The Dairy Signal
Join The Dairy Signal™, a free online resource providing dairy farmers insights for informed decisions. Three times a week, leading-edge presenters share resources and strategies for managing dairy’s rapidly shifting industry. Content aired on The Dairy Signal will be summarized and made available for free video or audio download.
Price
Free
Free
Description
Developed by PDPW for dairy farmers, processors and other industry leaders, The Dairy Signal episodes will feature a variety of experts in dairy business and dairy economics - and other management topics. All episodes will live-stream from 12:00-1:00 PM CT each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. In addition, each live session will offer attendees the opportunity to engage in open Q&A and interact with the speakers. A video and audio podcast recording of each episode will be available for free on-demand access after each airing.
To join the recorded session:
- Click “Watch Now”
- Enter your name and email address
To ask questions:
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Type www.slido.com in a web browser
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Enter myPDPW into event code
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Type your question and submit
All sessions are recorded and available to watch on-demand.
No registration fee is necessary, and all episodes are available by clicking the "Watch Now" button above. Follow along digitally in advance of and during the sessions by following @dairyPDPW and using #PDPWDairySignal on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Our dairy industry and lives are changing daily and our need for accurate business information is vital. This new resource is designed to bring our dairy community together while providing resources to help navigate through challenging times.
Contact
For more information, contact PDPW at 800-947-7379, or email us at mail@pdpw.org.Training Sessions
Presenters and topics by week, with a brief description of each day's episode topic and featured presenter(s):
Week 44: (watch now)
Tuesday, February 2
Every manager is asking how profits are made and what is holding back greater profitability. Learn about the DuPont System for Financial Analysis, and how to break down elements of profitability and make the most of management decisions on your farm.
- Dr. Kevin Bernhardt, Professor of Agribusiness at UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and Farm Management Specialist with UW-Extension and Center for Dairy Profitability
- Gary Sipiorski, independent business and financial consultant
Review market drivers, trends and fundamentals for both milk and feed markets. Learn about practical risk management tools and example strategies on how to apply them to the current market opportunities.
- Will Babler, Principal, Atten Babler Commodities LLC
Get an update on the global dairy industry as markets around the world recover and reposition from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, learn what producers can do to remain price competitive and avoid the “angry bird” phase when managing through changing times.
- Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus, Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics, Virginia Tech
- Dr. Alex White, Advanced Instructor, Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Tech
Week 43: (watch now)
Tuesday, January 26
Hear the latest updates on water quality and cover crop research, as well as the environmental issues that dairy producers should be aware of in 2021.
- Amber Radatz, Co-Director, Discovery Farms
- Tim Radatz, Minnesota Discovery Farms Coordinator
Find out what grocery trends and consumer demands from 2020 will continue into the future, including the use of online grocery shopping and possible marketing opportunities for dairy producers.
- Brandon Scholz, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association
- Darrin S. Kuehn, Senior Director of Store Operations, Skogen’s Festival Foods – De Pere Support Office
Get the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and the ag industry through 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 42: (watch now)
Tuesday, January 19
Learn how the calf’s rumen develops and hear tips to make the weaning transition period more successful, including cost-effective ways to begin introducing weaned calves to heifer rations.
- Dr. Jud Heinrichs, Professor of Dairy Nutrition, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
Gain insight from a panel focused on practical ways to make calf care a top priority on your farm, including calf care techniques, record-keeping systems and working with the entire dairy team.
- Ermith Ocampo, Livestock Director, Milk Source LLC
- Stacy Jauquet, Owner, Jauquet’s Hillview Dairy LLC
Pneumonia is the most common disease in growing calves, and is especially challenging in winter months. Tune in for the latest updates on preventing and treating this disease.
- Dr. Theresa Ollivett, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Large Animal), Assistant Professor in Food Animal Production Medicine section at UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine
Week 41: (watch now)
Tuesday, January 12
Learn on-board training techniques, effective ways to retain and reward employees and ways to communicate using other means of technology when in-person meetings are unavailable.
- Liz Griffith, Market Development, Human Resource Consultant, Encore Consultants
Learn how to provide constructive feedback and manage challenging conversations. Find out what the next generation needs to know in order to be a successful contributor to the business.
- Nicole Bettinger Zeidler, Consultant, Family Business Consulting Group
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends as we move into 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 40: (watch now)
Tuesday, January 5
Learn the latest hoof trimming methods, herd level factors that influence lameness incidence and how dairy producers can reduce the incidence of lameness.
- Dr. Gerard Cramer, DVM, Associate Professor, Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota
Hear an update on transition cow research and feed efficiency trials predicting individual cow feed intake and how they utilize nutrients differently, as well as an update at the Dairy Innovation Hub.
