FIND MORE
×
FIND MORE
Join Now Sign Up Get CE's

2019 PDPW Business Conference: Dairy Industry Keeps Moving Forward

March 18, 2019
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shelly Mayer
800-947-7379
mail@pdpw.org
 
Full Media Package is available (i.e. press release, photos, etc.)
Review News Release
 
 
2019 PDPW Business Conference: Dairy Industry Keeps Moving Forward
 
DAIRY NEWS – Improving efficiencies on the farm and paying attention to small details was a common theme during the Professional Dairy Producers - PDPW Business Conference in Madison, Wis., on March 13-14.
 
World-renowned agricultural economist and former Virginia Tech professor David Kohl urged managers to commit to sharpening their financial IQ. “Planning, strategizing, executing and monitoring are the four cornerstones of Financial IQ,” Kohl said, emphasizing in more than one session the importance of these strategies. “The current ag cycle is weeding out everyone with an average to below-average Financial IQ.”
 
He also encouraged producers to respond mindfully to their customers. Speaking of market trends Kohl said the future of agriculture will be dictated by those in the Millennial and Gen-Z generations. “These folks are changing their health and living habits based on what they observe in the Baby Boomers,” Kohl said.
 
Cornell University Extension Senior Associate Jason Karszes further challenged dairy herd managers to maximize their earnings by fine-tuning business practices to harness the full potential of their operations.
 
“It's the little things that add up – and make the difference between capturing or losing profits,” Karszes said. “Paying attention to those efficiencies is key to positive growth.”
 
In a hands-on session led by Dr. Franklyn Garry, DVM, attendees learned first-hand how calf managers can avoid critical losses by performing necropsies on calves and properly recording health data for each calf.
 
A veterinarian and specialist with Colorado State Extension and College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Garry explained how partnering with a veterinarian on the basics of performing necropsies and tissue sampling can not only save time and money but can identify on-farm trends that are silently draining profits.
 
“You don’t need to be a veterinarian or a pathologist to successfully necropsy a calf,” Dr. Garry said before presenting an interactive course showcasing the basics of necropsy procedures. “With a few simple tools, including a smartphone camera and some ziploc baggies, you can capture critical information without waiting for your vet to arrive.”
 
 
Throughout the 2-day conference, PDPW members attended multiple breakout and hands-on learning sessions on topics ranging from mastering interactions with the media to making wise facility-design decisions before installing robotic milking units.
 
The event also featured over 200 vendors from around the world showcasing products, technologies and services geared to dairy producers. The 2019 PDPW Business Conference was concluded with an inspiring message by former NFL star and ESPN analyst Merril Hoge, who shared his story of pursuing his NFL dreams despite the odds and naysayers – and despite the health setback that came by way of a cancer diagnosis and aggressive treatments. He shared how he overcame adversities and how dairy producers can apply the same strategies to make a way forward in the industry in the short and long term.
 
For more on the 2019 PDPW Business Conference, follow @dairyPDPW and use #PDPW2019 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
 
The 2019 PDPW Business Conference was hosted by Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin. More highlights from the conference are available at www.pdpw.org. PDPW is the nation's largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind, focusing on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.
 
###
 

---


March 5, 2019

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shelly Mayer
800-947-7379
mail@pdpw.org
 
Full Media Package is available (i.e. flyer, press release, photos, etc.)

Review Program: Flyer
Review News Release: Press Release
Photos/Logos: Speaker and branding Photos/Logos
 
2019 PDPW Business Conference is the One-Stop-Shop for Cutting-Edge Research and Speakers
Dairy’s Premier Educational Event, Set for Mar. 13-14, 2019, in Madison, Wis.
 
DAIRY NEWS – The countdown is on to the 2019 PDPW Business Conference, presented by Professional Dairy Producers®, set for Mar. 13-14, 2019, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. Dairy farmers and industry professionals will come together for two days of best-in-class education, professional development, and networking. 
 
“We are excited to bring together the leading researchers and experts on some of the hottest topics in the dairy industry – all in two days and at one location,” said Shelly Mayer, Executive Director of PDPW and dairy farmer, Slinger, Wis.  “The Business Conference is a “can’t miss” event for famers and allied industry looking to stay current on research and advancements in our industry.”
 
