PDP Manager's Memo

March 2025 Vol. 2

Brought to you by Dairy's Professional Development Organization®

The Dairy Signal^®

There will not be new episodes of The Dairy Signal the week of March 10 due to PDP's Business Conference. We look forward to seeing you again on March 18! Catch previous episodes on demand here.

Previously on The Dairy Signal

March 4

Join a conversation about the importance of culture in any business or organization and tips on how to reignite a lackluster culture to boost morale and productivity.

Michael Hoffman, President, Igniting Performance

March 5

Tune in for a deep dive into the final rule for amending the Federal Milk Marketing Orders, including how the referendums proceeded and specific information on impacts.

Dr. Charles Nicholson, Associate Professor, Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences and Agricultural & Applied Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison

March 6

With the 2025 growing season just around the corner, hear the latest market, export, weather and consumer trend news that could impact your farm and the dairy industry.

Ben Buckner, Chief Grains and Dairy Analyst, AgResource Company

Opportunities to Learn

Carbon, Crops + Cows

March 25, Kewaunee, Wis.

March 26, Sun Prairie, Wis.

UNDERSTAND THE COMPLEXITY OF CARBON AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR FARM. Two repeating one-day programs will feature experts in measuring and calculating carbon emissions and models as well as firsthand insights from farmers. Attendees will also learn about the opportunities to tap into grants of up to $9,750 per farm, covering up to 2,500 acres. Learn more and register.

2026 PDP International Tour - New Zealand

February 2-15, 2026

New Zealand

REGISTRATION GOES LIVE AT NOON ON MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2024. Professional Dairy Producers is celebrating 10 years of international tours by bringing you back to where it all began - New Zealand! Join fellow dairy producers for a look at the country, culture and cows of New Zealand next February 2-15, 2026. Space is limited to the first 40 registrants and a non-refundable deposit of $1,000/person is required to secure your seat.

*Please note, PDP International Tours have typically sold out in a matter of hours. If the tour reaches maximum capacity, a waitlist will be started.

For more information click here.

For Your Business Mind

RISKS OF FAILING TO PLAN CAN BE SIGNIFICANT when it comes to estate planning and your family farm or business. An article from UW Extension reviews scenarios about how state laws determine who gets what, the process for distribution and the financial consequences of those transfers if something happens to you without a plan in place. It reviews the implications of intestacy, probate and estate tax on your farm’s finances and legacy, as well as strategies for long-term care and retirement expenses. Learn more.

CARVING OUT TIME FOR SOLITUDE can help today’s business leaders ward off stress and burnout and provide an opportunity to recharge. It is easy to be overwhelmed with information, emails, notifications and a 24 hour news cycle, in addition to the volatility of markets and pressures of the farm and business. A Forbes article outlines how finding time to focus and reflect each day can be a valuable tool, whether it is in reading, exercise or other forms. It can also provide time to think about new ideas for solving challenges and brainstorming new ideas. Learn more.

2025 Business Conference Corner

It's not too late!

We know that schedules are unpredictable, so if your calendar just opened up, it isn't too late to join us at the 2025 Business Conference. Walk-ins are welcome on March 12 and 13 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis.

For details, visit the 2025 Business Conference website or check out fliers in English and Spanish and register in advance or at the conference.

If you are a parent or teacher planning to attend Business Conference, register your 15 to 18 year old students for the Future of Success sessions. Facilitated by Michael Hoffman, the two sessions will give students the skills and confidence to stand out from the crowd!

Be a positively outrageous influencer. Master people skills and learn how small actions can brighten someone's day. (Day One, 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.)
Command confidence and clarity. This hands-on session will teach students to organize thoughts and articulate ideas clearly in any setting. (Day One 3:45 to 5:00 p.m.)

Students attending Future of Success sessions receive a discounted rate. Click here to register today!

Looking for the best and brightest to join your team?

Don't miss the first ever TalentCONNECT® Reverse Career Fair on Day Two of the 2025 Business Conference! Fifteen students will be participating in this new addition to the Hall of Ideas. It is the perfect way to connect with the next generation of talent for internships, co-ops or full time positions at your dairy or business.

Look for student displays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, then meet the students at the Career Fair from 3:15 to 4:00 p.m. Learn more.

Silent auction to benefit Dairy's Foundation is underway!

Bidding is happening now for the silent auction featuring dozens of unique items and packages. Visit the auction website to view and bid on travel experiences, cheese baskets and creamery tours, original artwork, Charlie Behrens tickets, jewelry, dairy product packages and much, much more! Bidding will remain open through the Business Conference.

And, don't miss the live auction in the Hall of Ideas at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Enjoy food, drinks and Evening on the Square festivities and stop by to bid on some exciting packages!

For Your Dairy

DOWN, BUT NOT COMPLETELY OUT. Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) has been largely reduced in U.S. herds, but its ability to cross species complicates control efforts. A Penn State Extension article highlights that the disease was nearly eradicated in the 1990s, but its spread has increased over the years. The chronic disease causes symptoms like weight loss, weakness, and fever, with affected lymph nodes often enlarging, but most infected animals are asymptomatic. Ongoing biosecurity measures and strategic testing are key to eliminating the disease in U.S. cattle. Read more in the full article and USDA disease alert.

MANAGING SUBACUTE RUMINAL ACIDOSIS (SARA) requires a variety of mitigation strategies, including feeding increased forage fiber, use of buffers, cow comfort and sound feed bunk management. Ruminal acidosis refers to conditions where dairy cow rumen pH is depressed below optimal levels, and can impact both confined and pasture fed cattle, with estimates that up to 33% of dairy cattle experience SARA during a lactation. Read the full article from Ohio State Extension for details on each of the mitigation strategies.

PDP Podcast Weekly

Volunteers show up

This week's podcast shines the light on volunteering. Servant leadership trainer Tom Thibodeau reminds us the importance of being a volunteer. Volunteers show up

to offer their time, talent, energy and resources. A big salute to everyone who volunteers!

Premier Suppliers and Supporters

Thank you to the partners and premier suppliers who support your professional development organization. Dairy's Premier Suppliers are those who faithfully exhibit and support PDP's Business Conference and are trusted, leading providers of high-quality products, services and solutions essential to the dairy industry. See below to learn more about some of our financial services suppliers.