Part I of this IDFA SmartBrief special year-end report looked back at the most important trends and stories of 2007. Part II, below, highlights your predictions -- and ours -- for what's in store for 2008.

The upcoming year will present many challenges and opportunities for our industry. SmartBrief readers told us that they expect rising costs, environmental issues and increasing international demand to present the greatest challenges in 2008, but the majority, 55%, have high expectations for providing solutions and meeting these challenges. Many believe that yogurt will be the standout product in terms of growth potential next year.

Also in the year ahead, IDFA will offer several exciting events, starting with Dairy Forum 2008, Jan. 20 to 23 in La Quinta, Calif. IDFA's premier annual meeting, Dairy Forum will gather players from all sectors of the dairy industry to discuss and debate the hottest policy issues. Sweetener Colloquium, another popular event, will be held Feb. 10 to 13 at the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, Fla. Visit the IDFA Web Site for details on these events and more.