Dairy industry experts Dr. David Kohl and Jason Karszes will join Scott Burrows, Dr. Richard Pimentel, and Merril Hoge to deliver motivating and inspiring keynote sessions.  A line-up of some of the leading dairy researchers from across the country will present breakout and specialty sessions, including Dr. Frank Mitloehner of the University of California-Davis, Dr. Sandra Godden of the University of Minnesota, Dr. Tom Overton of Cornell University, Dr. Nigel Cook of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Franklin Garry of Colorado State University.  In total, more than 50 speakers will share the latest in business management and economics, leadership skills and cow care and management, to help dairy producers succeed.
 
The Hall of Ideas Equipment and Trade Show will feature nearly 200 of the leading companies and service providers in the dairy industry.  It is the perfect opportunity to check out new technologies or get answers to questions about existing products or services.  The 2019 Hall of Ideas will also include a new Dairy Technology Hub for producers to get answers about your computer, tablets, mobile devices and their apps, back-up methods, virus protection, what to look for in purchasing new devices for all work conditions, and much more. 
 
Get a jump start on the Conference by reviewing the 2019 agenda featuring a full list of speakers and sessions, or downloading the conference app.
 
To learn more about the 2019 PDPW Business Conference details, educational sessions, or exhibitor and sponsorship details, or to complete your online registration, visit PDPW.org/businessconference or contact PDPW at 800-947-7379.  Online registration will be available till March 8, 2019, and walk-ins are welcome both days of the Conference. 
 
Follow along digitally in advance of and during the event by following @dairyPDPW and using #PDPW2019 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 
 
Professional Dairy Producers (PDPW) is the nation's largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind, focusing on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.
 
###
---


February 28, 2019

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shelly Mayer
800-947-7379
mail@pdpw.org
 
Full Media Package is available (i.e. flyer, press release, photos, etc.)

Review Program: Flyer
Review News Release: Press Release
Photos/Logos: Speaker and branding Photos/Logos
 
Bring Value to Your Dairy & Your Team by Attending the PDPW Business Conference
Best-in-Class Education and Networking Opportunities, Mar. 13-14, 2019, in Madison, Wis.
 
DAIRY NEWS – Attendees of the 2019 PDPW Business Conference, presented by Professional Dairy Producers®, will hear from the dairy industry’s leading experts in business management and economics, leadership skills and cow care and management, and all in one place at the industry’s premier educational event.  The Conference will be held Mar. 13-14, 2019, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis., and is packed with the latest in information, innovations and insights to help dairy farmers succeed.
 
“The two-day investment at this year’s Conference will provide our nation’s dairy farmers, agribusiness leaders, and allied industries the actionable ideas and resources to take right back to the farm.  They’ll sharpen and strengthen their business management, financial literacy, servant leadership, animal health, and team development skills to lead dairy to success,” said Shelly Mayer, Executive Director of PDPW and dairy farmer, Slinger, Wis. 
 
The 2019 Conference line-up features 62 sessions, matched with 50 prominent experts that will allow attendees to design a learning experience tailored to their needs and interests.  A few sessions to highlight include:
 
OUR COWS: Hear firsthand from top researchers and experts on the latest in cow-care and management.
 
  • Discover the innovations on robotic design, animal health and productivity from a team of international experts in the “Robotic Management,” Specialty Session, Wed., Mar. 13, presented by Dr. Nigel Cook, U-W School of Veterinary Medicine, with Jouni Pitkäranta and Dr. Virpi Kurkela of 4dBarn Consulting.
 
  • Dr. Sandra Godden from the University of Minnesota will share how to enhance performance and mitigate risks of group housing for youngest calves in the “Best Management Practices for Group Housed Pre-Weaned Calves” Breakout Session, Wed., Mar. 13.
 
  • In the “Herdsperson Hub” workshop, presented five times between Wed. and Thu., Mar. 13 and 14 in the Hands-On Hub, veterinarians from the Lodi Veterinary Care Team will guide participants through three stations to build skills in reproductive ultrasonography, observation and record-keeping systems for the fresh cow pen, and effectively running and interpreting on-farm milk quality tests.
 
