Communicate, Collaborate and Influence (CCI)

Communicate, Collaborate & Influence

The Communicate, Collaborate and Influence (CCI) pre-convention programming is open to all Convention attendees interested in confidently connecting with consumers and effectively conveying the significance of agriculture. The program is held at the AFBF Convention on Saturday from 1:00-3:30 p.m.

Make the most of your AFBF Convention experience!

Plan to COME EARLY to benefit from this valuable opportunity at the AFBF Convention!

Attendees may register for this program or simply join the sessions on-site.

*This programming is hosted by the AFBF Promotion & Education Committee for the benefit of all convention attendees.

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Thank you to this year's CCI Sponsors:

CCI Workshop Schedule

Opening Keynote: Featuring Dan Venteicher: Iowa Dairy Farmer

Embracing Renegades: Pioneering Consumer Engagement

This opening session will feature a keynote by The Iowa Dairy Farmer, Dan Venteicher. Dan will share his story about being a dairy farmer in Iowa and what drove him to begin posting about his dairy farm on social media. With over 1 million followers on TikTok, he uses his account to highlight farm life, animal care, and sustainable practices. He will inspire attendees to share their tales and engage with consumers.

Expert Panel:

Communicate, Collaborate and Influence: Hitching our Wagons Together

Nestlé Purina – Jack Scott –Vice President for Sustainable Sourcing

Social Media Content Creator Dan Venteicher – Iowa Dairy Farmer

Telling our stories of agriculture and its importance to our everyday lives requires a collaborative effort. It is crucial for farmers, ranchers and Farm Bureau to partner with those who recognize the significance and importance of a thriving agricultural sector, while seeking opportunities to elevating our voice. In this expert panel, participants will explore the impact of engaging with supply chain partners and harnessing the power of social media influence. Let’s embrace innovative thinking and pioneer new approaches to advance the message of agriculture.

Closing Workshop:

Round Up and Harness: Create Your Consumer Engagement Action Plan

In this closing workshop, you will use the new knowledge and ideas that you have learned throughout Communicate, Collaborate and Influence to develop your own consumer engagement action plan.

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Meet The Speakers:

Dan Venteicher

Dan Venteicher, the "Iowa Dairy Farmer" is a social media sensation. He advocates for the dairy industry with truth and tact, capturing the hearts of millions with his educational and humorous Facebook, Tiktok, and Instagram posts. He excels at dispelling misinformation about dairy production and enjoys sharing about his day to day life as a young farmer. With almost 3 million followers across all platforms, he is one of the largest agricultural influencers and is the number one dairy influencer in the world. Along with operating a successful online business, Dan owns and operates Honey Creek Dairy, LLC with his brother, Don, and are the 4th generation of their family to dairy farm. Dan is married to his wife, Jamie, of ten years and together they have four young children.

Jack Scott

Jack Scott serves as Nestlé Purina’s Vice President of Sustainable Sourcing where his team is focused on ensuring the sustainable and responsible sourcing of ingredients used in Purina’s portfolio of brands. Additionally, Jack leads regenerative agriculture efforts as part of Nestle’s climate commitment.

Jack joined the Nestle Family in 2003 and worked 10 years in consumer brand marketing at both Purina U.S. and Nestle China Ltd. Since 2014, Jack has led the sustainable sourcing efforts for various ingredient categories at Nestle and Purina working within domestic and international supply chains. Jack’s experiences and knowledge of supply chains from the origin of materials to processing of ingredients and to consumer branded products brings a unique and comprehensive perspective of value chain creation.

As a final note, Jack is a vocal advocate and champion for farmers and ranchers recognizing their pivotal role in leading the sustainable changes we all wish to see. He is highly engaged in multiple collaborations with farmers, supply chain partners, NGOs, and other stakeholder organizations and sits on multiple Board of Directors including the American Farm Bureau Foundation, Field to Market, and the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs.

Kala Jenkins

Government Affairs Advocate, Beck's Hybrids

Kala Jenkins, Government Affairs Advocate for Beck's Hybrids, brings extensive experience in agriculture, public policy, and industry advocacy to the company's team of employees and customers. Her work spans across Beck's 20-state marketing area along with monitoring federal policy issues of importance. Kala is instrumental in fostering strategic alliances, delivering hands-on education, and cultivating trusted relationships with legislators and agency staff.

Raised on a family livestock and produce farm in Indiana, Kala’s agricultural roots fuel her passion for supporting growers and advancing the industry. Her professional journey has equipped her with a deep understanding of agricultural policy and operations, enabling her to navigate the complex intersection of farming and legislation.

Recognized as a thought leader, Kala draws on her extensive knowledge of the agricultural industry to monitor evolving policies and regulations. She provides valuable insights into how these changes will impact growers, ensuring their voices are heard and their interests are prioritized. Her proactive approach and commitment to understanding the challenges farmers face make her a trusted advocate and resource for the agricultural community.

At Beck's Hybrids—the largest family-owned retail seed company in the U.S.—Kala plays a vital role in advancing the company’s mission of empowering farmers with choices and high-quality products. Her dedication to building collaborative partnerships and addressing the real-world implications of policy changes ensures that Beck’s remains at the forefront of supporting growers in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape. When Kala's not traveling and advocating for Beck's, she enjoys spending time with her two fur babies, Rowdy and Gracie Lou.