PDP Manager's Memo

August 2026 Vol. 2

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

The Dairy Signal^®

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

August 11 - What's New in the World of Lameness

Preventing and treating lameness is one of the biggest priorities for today’s dairy operations. Hear about the latest research and management practices in lameness.

Dr. Nigel Cook, Food Animal Production Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine

August 13 - Emerging Disease Updates

Don’t miss this episode with updates on emerging diseases including bird flu and New World screwworm. Dr. Poulsen will also share updates and management considerations for BVD.

Dr. Keith Poulsen, PhD, Director, Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL), University of Wisconsin

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

August 4 - Hydration that Works

Think you need electrolytes every time you work up a sweat? Learn when plain water is enough, when electrolytes can help and why sipping fluids throughout the day beats chugging them at night.

Morgan Ekovich, Health and Nutrition Coach, Founder, Get fit with ME

August 6 - Market Update

Milk markets look relatively balanced, but rising feed costs could squeeze dairy margins as 2026 moves into 2027. Hear why locking in profitable margins, watching seasonal trends and planning feed coverage now could help manage risk before costs climb.

Ben Buckner, Chief Grains and Dairy Analyst, AgResource Company

Opportunities to Learn

See you this week! Calf Facility Tours August 11, 12, 13

Bring your questions for host farms on these interactive visits across Wisconsin. Learn from your peers and take new ideas back to your farm. Walk-ins are welcome Aug. 11 and 13. Learn more

Aug. 11 - Truttmann Dairy LLC

Aug. 12 - Calf Source - SOLD OUT

Aug. 13 - McFarlandale Dairy

Connect, collaborate and learn with PDP peer groups

Step away from the day-to-day, visit other farms and connect with dairy producers with similar interests, goals and experiences. PDP Peer Groups are a unique opportunity for dairy producers and anyone on your team. Learn more and complete an interest form.

Upcoming programs

ACE TWILIGHT MEETINGS

Don't miss your opportunity for a voice in your communities and rural Wisconsin. Join fellow producers, community leaders and elected officials in events hosted by PDP, Wisconsin Towns Association and Wisconsin Counties Association.

August 24, 25, 26, 27

Learn more

IDAHO DAIRY TOURS.

Registration is open for a three-day program to explore some of the largest and most innovative dairies in the country, tour potato and sugar beet operations and experience the natural beauty of Idaho's Magic Valley. Don't wait: space is limited to the first 45 registered active dairy producers!

October 19-23, 2026

Learn more.

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

CLARITY IS LEADERSHIP. Research spanning 60 years and nearly 800,000 workers found unclear roles are a major source of workplace stress. Leaders can reduce that stress by clearly communicating responsibilities, priorities, decision-making authority and expectations. When people know what matters, what’s expected and how success is defined, they can work with greater confidence, focus and engagement. Learn more.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MAY BE WATCHING, but leaders still set the direction. As technologies to monitor, record and analyze employee actions in milk parlors, calf areas and more on the farm, how dairy managers use that information is critical. Leaders must establish clear expectations for how AI is used, while protecting judgment, accountability and human connection. Learn more in the Michigan State Extension article.

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

EFFECTIVE LIGHT MANAGEMENT IN INDOOR HOUSING involves not only how many hours the lights are on, but also when, how brightly, and with what type of light cows are exposed to. An article from Ohio State Extension outlines how understanding these different dimensions of light exposure may help producers use lighting more strategically. For example, dry cows may benefit from a short-day photoperiod to support mammary development and cellular immune function. Read more.

ACCLIMATION TRAINING TO AUTOMATED MILKING SYSTEMS reduced reluctance of cows to enter the new system, according to research published in the Journal of Dairy Science. Researchers compared three methods of training in cows in a herd transitioning to the system, including an acclimation training regimen with exposure to a non-operational AMS unit and positive reinforcement of a grain reward. Learn more in the full study.

Foundation Focus

AG AWARENESS AREA, DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR (NEW YORK)

A program supported in part by Dairy’s Foundation used videos, interactive displays and educational signage to connect thousands of consumers with the people, practices and technology behind today’s dairy farms.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Program – Delaware County created short videos telling the story of different types of dairy farms in their county. Videos were used as part of a virtual tour display in the Ag Awareness Area of the Delaware County Fair, which draws more than 80,000 visitors each year. After the fair, videos were shared online and at community events. View videos of Clark Farms and Harmonie Farms and more information about the program here.

Videos were also used in the “Voices in the Barn” activity where 24 dairy producers met face-to-face with consumers, generating nearly 350 meaningful conversations about farming and food production.

The next application deadline for grants from Dairy’s Foundation is Dec. 1, 2026. Share information about the grant program with nonprofits in your area!