January 6, 2026
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shelly Mayer
800-947-7379
mail@pdpw.org
 
Program flier in English
Program flier in Spanish
Program logo
Picture [photo caption at end of document]
 
 
Apply for Leadership Training at PDP Cornerstone Dairy Academy
Dairy Producers, Students, Industry Professionals: apply by Jan. 15
 
DAIRY NEWS – A new year brings new opportunities for students, dairy producers and industry professionals, and Cornerstone Dairy Academy® presented by Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP), is designed to answer that call. The annual program offers three distinct tiers created to equip producers and industry professionals with tools to more effectively lead, communicate and collaborate with others.
 
Six facilitators with diverse backgrounds and experiences will present the interactive sessions this year. Presenters include:

• Holly Green, behavioral scientist and experienced business leader who has worked with U.S. Navy SEALS, Top Gun fighter pilots, Olympic athletes, two U.S. presidents and more.
• Melissa Wilson, certified dining etiquette consultant who conducts workshops to empower individuals with the skills and confidence to gracefully navigate dining and social occasions.
• Hank Wagner, founder of Wagner Leadership Training and owner of a 900-cow dairy farm in northeastern Wisconsin with his family. He is a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer and coach who has authored the books Teachable Moments and Simple Miracles.
• Jacob Shapiro, geopolitical analyst who provides strategic guidance to families, investors and corporation in his role as director of research at The Bespoke Group.
• Dr. Richard Kyte, PhD, endowed professor of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis. He writes the “An Ethical Life” column for the La Crosse Tribune and has written several books.
• Tom Thibodeau is distinguished professor of Servant Leadership at Viterbo University and has received the university’s Teacher of the Year award.

 
The application-based program will be held March 3-4, 2026, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis, with all sessions simultaneously translated into Spanish.
 
Applications will be accepted through Thursday, January 15, 2026. Visit https://pdpw.org/cornerstone-dairy-academy/ to apply or contact PDP at 800-947-7379 with questions. A Spanish language version of the application is available at https://pdpw.org/cornerstone-dairy-academy-esp/.
 
“Cornerstone Academy was an exceptional experience for me personally and professionally,” said Kayla Langer, dairy producer and agri-business professional. “I left the program recharged, and with a new sense of gratitude for my family, work and customers.”
 
Upon acceptance to the program, students and dairy producers pay $200 to attend; allied industry members pay $500. Support from Dairy’s Foundation covers the balance of program fees, including meals. PDP will reimburse participants $50 per night for hotel lodging up to a maximum of two nights or $100.
 
Follow along digitally in advance of and during the event by following @dairyPDPW on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
 
Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP) 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.
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PHOTO:
 
Cornerstone Dairy Academy attendees listen to suggestions prior to engaging in leadership-developing activities they can later use with their team and family members.