  • Techniques to improve soil conditions to improve nutrient retention when spreading manure will be the focus of the “Get More Power Out of Your Poop” Learning Lounge session, presented Wed., Mar. 13 by Aaron Pape from UW Discovery Farms.
 
OUR PEOPLE:  Boosting leadership and management skills to build stronger teams:
 
  • Throughout the Conference, emcee Tom Thibodeau will reflect on the sessions with his trademark humor and passion, including his breakout session “Putting Leadership to Work” Specialty Session, Thu., Mar. 14, to share skills and word choices that will excel at both leading and managing your dairy’s team.
 
  • In his “Find Your Grit” keynote session, presented Wed., Mar. 13, former college football player Scott Burrows will share his story of overcoming challenges after he was paralyzed in a car accident at age 19.
 
  • "Stop Stressing and Get Your Mojo Back" Learning Lounge session, presented Thu., Mar. 14 by Dr. Josie Rudolphi from the National Farm Medicine Center will feature proven ways to minimize stress and recognize signs of chronic stress in others.
 
OUR BUSINESS: Strengthening skills in strategic business strategy and finance.
 
  • Learn from Jason Karszes, PRO-DAIRY program at Cornell University, Thu., Mar. 14, on how top farms differentiated themselves over six years in the Dairy Fam Business Summary and Analysis Project in “The Top 20 % - what are they doing?” Specialty Session, and in his keynote “Investment Balance: Maximize your Business Potential,” to fully capture your full business potential.
 
  • Equip yourself with the tools you need to evaluate your business, improve management factors and work more effectively with lenders in the Wed., Mar. 13 Breakout Session “Business and Financial IQ,” presented by renowned economist Dr. David Kohl.
 
  • Dr. Becky Stewart-Gross of Building Bridges Seminars will share strategies and insights on conducting interactions that deliver positive results for everyone in her “I Win, You Win: Bridge-Building Negotiations” Breakout Session, Thu., Mar. 14.
 
  • Take a deep dive into the new dairy revenue protection policy, to determine what coverage is best for your farm in the “Dairy Revenue Protection IQ” Learning Lounge Session, presented by Lori Fetzer and Michelle Sell of Compeer Financial, Thu., Mar. 14.
 
 
The 2019 PDPW Business Conference is an accredited training and offers up to 14.25 Dairy AdvanCE continuing education units (CEUs) for each day. To learn more or secure credits, visit www.DairyAdvance.org. Up to 15.9 CEU Credits are available to UW-School of Veterinary Medicine (UW-SVM) up to 10.5 CEU Credits are available to the American Registry of Professional Scientists (ARPAS) members.  Up to 8.0 various CEU credits are available to Certified Crop Advisors (CCA) members.
 
Check out the full session and speaker line-up in the 2019 agenda or downloading the conference app.
 
To learn more about the 2019 PDPW Business Conference details, educational sessions, or exhibitor and sponsorship details, visit PDPW.org/businessconference or contact PDPW at 800-947-7379.  Follow along digitally in advance of and during the event by following @dairyPDPW and using #PDPW2019 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 
 
Professional Dairy Producers (PDPW) is the nation's largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind, focusing on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.
 
###
---

February 18, 2019

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shelly Mayer
800-947-7379
mail@pdpw.org
 
Full Media Package is available (i.e. flyer, press release, photos, etc.)

Review Program: Flyer
Review News Release: Press Release
Photos/Logos: Speaker and branding Photos/Logos
 
Hands-On Workshops, Keynote Speakers, Focused Breakout Sessions
and Cutting-Edge Science Come Together at 2019 PDPW Business Conference

Dairy’s Premier Educational Event Features Something for Everyone, Mar. 13-14, 2019, in Madison, Wis.
 
DAIRY NEWS – With two days packed with best-in-class education and networking, dairy farmers and allied industry can build a schedule to perfectly fit their business needs, interests and learning style at the 2019 PDPW Business Conference, held Mar. 13-14, 2019, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis.
 
“We know that everyone has different priorities for their business and like to receive information in a different way, so the Business Conference is designed with a variety of formats, topics and delivery styles,” said Shelly Mayer, Executive Director of PDPW and dairy farmer, Slinger, Wis.  “Attendees can maximize their time and investment at the conference by choosing the sessions tailored to their needs.”
 