- Dr. Heather White, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutritional Physiology of UW-Madison
Farm estate and transfer plans are only effective if they are kept up to date. Learn action plans to keep your farm succession plan and estate plan current and in line with business and personal goals.
- George Twohig and Troy Schneider, Partners and Attorneys at Twohig, Rietbrock, Schneider & Halbach Law Office
Week 39: (watch now)
Tuesday, December 29
Learn the latest research findings in optimizing fertility of sexed semen in lactating dairy cows and non-lactating dairy heifers.
- Dr. Paul Fricke, Ph.D., Dairy Reproduction Specialist at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends as we close out 2020 and look ahead into 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 38: (watch now)
Tuesday, December 22
Take a look at the top nutrition trends in 2020 and hear about some of the hidden opportunities in nutrition management, feed costs and inventory management to take your dairy to the next level in 2021.
- Dr. John Goeser, Ph.D., Director of Nutritional Research & Innovation at Rock River Lab, Inc., and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Dairy Science Department at University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Matt Akins, Assistant Scientist and Extension Dairy Specialist at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Learn practical tips on optimizing the transition cow period for top milk production and reproductive performance.
- Dr. Neil Michael, Manager of Ruminant Field Technical Services with Arm & Hammer
Week 37: (watch now)
Tuesday, December 15
Take a look at the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on consumer attitudes toward food and agriculture, and dig deeper into which trends will be short term and which will last.
- Charlie Arnot, CEO, Center for Food Integrity
Hear an update on how COVID-19 has affected the health of dairy industry team members, how this essential product is getting to market, as well as an update on the latest OSHA and CDC guidelines and vaccine progress.
- Mary Bauer, Compliance Assistance Specialist, of Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Eau Claire Area
- John R. Raymond, Sr., MD, President and CEO, Medical College of Wisconsin
Hear the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends as we close out 2020 and look ahead into 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Compan
Week 36: (watch now)
Tuesday, December 8
Learn from global food industry leaders about their work with suppliers and customers to secure high-quality agricultural ingredients that meet global sustainability goals.
- Emily Johannes, Category Manager – Ethical Sourcing, Nestle
- Karen Scanlon, Senior Vice President, Environmental Stewardship, Dairy Management, Inc.
Hear an update on how the changing of the political guard in Washington might impact dairy policy, regulations and markets in 2021 and beyond.
- Paul Bleiberg, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, National Milk Producers Federation
Understand the basics of blockchain and how it could be a tool for the dairy industry now and in the future.
- Phil Harris, Co-Founder and President, ripe.io
Week 35: (watch now)
Tuesday, December 1
Understand options for calculating cost of production and how each approach can help make management decisions and manage risk.
- Gary Sipiorski, Independent Business and Financial Consultant
- Dr. Kevin Bernhardt, Professor of Agribusiness at UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and Farm Management Specialist with UW-Extension and Center for Dairy Profitability
Hear about agriculture and the dairy outlook from the lender point of view, including lessons learned from 2020 and tips for planning ahead for 2021, including prepaying, refinancing, and other options.
- Tim McTigue, Senior Vice President of Ag Banking, Investors Community Bank
- Doug Lambert, Assistant Vice-president, Farmers & Merchants Union Bank
- Jim Moriarty, Director of Dairy Teams, Compeer Financial
Get the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets, current trends and what to expect for the rest of this year and into 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company.
Week 34: (watch now)
Tuesday, November 23
Learn about the weather patterns for upcoming months and get an inside look at the winter weather outlook.
- Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions
Hear from a dairy producer panel about the management practices, technologies and tools needed to maintain a high production herd. They will share their experiences and provide insights to help raise the bar on production.
- Scott Seward, Seward’s Dairy
- Tom Kestell, Ever-Green-View LLC
There will not be a Dairy Signal broadcast on Thursday, Nov. 26. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Week 33: (watch now)
Tuesday, November 17
Hear how cancer is affecting our rural communities and learn about options for screenings and ways to take care of your health to reduce cancer risk.
- Dr. Madhuri Rao, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Thoracic and Foregut Surgery, University of Minnesota
Understand how the animal traceability and ID system works and hear about examples from poultry and pork industries when it played an important role in animal and human health.
- Dan Goehring, Johnsonville Livestock Procurement Coordinator for Johnsonville Sausage
- Dr. Gretchen May, DVM, Veterinary Program Manager, Wisconsin DATCP
- Dr. Darlene Konkle, DVM, Wisconsin State Veterinarian, Wisconsin DATCP
Hear the latest update on COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin and what families can do to be healthy and safe, especially with upcoming colder weather and holiday seasons. They will also share information on a COVID surveillance study underway in Wisconsin.
