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How does this grassroots organization really work?
What are the benefits of membership to me, a dairy producer?
Are you politically active?
Is PDPW located only in Wisconsin for Wisconsin producers?
What size and type of dairy operation benefits most from PDPW?
What is the average size dairy among PDPW members?
What makes PDPW a special educational organization?
Where is your headquarters?
What does PDPW mean when it says that it works to connect the industry?
How does this grassroots organization really work?
PDPW was formed by dairy producers, is run by dairy producers and works in the best interests of dairy producers. At all of our programs and events, we survey members for their opinions of the event and the resources delivered. We also ask about current issues on their minds and what’s most important to them. Our members are professional dairy producers providing the voice and vision that enables PDPW to lead the success of the dairy industry.
Structurally, our nine-member board of directors is elected by dairy producer members. Each director can serve two three-year terms. The board directs the organization. Committees established by the board work on an ad hoc basis to advise the board of important issues and also to establish educational programs that are of interest to their businesses and of benefit to other stakeholders. The executive director of PDPW works directly for the board and is responsible for day-to-day operations representing PDPW at industry functions. PDPW is truly grassroots in every facet of operation.
What are the benefits of membership to me, a dairy producer?
We help individual producers become better businesspeople. We keep you on top of key issues so that you can position yourself for success amidst change. PDPW offers education and information valuable to your dairy operation. We connect you with helpful resources:
- Other dairy producers who share your accomplishments and concerns
- Industry leaders and experts
- World-class scientists and researchers
- Preferred suppliers and other resources beneficial to your operation
Are you politically active?
Yes, however, we do not lobby. We are active in a different way: We work to educate ourselves about issues, encourage our members to be active in their local communities, and reach out to engage and educate others about the changing needs in our industry and communities. We speak regularly with leaders and key stakeholders who rely on the dairy industry. In Wisconsin, we meet on a regular basis with the Department of Agriculture and Department of Natural Resources. We also serve as an informational resource to them and others on important issues. PDPW members are involved with numerous committees that advise other key decision-makers on issues affecting, and being affected by, the dairy industry.
Is PDPW located only in Wisconsin for Wisconsin producers?
PDPW is a national organization with global reach. Producers and industry leaders from the United States and other countries come to PDPW for educational programming. Some of our programs are national in scope. Manager’s Academy, as an example, is an annual event held in a different location around the country each year. The PDPW Annual Business Conference is our marquee event. Besides attracting producers from across the country, Canada, Mexico and Russia, we welcome many visitors from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
What size and type of dairy operation benefits most from PDPW?
Large, small, organic, conventional—any producer interested in education to enhance operational success benefits from being a part of PDPW. We focus on the business aspects of dairy farming versus the size or style of operation. We are proud, however, to say our members represent all sizes and styles.
What is the average size dairy among PDPW members?
Because our demographics are diverse, and dairy operations small to large are represented at PDPW, we do not consider average size. Prospective members consider the attitudes, business approaches and interests of our membership base. Our members are passionate about gaining knowledge and advancing the dairy industry. It is why we say PDPW is an organization of professional dairy producers.
What makes PDPW a special educational organization?
Our programs involve all ages. We believe in life-long learning—youth programs, college programs, and business education—to help producers and future generations improve professional skills. PDPW thrives because members remain current with, and seek out, new and better technologies and business strategies. Networking also makes PDPW very special.
Where is your headquarters?
PDPW doesn't own an office. More than 1,600 members comprise PDPW, and they are located around the country. We have a centralized office in Fond du Lac, Wis., where staff meets on a regular basis to prepare for meetings and manage the details of investing member and industry resources into educational programs that directly benefit members.
What does PDPW mean when it says that it works to connect the industry?
The dairy business is a chain of stakeholders that ultimately serves consumers of dairy products at the retail level. PDPW works to connect the links in the chain, as each link depends on the next to ensure the dairy industry operates at the highest level and meets or exceeds legal and ethical standards.
We are currently working to put producers at the table with representatives from other sectors of the food system to discuss issues that affect the entire system. Since dairy producers supply the raw product for the chain, they must be aware of customer needs throughout the chain and have the means to communicate directly with them. When producers are involved, they gain a clear understanding of customer needs and can directly communicate issues impacting their farms. Though PDPW has only recently initiated this effort, we view it as extremely important.
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