Agriculture Speaker
I have had the opportunity to speak at events around the world. Some of the topics I speak on include dairy sustainability, modern dairy farming, how to connect with consumers, how to share your farm story, and more. I have experience speaking as a panelist, presenter, keynote speaker, host, and Masters of ceremony.
Featured Speaking Engagements
Featured 2024 SXSW Speaker: Speaking on Fearmongering & the Food Industry
Keynote Speaker, Ag as a Key Player in the Future of Climate Solutions, Utah Farm Bureau, January 2023.
Moderator, New Digital Tools Help to Tell Dairy's Sustainability Story, 2022 Valley Ag Software Connect Summit, June 2022.
Panelist, Telling Agriculture’s Sustainability Story, 2022 American Farm Bureau Convention, January 2022, Atlanta, GA.
Panelist, Future of Farming Innovation and Agroecology: A Path to Sustainability at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Committee on World Food Security, October 2019, Rome, Italy.
Panelist, Meaningful and Measurable: U.S. Dairy’s Environmental Impact Panel at the 2019 Forbes AgTech Summit, June 2019, Salinas, CA.
2024 SXSW Speaker
Back in March, I took the stage of my first SXSW Conference and had the chance to put agriculture on the main stage. In today's online world, we're constantly bombarded with advice on what we should and shouldn’t be eating. This viral overload can leave us feeling overwhelmed and anxious, leading us to question whether "food influencing" is actually doing more harm than good.
This led Natalie Kovarik and me, to our speaking topic for the event, “Fear Mongering & Food Industry”. While we might think our favorite foodie’s advice is helpful, the reality is that what they share might not always be factual. Food labels are confusing, food practices are complicated, and our food system is best understood and shared by those who are deeply embedded within it.
Both on the stage together and individually, Natalie and I discuss the realities of food production, the complexities of sustainability, and the importance of transparency in what we consume.
Through our insights, we aim to provide you with valuable perspectives that go beyond the surface-level information often found online. Join us as we explore the truths of our food system, debunk myths, and empower you with knowledge to make informed decisions about what you eat.
featured Speaking clips
What People Are Saying
“Tara Vander Dussen served as our closing keynote speaker during the 2021 Pennsylvania Virtual Dairy Summit. Her ability to share tangible facts and research, while weaving in her personal experiences and opinions, led to a highly engaging conversation. Dairy farmers and industry professionals appreciated her candor and openness about topics that are difficult to navigate, and Tara empowered the audience to think outside the box when communicating with consumers. Dairy farmers in the audience were able to trust what she had to say and left the session re-energized about the future of dairy and with practical ideas on how to connect with consumers!”
— Heidi Zimmerman, Events and Programs Coordinator, Center for Dairy Excellence/Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of PA
“Tara Vander Dussen traveled to speak as one of the keynote speakers at our 2021 Alltech Dairy School, a one-day event at Lambeau Field focused on celebrating and challenging the dairy industry. Tara has the unique ability to connect with the agriculture community with her genuine personality and her experience addressing a variety of challenges dairy producers face. She was truly a joy to have, keeping the audience engaged- even as one of the last speakers of the day.”
— Anna Burnett, North American Dairy Marketing Coordinator, Alltech
Excited to recommend Tara Vander Dussen for any future speaking engagements!
🌱 Tara's dual expertise as a farmer and environmental scientist grants her a deep understanding of carbon strategies and agricultural environmental policies. Her ability to connect these complex topics with real-world practices is truly impressive.
🤝 We were beyond pleased with the way Tara engaged in networking and social activities throughout our event. Her presence added significant value to the experience.
👏 Our audience was captivated by her insights and energy. If you're looking for a speaker who will resonate with your attendees and leave a lasting impact, look no further than Tara!
— JIM MATTOX, CEO, COWSULTANTS
Tara’s Speaking Topics
Sustainable dairy farming
Tara will share with your audience how dairy will be a key player in the future of climate solutions. She will touch on how we as farmers need to be sharing our sustainability story, why it's important, how we all have a story to tell. This is a great topic to get your audience excited about the future of dairy and how they can play a role in that future.
How to share your farm story
Tara will share tangible tips with your audience about how to successfully advocate for agriculture and how to connect with consumers through sharing your story and your passion. Farmers hear all the time "share your story", but what does that mean and what does that actually look like? Tara will break down and share what she has found to work and what doesn't. From sharing on multiple platforms to following your audience to connecting to consumers.
What to expect when booking me at your event
A passionate, thought-provoking speech on dairy, sustainability, and the future of farming and food
Sharing personal stories of on-farm sustainability practices and firsthand experience of advocating for agriculture online
Strategic advice for how farmers can effectively share their ag stories online
A speech tailored to your audience based on the goals of your event
Promotion on my social media platforms leading up to the event and day of attending the event
