement to answer questions about how food is grown and raised. USFRA provides resources and tools to navigate today's food issues landscape with a broader goal of building trust in American agriculture.

About International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA)
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C, represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industries and their suppliers, with a membership of 550 companies within a $125-billion a year industry. IDFA is composed of three constituent organizations: the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), the National Cheese Institute (NCI) and the International Ice Cream Association (IICA). IDFA's nearly 200 dairy processing members run nearly 600 plant operations, and range from large multi-national organizations to single-plant companies. Together they represent more than 85 percent of the milk, cultured products, cheese, ice cream and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States.

Wholly or partially funded by one or more Checkoff programs.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141229/166228

SOURCE U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance