The session will examine how processors can balance long-term strategic planning with practical execution as membrane-based systems continue to shape dairy ingredient production. The presentation will explore how dairy processors are leveraging membrane technologies to improve production flexibility, optimize throughput and expand higher-value ingredient opportunities.

Real-world examples in the presentation will include the evolution of nonfat dry milk into a broader range of milk protein concentrates and isolates, along with emerging opportunities tied to buttermilk utilization.

Drawing on operational experience at High Desert Milk, the session will address how membrane system expansion and process optimization efforts can influence plant efficiency, ingredient production and long-term growth strategies within dairy processing operations. 

Robinson says their presentation aims to help others examine the challenges and benefits of moving up the product value chain through investments in membrane technology.

"The collaboration between our leadership, our operations team and our commercial team has helped us to advance in offering high-value products to customers at a time when there is peak demand for dairy proteins," Robinson says. "We hope to instill some of the lessons that we have learned along the path to those in attendance.”

About Derik Robinson

Courtesy of High Desert Milk

Robinson assumed the CEO role in January 2026, bringing with him a wealth of dairy marketing and processing experience to add value to the products that High Desert Milk produces.

In 2010, Robinson joined High Desert for the first time as the CFO and general manager, where he worked to build global brand recognition for HDM products, as well as focused on several product expansion projects. In 2016 he moved to Interfood Inc., a Netherlands-based dairy ingredient trader as the commercial director of the Americas, where he managed the Americas commercial team that managed both supplier and customer relationships.  Most recently, he served as vice president of sales, Americas, in California Dairies Inc., where he was responsible for all sales of the DairyAmerica branded ingredients in the Western Hemisphere from 2020-2025.

Derik has a Bachelor of Science in management and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Idaho, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arizona, and a Master of Global Management from Thunderbird School of Global Business.

About Jordan Oakes

Courtesy of High Desert Milk

In his role as plant manager, Oakes oversees plant operations across butter, cream cheese, and milk powder production, with a strong focus on operational efficiency, team development, and execution of strategic growth initiatives.

Oakes began his career at High Desert Milk in powder packaging, quickly advancing through key operational roles, and has served as plant manager for the past four years. His hands-on experience across departments has provided a deep understanding of plant systems, allowing him to lead cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement throughout the facility.

He has played a critical role in the development and execution of major capital projects, including membrane system expansions and process optimization efforts to support the production of high-value dairy ingredients such as MPC. Oakes is particularly focused on driving technical and operational improvements that have helped High Desert Milk refine processes, increase reliability and maximize throughput beyond original engineered design expectations.

About the Membrane Technology Forum

The annual Membrane Technology Forum, hosted by Dairy Foods magazine and the American Dairy Products Institute, is the premier live event in the commercial membrane and membrane technology sector. This event covers key concepts and innovations for the sector, from the fundamentals of membrane technology, fouling and cleaning, to emerging technologies and applications with real-world case studies that highlight challenges, proposed solutions and results. 

The Membrane Technology Forum serves processors, plant managers, engineers, chemists, equipment manufacturers, research and development, sales and marketing specialists, technicians and other industry professionals.

The program features a series of two dedicated educational tracks, each with short, informative technical sessions covering current topics and emerging trends. Attendees will gain fresh ideas, trusted data and proactive solutions to help their companies evolve with changing trends in membrane technology.

The Membrane Technology Forum also features a select group of innovative and forward-thinking suppliers on hand to demonstrate their new technologies and products designed to improve processing operations.

The 2026 Forum will take place June 15–17 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington – Minneapolis South in Minneapolis, Minn.

Learn more and register at dairyfoods.com/membrane-forum