PDP Manager's Memo

August 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!

August 18 - Protecting the Bottom Line: Cull Cow Markets & LRP Strategies

Learn about the new Cull Cow LRP risk management tool, including practical applications to protect the value of cull cows.

Will Babler, Principal, Pinion Risk Management LLC & Atten Babler Risk Management LLC

August 20 - Market Update

Hear the latest news that will affect dairy markets and your operation, including industry trends, exports, weather and more.

Ben Buckner, Chief Grains and Dairy Analyst at 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

August 4 - What's New in the World of Lameness

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

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

August 6 - Emerging Disease Updates

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

Dr. Keith Poulsen, PhD, Director, Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL), UW-Wisconsin

Opportunities to Learn

An exclusive look inside five Idaho dairies

EXPERIENCE IDAHO DAIRY TOUR. Join us to tour Idaho's scenic Magic Valley, leading ag companies and five dairies:

Idaho Jersey Girls Dairy
Riverbend Dairy
Skyline Dairy
TLK Dairy
Si-Ellen Dairy

Don't wait: space is limited to the first 45 registered active dairy producers!

October 19-23, 2026

Learn more.

Connect, collaborate and learn with fellow producers.

PDP peer groups bring together small, focused groups of 6-8 members to share ideas and bring back practical solutions you can use right away on your farm. Several group types - Next Gen Dairy, Dairy Catalyst, Dairy Mastermind - are tailored to experience levels and professional goals, and additional groups can be created based on interest. 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

PDP STRIDE™ YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

We're headed to UW-Madison for an interactive program for future-minded 15- to 18-year-olds. This single-day program is for students looking to amplify their leadership skills while preparing for the future and discovering opportunities in the dairy and agriculture sectors.

Nov. 17, 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

Dairy Currents

PRODUCER SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE for the 2026 Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference in Wisconsin Dells Dec. 15-16. Ninety producers will receive full scholarships to join their peers, consultants, extension and agency staff for two days of real data, on-farm research and conversations. Scholarship preference is given to first time farmer attendees, but all are encouraged to apply by the Sept. 14 deadline. Learn more.

ICE CREAM IS STILL ON THE SHOPPING LIST for 90% of GLP-1 users, even as total grocery spending decreases. A Dairy Reporter article outlines how the category offers lessons in portion control, functionality and innovation as GLP-1 users continue to buy and enjoy ice cream while on appetite-suppressing medications. Mini portions, high protein and better-for-you frozen treats are just some of the ways brands are innovating. Read 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 Business Mind

SUCCESSFUL SIBLING PARTNERSHIPS start with a shared definition of success. An article from Family Business Consulting Group highlights the importance of defining what family harmony and business success look like to each partner, then building the tools, expectations, governance systems and communications necessary to make a shared leadership structure work. L earn more.

UNDERSTANDING THE GLOBAL DAIRY MARKET can make it easier to interpret headlines about dairy exports and trends. Combined exporter supply, Chinese import behavior, processing mix shifts, the delivered price of US product against competing origins, and the way wholesale commodity prices flow into the FMMO class-price formulas are all key indicators for the marketplace. Learn more in the UW-Extension article.