Mark your calendars for March 10 – 11, 2026 and join us in Albany, NY for the Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit!
This year’s theme is Dynamic Dairy: Opportunities at Every Scale. Join dairy farmers, processors, and stakeholders from across the region for two days focused on innovations being made across the dairy sector right now – and how you can apply them to your business.
Our two Keynote speakers will be Krysta Harden, CEO of US-DEC, and Adeline Druart, CEO of Lawson’s Finest Liquids. We’re thrilled to have them join us at the Summit to talk about workforce, innovation, and leading through change.
At US-DEC, Harden leads global initiatives to promote U.S. dairy exports and advance the industry’s commitment to sustainable nutrition worldwide. She previously served as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Secretary Tom Vilsack, where she led implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill. A passionate advocate for expanding agricultural opportunities, Harden has championed inclusion for women, young people, immigrants, socially disadvantaged producers, and veterans throughout her career. Her leadership was recognized with induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame in October 2024, following her dedicated service as Chair of the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees from 2020-2024.
Adeline Druart leads one of the country’s leading B Corp-certified craft breweries. She previously spent nearly 20 years at Vermont Creamery, starting as a cheesemaking intern before rising to President, and later served as Vice President at Land O’Lakes following the acquisition. Druart is known for her passion for agriculture, purpose-led business ecosystems, inclusive team cultures, and driving lasting social and environmental impact.
Workshop tracks will focus on Dairy Farm Innovation and Modernization, Processing Modernization and Expansion, and Dairy Workforce Development. Along with engaging workshops, you’ll have time to network, ask questions, and offer your own insights toward what’s working and what’s needed to innovate and strengthen the dairy sector.
NE Dairy Innovation Summit at a glance:
- When: March 10 – 11, 2026
- Where: Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel, 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY
- Hosted by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center
Early-bird registration opens in December. Learn more and register at summit.nedairyinnovation.com