The 2019 program includes 62 educational sessions and 41 dynamic presenters across four learning tracks. 
 
Platforms will include:
  • Keynote Sessions – Five general sessions will provide high level information to inspire and challenge all attendees on leadership and maximizing dairy business potential in today’s environment.  2019 Keynote Speakers include Dr. David Kohl, Scott Burrows, Dr. Richard Pimentel, Jason Karszes and Merril Hoge.
  • Specialty and Breakout Sessions – Dive deeper into topics of interest with hour-long sessions featuring speakers and panel discussions that include visual presentations, opportunities for questions and conversations with leading experts on dairy management, leadership and financial management topics.
  • Hands-on Hub – Engage all your senses in sessions that combine cutting-edge knowledge with an interactive workshop.  Three sessions will run simultaneously each day, including topics on the impact of rainfall on various soil types, how necropsies can help make better decisions about calf health, and veterinary skills like reproductive ultrasonography, fresh cow observation and culture testing.
  • Learning Lounges – Looking for a fast-pace briefing on key topics in the dairy industry?  Stop into one of the 30-minute sessions held in the Hall of Ideas.  Experts will provide information and solutions with time for Q&A and the opportunity to step in and out of the session as you need.
  • Preview Stage – Leading researchers and their UW-Madison Master and PhD students will share highlights of their dairy research and breaking innovation from University research in the Hall of Ideas.
  • Hall of Ideas Equipment & Trade Show – Browse hundreds of exhibitor booths and network with industry leaders in the Hall of Ideas.  This is our attendees’ opportunity to see the latest in innovation and advancements with products and services provided to help dairy farmers succeed.
  • The Dairy Technology Hub – Experts from U.S. Cellular and InterQuest Corp. will guide and answer questions about devices and apps, back-up methods, virus protection needs and what to look for in purchasing new devices for all work conditions.  And, check out virtual reality glasses!
 
Conference attendees can also plan ahead by reviewing the 2019 agenda or downloading the conference app.
 
To learn more about the 2019 PDPW Business Conference details, educational sessions, or exhibitor and sponsorship details, visit PDPW.org/businessconference or contact PDPW at 800-947-7379.  Follow along digitally in advance of and during the event by following @dairyPDPW and using #PDPW2019 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 
 
Professional Dairy Producers (PDPW) is the nation's largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind, focusing on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.
 
###
---

February 11, 2019

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shelly Mayer
800-947-7379
mail@pdpw.org
 
Full Media Package is available (i.e. flyer, press release, photos, etc.)

Review Save the Date: Conference Flyer
Review Press Release: Conference Press Release
Photos/Logos: Conference Photos/Logos
 
2019 PDPW Business Conference Features Programming for all Dairy Farmers and Allied Industry
Presenting 41 Speakers and 62 Educational Sessions, Mar. 13-14, 2019
 
DAIRY NEWS – Presented by Professional Dairy Producers® (PDPW), join fellow dairy farmers, agribusiness and allied industries for dairy’s premier educational event, the 2019 PDPW Business Conference, held Mar. 13-14, 2019, at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis.
 
Seeking best-in-class education, attendees will have access to 62 educational sessions, 41 dynamic presenters, and six learning platforms – including inspirational and business keynotes, information-rich breakout sessions, interactive workshops in the Hands-on Hub, quick-pace Learning Lounges, and breaking-innovation from University Research at the PDPW Preview Stage, and the latest in hand-held technologies, mobile apps, and interactive innovations in the Dairy Technology Hub.
 
“The 2019 PDPW Business Conference was designed by a committee of fellow dairy farmers to capture the content and positive experience needed to help fellow dairy farmers remain focused and moving dairy forward,” said Shelly Mayer, Executive Director of PDPW and dairy farmer in Slinger, Wis.  “They didn’t disappoint; it’ll be one of their best and at a time they need it most.”
 
The Conference will again offer learning tracks – four key topic areas.  Tracks include 1) animal care and food safety, 2) business and finance, 3) human resources and management, and 4) social license.  This system will provide Conference attendees a way to customize their experience, as all our attendees’ businesses are unique in size, management practices, level of experience, and region of the country.
 
