CLE ELUM, Wash. -- Global markets are the focus of this year's annual meeting of the Washington dairy industry, which will be Nov. 13-15 at Suncadia Resort.

Milk is second to apples as a top Washington agricultural commodity. Much of it is exported.

One of the Nov. 14 speakers is Stan Erwine, vice president of producer relations for Dairy Management Inc., the national dairy checkoff program that helps build demand for dairy products.

Erwine says recent price recovery in world markets and the ongoing demand for dairy products are expected to continue in coming months.

"My goal is to help the Washington industry better understand how partnerships are making an impact on global and domestic markets by representing farmers beyond the farm gate," Erwine said.

He said he wants to increase understanding of how DMI and the Washington Dairy Products Commission work together to grow sales and put a face on the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

Information: www.wadairyfederation.org

-- Dan Wheat