- Kathrine Barnes, MS, MPH, Project Manager, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute
Week 32: (watch now)
Tuesday, November 10
Responsible antibiotic management is a top priority for both dairy farmers and consumers. Learn about the Food Armor program and hear about on-farm processes that can be used to improve antibiotic treatment efficacy.
- Paul Lippert, farmer, Grass Ridge Farm
- Katie Mrdutt, DVM, MBA Candidate, Executive Director, Food Armor® Foundation
Hear about the hunger disparity in Wisconsin and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on food supplies for families across the state. Learn about the Dairy Recovery Program and how programs are using CARES funds from DATCP to purchase Wisconsin products.
- Sherrie Tussler, Executive Director of Milwaukee Hunger Task Force
Learn the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets, current trends and what to expect for the rest of this year and into 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company.
Week 31: (watch now)
Tuesday, November 3
With winter right around the corner, ventilation becomes a top priority. Learn how to be prepared when it comes to air quality for our animals.
- Dr. Nigel Cook, DVM, Professor in Food Animal Production Medicine at UW-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine and Chair of the Department of Medical Sciences
Producers are adding value to their dairy by diversifying into on-farm sales. Learn more about what it takes to start, grow and maintain a successful value-added enterprise.
- Lolly Lesher, owner/partner in Way-Har Farms, LLC and Way-Har Farm Market, LLC in Bernville, Pennsylvania
- Kara Kasten-Olson, owner of Little Farmer Meats and Ag Program Supervisor at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Passing the farm on to the next generation involves planning. Find out how these dairy producers are working through the farm succession process.
- Ken Feltz, owner, along with his family, of Feltz Family Farms, Inc., and Feltz’s Dairy Store Inc.
- Marty Hallock, owner, Mar-Bec Dairy
Week 30: (watch now)
Tuesday, October 27
It’s Energy Awareness Month - discover ways to conserve more energy and find out what an energy audit means.
- Jessica Mlsna, Energy Advisor, Focus on Energy
Your farm is your livelihood. Learn about the five key risks areas all farmers need to insure and the importance of safety inspections.
- Chris Schlechta, Safety and Loss Control Manager for the Rural Mutual Insurance Company
- Michael Immel, Licensed Insurance Agent with the Rural Mutual Insurance Company and Farm Bureau Financial Services and Owner of Immel Insurance & Financial Services
Tune in for an analysis of agricultural markets, current trends and what to expect for the rest of this year and into 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 29: (watch now)
Tuesday, October 20
Farmers take pride in providing the best nourishment for both their land and the animals they raise, but at times, neglect to nurture, replenish and take care of their own bodies. Learn more about proper nutrition management.
- Amy Myrdal Miller, MS, RDN, FAND, Founder & President, Farmer’s Daughter Consulting, Inc.
Developing a model for livestock premises registration and traceability is no small task. Find how the premises registration and individual animal identification system continues to develop to protect livestock health, traceability and consumer confidence from farm to fork.
- Jodi Legge, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium
- Curt Larson, President and CEO of Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association
October is National Fire Prevention Month. Having effective procedures and measures in place can save lives. Tune in to discover procedures and methods to follow to prevent fires.
- Gerald Minor, Pittsville, Wis., Fire Chief
Week 28: (watch now)
Tuesday, October 13
Seasonal weight restrictions serve a purpose. Learn how farmers can minimize road damage and work together with road maintenance crews.
- Kevin Erb, Director of the Conservation Professional Training Program for UW-Madison, Division of Extension
- Mike Koles, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Town Association
- Dean Steingraber, Highway Commissioner for the Outagamie County Highway Department
The COVID-19 situation has impacted the food industry. Hear how the meat processing industry has reacted, how meat demands have changed, and what the future has in store.
- Bridget Wasser, Senior Executive Director, Product Research & Education, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Tune in for an analysis of agricultural markets, current trends and what to expect for the rest of this year and into 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 27: (watch now)
Tuesday, October 6
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program will award up to $360 million to locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. Learn more details about this program.
- Matt Otto, Resource Conservationist & Special Initiatives Coordinator, Natural Resources Conservation Services
- Dennis Frame, owner of Timber Ridge Consulting
As grocery chains navigated their way through the summer months, get a glimpse of what consumers are looking for as we head into fall and winter and what challenges lie ahead. In addition, learn how dairy promotion efforts are continuing to build trust and partnerships that add value for dairy farmers.
- Brandon Scholz, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association
- Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
Thursday, October 8
Learn how the balance sheet and income statements come together to generate useful key ratios such as working capital, debt to asset, return on assets and cost of production.
