PDP Manager's Memo

July 2026 Vol. 3

Brought to you by Dairy's Professional Development Organization^®

The Dairy Signal^®

Check out what's coming this week on The Dairy Signal!

July 21 - Wills vs. Estate Planning: Why Both Matter

Tune in to learn about wills and estate plans and why it is important to have both in place. Bring your questions for this important conversation.

Troy Schneider, Shareholder and Attorney, Menn Law Firm

July 23 - Market Update

Gain insights on the latest news and trends that will impact commodity and dairy markets and your farm.

Ben Buckner, Chief Grains and Dairy Analyst, AgResource Company

Access Now

Tune in every Tuesday and Thursday live from noon to 1 p.m. CT, or catch previous episodes on demand here.

Previously on The Dairy Signal

July 14

The right insurance coverage is a critical piece of protecting your farm and employees. Learn about assessing your operation, recommended coverage, what should be in place if an employee is injured and more.

Mike Immel, LUTCF, Rural Mutual Insurance Company

July 16

Hear about the process involved in damages claims when farmers are involved in accidents and how “lost earnings” in those claims are determined.

Patrick Coffey, shareholder and attorney, Menn Law Firm, Ltd

Opportunities to Learn

Just around the corner - register now for July programs!

CARBON, CROPS + COWS

July 28 - Sauk City, Wis.

July 30 - Pittsville, Wis.

Industry experts will break down how sustainability metrics are calculated and what factors have the greatest impact. Then see examples of those practices in action through farm tours and producer discussions. Learn more and register.

PDP ACCELERATE™

July 28 - Madison, Wis.

A one-day, fast-paced workshop for interns to build professional, communication and leadership skills to thrive now and after graduation. Learn more and register.

Add August tours to your calendars, too

CALF FACILITY TOURS

Aug. 11 - Blanchardville, Wis.

Aug. 12 - De Pere, Wis.

Aug. 13 - Watertown, Wis.

Learn more

ACE TWILIGHT MEETINGS

August 24, 25, 26, 27

Learn more

Make plans now to step up management and financial skills

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & ADVANCED FINANCE WORKSHOP

Sun Prairie, Wis.

Oct. 28-29, 2026

Learn more

FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR DAIRY®

Beaver Dam, Wis.

Level One:

Nov. 11-12, Dec. 1-2, 2026

Level Two:

Feb 2-3, 17-18, Mar. 9-10, 2027

Learn more

DAIRY MANAGERS INSTITUTE®

Green Bay, Wis.

Dec. 15-16, 2026

Learn more

For Your Business Mind

STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH CUSTOM OPERATORS start long before the equipment arrives. An article from UW-Extension recommends discussing expectations early, clearly defining responsibilities, sharing field conditions and timelines, and putting key details in writing. Read the full article for tips on maintaining open communication, providing timely updates and treating the relationship as a partnership, along with links to key resources.

MIDDLE MANAGERS SHAPE the employee experience more than anyone else in an organization. Research shows they have an outsized impact on engagement, retention and performance, yet many companies focus training on operations instead of people leadership. Skills every middle manager needs include:

Building trust-based relationships
Engaging teams through influence
Creating momentum through recognition
Translating strategy into action

Learn more

Your Farm - Your Footprint®

PROTECT YOUR MARKET AND YOUR FUTURE

As market pressures change, stay ahead of the curve by learning how sustainability data is collected and see where your farm stands.

Here's what participating in Your Farm - Your Footprint looks like:

Upload data on nutrient management, crop yields, herd stats and electricity/water use
A third-party team runs the three recognized models
PDP’s grant funding pays for it
You receive your footprint score. Only you see it, and you control your data.

Learn more and sign up today at pdpw.org/your-farm-your-footprint/.

For Your Dairy

PREVENTING CALF DIARRHEA starts long before the first signs of illness appear. A Penn State Extension article emphasizes that while high-quality colostrum is essential, strong sanitation practices throughout the maternity and calf environment are just as important. Read the article for practical steps to reduce pathogen exposure and improve calf health, helping producers lower treatment costs and improve long-term performance.

SMALL CHANGES AT THE FEEDBUNK can have an impact on reducing emissions. Research shows feed additives like 3-NOP can reduce methane emissions, but results depend on proper inclusion, consistent feeding and a well-balanced ration. The article explores how dairy producers can evaluate available options, improve feed efficiency and make nutrition decisions that support both environmental goals and herd performance. Read more.

Member Profile

MOORE LOCAL: AT THE HEART OF THEIR COMMUNITY (PART 2)

Moore Local is more than just a creamery or coffee shop. It is a gathering place for community. What started as a way to keep a family dairy farm viable has grown into one of Maquoketa's popular gathering places.

Heather Moore of Moore Local in Maquoketa, Iowa, knew her family dairy farm, More Family Farms, needed to diversify in order to keep their dream of milking cows alive. After exploring multiple avenues and alternative income streams, Moore made the investment in 2017 to have their milk crafted into cheddar cheese.

“We looked at every single option before having some cheese custom made,” said Moore.

The cheese was first sold through a Christmas pop-up, but the response from local customers revealed a larger opportunity. What started as a small seasonal venture steadily grew into a year-round business.

Today, Moore Local features a creamery, coffee shop, retail space, and USDA-inspected meat locker. Moore credits that growth to the people who supported the business from the beginning.

“We give so much credit to our community because we essentially created a market,” said Moore.

That support remains at the heart of Moore Local's success. “Our community has been with us every step of the way, and their support has been second to none,” said Moore. “Our community is what makes us who we are.”

What began as an effort to diversify a family dairy farm has become a community hub built on local support and entrepreneurial spirit.

To hear the full story, watch Part 2 of Heather Moore's feature on Moore Family Farms and Moore Local here.