“The variety of sessions targeted to different learning styles and levels during the Business Conference is extremely valuable to our farm.  We each attend different sessions, then regroup and share what we’ve learned back at the farm,” said Brian Forrest, dairy farmer from Stratford, Wis.  “We can divide sessions with our herdsperson attending hands-on workshops focused on improving daily operations and cow and calf management while another team member is focusing on financial and business management, and I can focus on to the human resources, business strategy and leadership-focused sessions.” 

To learn more about the 2019 PDPW Business Conference details, learning platforms and tracks, or exhibitor and sponsorship details, visit PDPW.org/businessconference or contact PDPW at 800-947-7379.  Follow along digitally in advance of and during the event by following @dairyPDPW and using #PDPW2019 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Professional Dairy Producers (PDPW) is the nation's largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind, focusing on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.
 
###
---


January 21, 2019

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shelly Mayer
800-947-7379
mail@pdpw.org
 
Full Media Package is available (i.e. flyer, press release, photos, etc.)

Review Save the Date: Conference Flyer
Review Press Release: Conference Press Release
Photos/Logos: Conference Photos/Logos
 
Make Plans to Attend the 2019 PDPW Business Conference Mar. 13-14 in Madison, Wis.
Dairy’s Premier Educational Event Will Feature Best-in-Class Education and Networking
 
DAIRY NEWS – World-renowned speakers will present dynamic educational sessions and workshops at “Dairy Forward,” the 2019 PDPW Business Conference, presented by Professional Dairy Producers® (PDPW) on March 13-14 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis.  
 
The PDPW Business Conference has grown to be the premier educational event for the dairy industry, bringing together active dairy farmers and agribusiness professionals from across the country and globe. 
 
“Dairying is not just a job, it is our life’s work and often our family’s legacy,” said Shelly Mayer, Executive Director of PDPW and dairy farmer in Slinger, Wis.  “The 2019 PDPW Business Conference has been designed by dairy farmers to deliver the latest in education, innovations and solutions to help today’s dairy farmers succeed – and they exceeded expectations.”
 
Keynote speakers at the 2019 Conference will include:
  • Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus in the Agricultural and Applied Economics Department at Virginia Tech, President of AgriVisions, LLC, and part owner of Homestead Creamery in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • Scott Burrows, former Florida State University football player and top-ranked kick-boxing black-belt champion who was paralyzed in a car accident.  He is author of the best-selling book, Vision Mindset Grit.
  • Dr. Richard Pimentel, Vietnam War veteran, disability rights advocate, writer and comedian.  He has trained thousands of people on disability awareness and developing return-to-work models for injured and recently-disabled employees.
  • Jason Karszes, Senior Extension Associate with the PRO-DAIRY program at Cornell University, who coordinates the Cornell Dairy Executive Program to develop management skills for diary producers around the country.
  • Merril Hoge, former NFL running back and ESPN analyst, cancer survivor and author of the book, Find a Way: Three Words That Changed My Life. 
 
The 2019 program features sessions for every learning style, including eight specialty sessions, 26 breakout sessions, five keynote sessions, three Hands-On Hub sessions held five times, 15 Learning Lounges and five preview sessions highlighting the latest in university research.  A wide array of topics will be covered, including dairy production and health, business and finance, leadership and management, natural resources, human resources, food safety, consumer engagement and beyond.
 
The Conference also features the Hall of Ideas Equipment and Trade Show, which will include the industry’s best manufacturers, service providers and consultants. Dairy farmers can connect with the companies providing leading-edge innovations, technologies and products – all in one place.
 
Emcee of the Conference is Tom Thibodeau, one of PDPW’s most requested speakers, and one who brings passion, humor and captivating stories to the stage.  Award-winning band The Jimmys will provide entertainment following the conference banquet.
 
To learn more about the Conference and to register, visit www.pdpw.org or contact PDPW at 1-800-947-7379.  Follow along digitally in advance of and during the event by following @dairyPDPW and using #PDPW2019 or #DairyForward on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
 
Professional Dairy Producers (PDPW) is the nation's largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind, focusing on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.
 
###