- Gary Sipiorski, Business and Financial Consultant
- Dr. Kevin Bernhardt, Professor of Agribusiness at UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and Farm Management Specialist with UW-Extension and Center for Dairy Profitability
Week 26: (watch now)
Tuesday, September 29
The USDA’s Farm Service Agency began accepting round two applications last week for the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Learn the new details and how they may differ from the first round of this program.
- Sandy Chalmers, State Executive Director for the Wisconsin FSA
It’s a busy time of year with fall harvest underway. Learn proper etiquette when sharing the road with farm equipment.
- Cheryl Skjolaas, Extension Agricultural Safety Specialist with the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Tune in for an analysis of agricultural markets, current trends and what to expect for the rest of this year and into 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 25: (watch now)
Tuesday, September 22
Initial field reports indicate strong yields for corn silage this year. Learn how to manage this feed inventory to take advantage of both yield and quality.
- Dr. John Goeser, Director of Nutritional Research & Innovation at Rock River Lab, Inc., and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Dairy Science Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Dr. Luiz Ferraretto, Assistant Professor and Ruminant Nutrition Extension Specialist, UW-Madison
An update from Washington: How are the dairy-trade export markets trending and what lies ahead in 2021? Also, starting Monday, Sept. 21, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency will begin accepting round 2 applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Learn the details of the second wave of this program.
- Jim Mulhern, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)
Learn how one family has become farm safety advocates, turning their tragedy into a learning experience – proving the power of a story. Establishing a farm safety fund, they have created a rebate program for farmers who rent portable gas monitors. Also, as we head into the fall harvesting season, silo gas issues will be on the rise. While we can’t eliminate silo gas emissions, there are practices we can follow to help prevent our exposure to them, including the use of a four-gas meter specifically designed to detect silo gas.
- Gerald Minor, Pittsville, Wis., Fire Chief
- Bob Biadasz and Lisa Grezenski, fund administrators for the Mike Biadasz Farm Safety and Educational Memorial Fund.
Week 24: (watch now)
Tuesday, September 15
Let’s talk manure – what’s the definition, how can we avoid a spill, how do we report and manage a spill, and what do we need to know in regards to cleaning up a spill.
- Kevin Erb, Director of the Conservation Professional Training Program for UW-Madison, Division of Extension
- Issac Ross, Spills Team Leader – Hydrogeologist Program Coordinator at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Learn more about risk-management tools and how to effectively use them to capture opportunity and minimize commodity risk.
- Tim Swenson, Senior Business Consultant, Compeer Financial
- Chris Atten, Principal, Atten Babler Commodities
Tune in for current trends, an analysis of agricultural markets and what to expect the rest of this year and into 2021.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 23: (watch now)
Tuesday, September 8
Recently there have been many discussions around milk checks and producer price differentials (PPDs), which are an accounting means to bring the Federal Milk Marketing Board pricing and pooling functions into balance. Learn more about the mechanics of the PPD and what future milk prices may look like.
- Dr. Mark Stephenson, UW-Madison Director of Dairy Policy Analysis and Director of Wisconsin's Center for Dairy Profitability
It’s no secret, the long days of fall harvest are upon us. Key in on some of the top tractor and large equipment safety tips and reminders that may help in preventing accidents.
- Dr. John Shutske, Ph.D., Professor and Cooperative Extension Specialist at UW-Madison Department of Biological Systems-Engineering
Even though it can be challenging and potentially a touchy subject, there are ways to continue farming when the mind is sharp but body failing. There are organizations and resources available. Learn what AgrAbility has done for farmers to help keep them working on the farm.
- Amanda Harguth, Outreach Specialist for AgrAbility of Wisconsin
Week 22: (watch now)
Tuesday, September 1
There are software programs and apps available to help farmers determine yield data, map out profitability and look at conservation opportunities. Learn more about these programs and an app called FeedScan. A new InField Updates function within the FeedScan app maps out real-time freshly-chopped corn moisture and quality results, for any region the user selects, using geotagged feed analysis results.
- Scott Stipetich, Precision Ag and Conservation Specialist, Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever
- Dr. John Goeser, Director of Nutritional Research & Innovation at Rock River Lab, Inc., and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Dairy Science Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
It is important to gain a global perspective on sustainability and the environment. Discover who are considered leaders in sustainability and what practices we, as farmers, can control and manage.
- Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D., Professor and Air Quality Extension Specialist with the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis
Know your numbers is a common phrase used heavily this year. Learn what numbers lenders are looking for and why they are vital to the success of your business.
