Conclusions from the IDF Dairy Farming Summit on climate change

Conclusions and take home messages from the IDF Dairy Farming Summit on climate change in Edinburgh June 25-27, 2008

What have I learned?

• As a hands on dairy producer it is easy to get so wrapped up in our business that I fail to think about the big picture. 
  
• When I first saw the program agenda for the summit I became excited.  I said to myself, these are some issues I’d like to hear some expert advice on.  I had some very high expectations of this summit; I’ll tell you today I have not been disappointed.
  
• All of the topics we’ve discussed the last 2 days are very complex, there remain many questions and answers may be hard to come by.  Ignoring the issues won’t make them go away.
  
• I applaud the IDF for providing the leadership and initiative to look at these issues from a global perspective.  While the issues are at different stages in many countries, the consequences of climate change will affect all of us!
  
• With rapidly increasing technology, faster communication and faster transportation we’re becoming a global economy and the world is getting smaller.  We need to work together!
  
• Over the last few days, many topics have been addressed.  I’ve heard many people say there is too much to comprehend in a short period of time.  I have confidence that with knowledge and expertise that we’ve seen at this summit that if we try, we can make a difference!

What will you take home?

• I will take an attitude home.  This summit has given me the inspiration to return to my farm and to be proactive in doing a better job.  In my hotel room I noticed a brochure that said, “Even with excellence, there’s room for improvement.” We can always do better!  Success is a journey, it is not a destination.

How can Dairy Farmers best be involved in the continued work?

• I think the best place to start is in what I call continued education.  We need to stay informed and learn all we can about our business.  This learning process will certainly develop a better understanding of consumer and environmental issues.
  
• We need to be proactive in trying to solve our challenges.  We need to ask consumers what they want and work at providing it.  
  
• With technology, research and initiative we should be able to improve the environment.  
  
• Education is the key to staying ahead and doing better.
  
• We need to be open minded.  Change is occurring at an ever increasing rate.  What works today may not work tomorrow.  It is not the smartest, nor the strongest that will survive but those that adapt to change the best.  Those are the words of Charles Darwin, his theory of evolution! 
  
• For farmers to make an impact, we need to cooperate.  There is strength in numbers.  This conference has done an excellent job at bringing people from 40 countries together to discuss important issues.  I look forward to participating in the next one.
  
• In summary, I think the biggest challenge is to find the best solutions to our problems and then implement changes.  We won’t get much credit for just talking.
  
• Finally I’d like to say I love what I do.  I am proud to be a farmer and by attending this conference I know I will be able to do a better job.