- Dr. Kevin Bernhardt, Professor of Agribusiness at UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and Farm Management Specialist with UW-Extension and Center for Dairy Profitability
Week 21: (watch now)
Tuesday, August 25
Discovery Farms works with farmers across Wisconsin on water quality monitoring and nitrogen use efficiency. Learn more about these on-farm research projects and how you can get involved.
- Amber Radatz, Co-Director, Discovery Farms
There’s a reason we don’t “kiss the calves.” Learn more about zoonotic diseases from dairy cows and how they can be transmitted.
- Jeff Bender, DVM, Professor and Hospital Epidemiologist and Director of the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH), University of Minnesota
Discover how the global economy is impacting the agricultural industry today and gain insight on how the future may look down the road.
- Mary Ledman, Global Sector Strategist for Dairy, RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness Group
Week 20: (watch now)
Tuesday, August 18
The Wisconsin Farm Support Program is open for the second round of applications and grants will be going out soon under the Food Security Initiative - tune in to learn the details. In addition, the Dairy Innovation Hub provides money in state funding in the 2019-2021 biennial budget for broadly-defined dairy research. Learn how we as an industry and producers can help ensure this money stays with the Hub.
- Randy Romanski, Secretary Designee of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
- Senator Howard L. Marklein, Senate District 17, Spring Green
Heat illness is a serious medical condition that can result in heat exhaustion and heat stroke due to the body’s inability to cope with excessive heat. Learn how heat can affect pre-existing health conditions and how wearing different types of fabric and clothing can keep you cooler. Also, discover how humidity and drinking soda versus water can affect your body’s temperature.
- José Carmona, Research Coordinator at Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health (PNASH) Center
Find out what’s happening with agricultural markets and what to expect the rest of the year and into 2021, including an analysis of the global agricultural markets.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company
Week 19: (watch now)
Tuesday, August 11
Hear updates on the CARES Act, specifically what has been paid out to dairy farmers both nationally and right here in Wisconsin.
- Sandy Chalmers, State Executive Director for the USDA Wisconsin Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Growing conditions and initial field reports indicate strong yields for forage crops (corn and alfalfa), which is very unlike 2019. Learn proactive management practices for producing quality feed, and consider alternative feeding strategies to utilize this year's and the remaining of last year's feed.
- Dr. John Goeser, Director of Nutritional Research & Innovation at Rock River Lab, Inc., and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Dairy Science Department at University of Wisconsin-Madison
When talking with your lender, it’s important to know your numbers. Learn what numbers they are looking for and why annual balance sheets and income statements are vital to the success of your business.
- Gary Sipiorski, Business and Financial Consultant
- Dr. Kevin Bernhardt, Professor of Agribusiness at UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and Farm Management Specialist with UW-Extension and Center.
Week 18: (watch now)
Tuesday, August 4
Group housing can present benefits in growth performance, animal welfare and consumer acceptance. Discover whether group housing is an option for you.
- Dr. Jennifer Van Os, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Theresa Ollivett, DVM, Assistant Professor at the UW-Madison Department of Medical Sciences
What does it mean to be climate neutral? How do we as dairy farmers and an industry make positive advances into making this initiative a reality?
- Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D., Professor and Air Quality Extension Specialist with the Department of Animal Science at University of California, Davis
Thursday, August 6
Get the latest updates on marketing trends in the dairy, crop, beef, milk and ethanol markets, both domestically and globally. Episode presenter includes:
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company, a domestic and international agricultural research firm
Week 17: (watch now)
Tuesday, July 28
The Center for Dairy Research is one of the premier dairy research centers in the United States. Find out what the research team is currently working on and what the dairy industry has to look forward to down the road.
- John Lucey, Professor of Food Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Director of the Center for Dairy Research
When formulating today’s dairy ration, corn silage starts at the foundation. Panelists will discuss how they balance their rations taking into account their soil composition and cow health.
- Brody Stapel, Double Dutch Dairy, LLC, Cedar Grove
- Mitch Breunig, Mystic Valley Dairy, LLC, Sauk City
- Brett Bonlender, Clover Hill Dairy, LLC, Campbellsport
Hear an update from Washington. Find out what’s coming down the pike in agriculture and what policies are being discussed that will impact our industry.
- Dr. Mark Stephenson of UW-Madison Director of Dairy Policy Analysis and Director of Wisconsin's Center for Dairy Profitability
- Jim Mulhern, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)
Week 16: (watch now)
Tuesday, July 21
There’s a lot going on in our day-to-day operations, making it hard to balance life as we know it. This often leads to stress. Learn how to “slow the world down” and navigate through these stressful times.
- Dr. John Shutske, PhD, Professor and Cooperative Extension Specialist at UW-Madison Department of Biological Systems-Engineering
Get the latest on a new COVID-19 model addressing workplace modifications and testing for migrant and seasonal agricultural workers. Learn how it applies to the dairy industry and find out what community resources are available to these employees.
- Mariah Hennen, Farmworker Project Program Manager and Paralegal for Legal Action of Wisconsin
- Dr. Cheston Price, MD, Medical Director for Mobile Migrant Health Services at Family Health La Clinica (FHLC)
Learn how the dairy, crop, ethanol and meat markets are responding both domestically and globally and what’s going on in the export market.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company, a domestic and international agricultural research firm
Week 15: (watch now)
Tuesday, July 14
Find out how meat processing plants have fared through the coronavirus pandemic, how they are adapting going forward, and what precautions have been taken for both food and worker safety.
- Curt Larson, President and CEO of Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association
- Steve Van Lannen, President and Chief Operating Officer of American Foods Group.
There’s been some changes with the National Dairy FARM Program. Get the scoop on what these additions are and how they will impact your farm.
- Emily Yeiser Stepp, Vice President of The National Dairy FARM Program, National Milk Producers Federation
How does the Beef Checkoff impact dairy farmers? Learn how beef and byproducts find their way into the export market while also taking a look at the structure of the beef checkoff program nationally.
- Tammy Vaassen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Beef Council
Week 14: (watch now)
Tuesday, July 7
Figure out what type of cover crops are ideal for your operation by zeroing in on your goals and how they will impact your overall business.
- Matt Ruark, Associate Professor of Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
With 70 percent of all agricultural land use in the world deemed marginal and unsuitable for growing human foods, learn how livestock become “upcyclers”, utilizing this marginal land by producing some of the most nutritious food worldwide.
- Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D., Professor and Air Quality Extension Specialist with the Department of Animal Science at University of California, Davis
Learn how the dairy, crop, ethanol and meat markets are responding both domestically and globally and what’s going on in the export market.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Compan
Week 13: (watch now)
Tuesday, June 30
Hear about what’s happening around the country in cheese sale efforts and what strategies are being taken to promote Wisconsin dairy products.
- Rick Findlay, Vice President of Food Service and International for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
- Mike Edge, Marketing Director – Eastern Division for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
Pressure-test your business and zero in on manageable areas such as feed and labor to help navigate risk going forward.
- Dr. David Kohl, Co-owner of Homestead Creamery in Wirtz, Va., and Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Learn the most practical and cost-effective ways to maximize cow comfort year-round, but specifically during the hottest days of the season.
- Dr. Nigel Cook, DVM, Professor in Food Animal Production Medicine at UW-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine; Chair of the Department of Medical Sciences
- Dr. Jennifer Van Os, PhD, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Welfare at UW-Madison
Week 12: (watch now)
Tuesday, June 23
Hear an update on the Wisconsin Farm Support Program, which is providing $50 million in direct aid payments to Wisconsin farmers who have experienced losses due to COVID-19 and what direct-to-business grants are available for assistance.
- Randy Romanski, Secretary Designee of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
- John Lucey, Professor of Food Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Director of the Center for Dairy Research
Producers will hear a research update from all three universities involved in the Dairy Innovation Hub.
- Dr. Heather White, Assistant Professor of Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Dr. Tera L. Montgomery, Associate Professor of Dairy and Animal Science in the UW-Platteville School of Agriculture and Animal Science Program Coordinator
- Dr. Steve Kelm, Professor of Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
Learn how the dairy, crop, ethanol and meat markets are responding both domestically and globally. :
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company, a domestic and international agricultural research firm
Week 11: (watch now)
Tuesday, June 16
Hear an update from Washington. Find out what we have to look forward to in agriculture and what policies are being discussed that will impact our industry.
- Dr. Mark Stephenson of UW-Madison Director of Dairy Policy Analysis and Director of Wisconsin's Center for Dairy Profitability
- Jim Mulhern, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)
A COVID-19 outbreak on a farm could be catastrophic by jeopardizing the health of the team members and getting essential product to market. Learn about OSHA and CDC interim guidelines for Agricultural Workers and Employers to keep essential workers safe.
- Mary Bauer, Compliance Assistance Specialist, of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Eau Claire Area
- Dr. Casper Bendixsen, Director, National Farm Medicine Center
Experts will talk about how and what kind of impact the COVID-19 situation has had on different sectors of the food industry, specifically restaurants and grocery stores and what the future holds when it comes to vulnerability and opportunity.
- Brandon Scholz, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association
- Susan Quam, Executive Vice President of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association
Week 10: (watch now)
Tuesday, June 9
New information and progress on the sign-up period for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and other supportive resources available to help farmers succeed.
- Sandy Chalmers, State Executive Director for the USDA Wisconsin Farm Service Agency (FSA)
- Beth Mueller, FSA County Executive Director serving Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade, Oneida, Forest, Florence, & Vilas counties
Producers will learn what they need to do to capture state dollars now being offered to the agriculture industry and what the sign-up deadline is. They will also hear an update on the movement of dairy products into food banks and the growing partnership with The Hunger Task Force.
- Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
- Randy Romanski, Secretary Designee of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Learn how the weather is impacting harvesting conditions and what future weather patterns will bring and how the dairy and crop markets are responding both domestically and globally.
- Eric Snodgrass, principal atmospheric scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company, a domestic and international agricultural research firm
Week 9: (watch now)
Tuesday, June 2
What details do you need to provide to your lender and what do producers need to know about the banking world.
- Sam Miller, Managing Director, Head of Agriculture, BMO Harris Bank
- Steve Schwoerer, Senior Dairy Lending Specialist, Compeer Financial
Learn how consumer buying habits have shifted during these unchartered times and what future trends could look like.
- Charlie Arnot, CEO of The Center for Food Integrity and President of Look East
Hear how the COVID-19 situation has impacted the environment and how the industry is responding.
- Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D., Professor and Air Quality Extension Specialist with the Department of Animal Science at University of California, Davis
Week 8: (watch now)
Tuesday, May 26
Take a look at dairy producer scenarios and how these scenarios can maximize net profit.
- Victor Cabrera, Ph.D., Professor and Extension Specialist in Dairy Management, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Tim Swenson, Senior Business Consultant, Compeer Financial
Learn what Dairy Management, Inc. is doing to increase demand for dairy product consumption.
- Barbara O’Brien, President of Dairy Management, Inc.
Tune in for the latest economic trends, the ongoing global impact and how re-opening some parts of our industry is affecting the overall economy.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company, a domestic and international agricultural research firm
Week 7: (watch now)
Tuesday, May 19
Hear an update from Washington and what kind of direct assistance is coming to rural America.
- Jim Mulhern, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)
Discover how the global economy is impacting the agriculture industry today and gain insight on how the future may look down the road.
- Mary Ledman, Global Sector Strategist for Dairy in the RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness Group
Hear updates on the CARES Act and possible details on how to tap into federal funds and learn of existing programs available.
- Sandy Chalmers, State Executive Director for the USDA Wisconsin Farm Service Agency
- Tom Brandt, Farm Loan Chief, USDA Wisconsin Farm Service Agency
Week 6: (watch now)
Tuesday, May 12
The state of the dairy industry and how federal funds could be distributed in Wisconsin.
- Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin
- Randy Romanski, Interim Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Hear the latest market updates, how consumers are reacting, and find practical steps to make the right decisions for your operation, including cow-feeding strategies.
- Dr. Luiz Ferraretto, Assistant Professor and Ruminant Nutrition Extension Specialist, UW-Madison
- Dr. David Kohl, Co-owner of Homestead Creamery in Wirtz, Va., and Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Tune in for the latest economic trends, the ongoing global impact and what to expect later down the road.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company, a domestic and international agricultural research firm
Week 5: (watch now)
Tuesday, May 5
Learn up-to-date market insight and where the industry is headed and get an inside look at how the cheese industry has been impacted.
- Dr. Mark Stephenson of UW-Madison Director of Dairy Policy Analysis and Director of Wisconsin's Center for Dairy Profitability
- John Umhoefer, Executive Director, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association
Wednesday, May 6
Hear about the latest market updates and practical steps to make the right decisions for your operation and protocols necessary for farm safety.
- Charles Palmer, Partner and Sub-practice Leader, Workplace Safety and Health, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
- Dr. David Kohl, Co-owner of Homestead Creamery in Wirtz, Va., and Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Thursday, May 7
Tune in for updates on current news, economic trends and the ongoing global impact and what’s ahead and also hear how the Defense Production Act is affecting the meat processing industry.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company, a domestic and international agricultural research firm
- Steve Van Lannen, President and Chief Operating Officer of American Foods Group
Week 4: (watch now)
Tuesday, April 28
The state of the dairy industry.
- Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin
- Randy Romanski, Interim Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Wednesday, April 29
Market forecast and financial stability and business management through uncertainty.
Market forecast and financial stability and business management through uncertainty.
- Liz Griffith, Market Development and Human Resource Consultant for Encore Consultants
- Dr. David Kohl, Co-owner of Homestead Creamery in Wirtz, Va., and Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Thursday, April 30
Market stability and dairy outlook.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company, a domestic and international agricultural research firm
Week 3: (watch now)
Tuesday, April 21
Learn up-to-date market insight and cow-side implications of various business changes.
- Dr. Mark Stephenson of UW-Madison Director of Dairy Policy Analysis and Director of Wisconsin's Center for Dairy Profitability
- Dr. Heather White, Assistant Professor of Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Wednesday, April 22
Hear the market forecast and proposed marketing plans to assist dairy producers and processors.
- Jim Mulhern, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)
- Dr. David Kohl, Co-owner of Homestead Creamery in Wirtz, Va., and Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Cover market stability and outlook, and gain insights on cow-feeding strategies.
- Dan Basse, Economist and President of AgResource Company, a domestic and international agricultural research firm
- Dr. Luiz Ferraretto, Assistant Professor, Livestock Nutrition, University of Florida
Week 2: (watch now)
Tuesday, April 14
Presenters will offer invaluable real-time market insight and take a look at how the markets are responding.
- Dr. Mark Stephenson of UW-Madison Director of Dairy Policy Analysis and Director of Wisconsin's Center for Dairy Profitability
- Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
- Steve Van Lannen, President and Chief Operating Officer of American Foods Group
- Curt Larson, President and CEO of Equity Cooperative Livestock Association
Farmers will get an inside look at one of the critical factors outside our control – the weather and take a look at feeding strategies.
- Eric Snodgrass, principal atmospheric scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions
- Dr. David Kohl, Co-owner of Homestead Creamery in Wirtz, Va., and Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Week 1: (watch now)
Tuesday, April 7
Presenters will address what’s happening in the marketplace, how long farmers can expect current situations to last, and what the dairy sector can do right now to mitigate the impacts.
- Dr. Mark Stephenson of UW-Madison Director of Dairy Policy Analysis and Director of Wisconsin's Center for Dairy Profitability
- Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
Wednesday, April 8
Addressing economic strategies head-on, dairy farmers can use the real-time insights to manage their businesses, maximize their viability and stay nimble during these times. Presenters will also address
Testimonials
Thoroughly impressed!
Thank you for creating The Dairy Signal. I have watched several episodes and have been thoroughly impressed with the content and delivery of each episode, and plan to share it with others.
- Dr. Luis R, Industry Member, El Dorado Hills, Ca.
The reliable resource for dairy producers and the allied industry!
Over the past 30 years of watching PDPW grow, their group has become the reliable resource for dairy producers and the allied industry. They continue to offer endless opportunities to connect with other dairy farmers and encourage them to feed off each other’s innovation and accomplishments.
- David A, Industry Member, Alpharetta, Ga.
Industry experts providing fact-based information
Since its inception, PDPW has provided dairy producers and allied industry with innovative and practical solutions to improve profitability and sustainability in the dairy production business. The Dairy Signal is the latest tool in the toolbox. In a concise, easy to manage format, over lunch, the experts brought together on The Dairy Signal provide up to the minute, usable, information that helps me and my customers make better decisions during this unprecedented time. Each of my kids are involved in the dairy industry, and it's important to me that they have the same chances at success that I have had. Right now, The Dairy Signal is providing resources to help make that happen.
- Peter C, Industry Member, Spring Valley, Wis.
Reminding us to stay on our game!
The Dairy Signal helps us get our mind off some of the unpleasant things like milk dumping and the coronavirus and on to the things that are important to our businesses. Dr. Kohl always has some value in what he shares. He keeps reminding us to stay on our game – that advice is very much needed these days. And Eric Snodgrass gave us some optimism and opportunity with the way the weather patterns look.
- Roger W, Dairy Farmer, Columbus, Wis.
An ever-changing world.
The Dairy Signal has helped me stay up to date in this ever-changing world we live in. The insight from our industry experts is shared in a really easy-to-understand, conversational way. We can hear directly from those people who are out there trying to make things happen on our behalf and those who can clearly explain what’s happening. The recordings have been helpful as I’m able to listen to them when my schedule with my crazy kids allows.
- Tony & Moriah B, Dairy Farmer, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.
Excellent is not a high-enough praise!
Just a big Thank You to Shelly and all for your efforts in putting together the video conference. Excellent is
not a high-enough praise for all the effort and foresight you have put into this project.
- Kevin T, Industry Member, Edina, Minn.
Incredibly valuable insights.
Dan Basse.....Incredibly valuable insights and strong honest realistic opinions. He understands the urgent need to address the magnitude of the world predicament. Extremely impressive and I am grateful for the opportunity to hear his presentation. Thank you!!
- Ralph B, Dairy Farmer, Stratford, Wis.
Best part is being able to watch the recording.
The Dairy Signal is very timely and provides up-to-date information. The best part is being able to watch the recording later, because it doesn’t take time out of the day's schedule.
- Russel S, Dairy Farmer, Two Rivers, Wis.