PDP Manager's Memo

June 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!

June 16 - Smart Handling Techniques for Calmer Cattle

Understanding cow behaviors and using safe handling techniques lead to better outcomes for both animals and people. Hear practical strategies for supporting calmer cows and safer handlers

Dr. Jennifer Van Os, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Animal Welfare Extension Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

June 18 - Market Update

Tune in for the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact your farm or business and the entire dairy sector.

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

June 9

A good night’s sleep is the foundation of a productive day and healthy lifestyle. Tune in for a conversation on creating beneficial habits and tips for a better night’s sleep.

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

June 11

June Dairy Month is here! Hear from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin about investment strategies and key initiatives, including the iconic Born To Dairy™ Campaign and other June events and activities.

Suzanne Fanning, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

Did you know? The Dairy Signal is on Spotify! Check it out and click "Follow" so you don't miss an episode.

Opportunities to Learn

IT'S NOT TOO LATE! WALK-INS WELCOME AT 2026 HOOF MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS.

June 16, Plattsburgh, New York

June 18, Athens, Wisconsin

Join fellow producers, herd managers, veterinarians, hoof trimmers and more for an on-farm workshop were you will evaluate records, observe cows and facilities, identify risk factors and develop practical solutions.

Simultaneous Spanish translation will be available at all sessions.

Learn more and register.

PDP ACCELERATE™

July 28, 2026

Madison, Wis.

A strong internship teaches technical skills. A great one builds professionals. PDP Accelerate is a dynamic, interactive, one-day program that will help interns from across the industry build the professional, communication and leadership skills they need to thrive in their internship and after graduation. Add it to your intern's schedule! Learn more and register.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR NEW TOUR OPPORTUNITIES!

CALF FACILITY TOURS

August 11, 12, 13

Three days, three ways to fortify your calf care program. Bring your questions for the hosts during these interactive visits across Wisconsin. Learn more.

ACE ON-THE-FARM TWILIGHT MEETINGS

August 24, 25, 26, 27

Be a part of idea-sharing and productive conversations at the 2026 Agricultural Community Engagement® (ACE) Twilight Meetings. Learn more.

TAKE YOUR FINANCIAL SKILLS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

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

Opportunities to Give Back

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY - GIVE BACK IN HONOR OF JUNE DAIRY MONTH! PDP is inviting industry professionals, dairy producers and community members to celebrate June Dairy Month by giving back to our community. Sign up to donate blood from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, at 820 N. Main Street in Juneau. The blood drive will be overseen by the American Red Cross. Register here.

Dairy Currents

FARM BIOSECURITY HAS UPDATED the Secure Milk Supply (SMS) Plan to reflect changes in the dairy industry and emerging animal health risks. New resources are available to develop enhanced biosecurity plans, prepare for disease outbreaks and maintain continuity of business if animal movement restrictions are imposed. The updated website also offers easier access to planning templates, training materials and more. Learn more.

SPONSOR YOUR EMPLOYEES TO SPANISH DAY AT FARM WISCONSIN. A special invite-only event to serve Spanish-speaking farm employees will be held on Saturday, July 11, at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center. Spanish speaking agriculture experts will be on site to translate Farm Wisconsin exhibits, the birthing barn experience, and a driving tour of the Grotegut Dairy Farm. Click here to learn more, purchase tickets and add your name to an email list.

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

FEEDBACK WORKS BEST WHEN IT’S PERSONAL, according to a recent Kellogg Insight article. Rather than treating feedback as a routine evaluation, leaders should view it as an opportunity to help others grow. Three practical recommendations include tailoring feedback to individual personalities and roles, making feedback a regular part of workplace conversations, and finding a trusted mentor or coach who can provide ongoing guidance. Learn more.

DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS DON’T HAVE TO BECOME ARGUMENTS. A recent Inc. article highlights simple phrases that can lower defensiveness and encourage better dialogue. Instead of trying to win, focus on understanding. Consider phrases such as:

• "Tell me more."

• "Can you help me understand?"

• "What am I missing?"

Learn more and find other ways to build trust even when opinions differ.

PDP Members Shine During June Dairy Month

June Dairy Month is here and dairy producers across the country are sharing their stories through open houses, breakfasts on the farm, social media outreach and much more! Several PDP members have welcomed area media onto their farms — we’re happy to share a few throughout the month, follow @dairyfarmersofwisconsin for more!

Joe Statz of Stats Brothers Dairy in Sun Prairie, Wis., talked about why their family-operated dairy farm emphasizes youth agricultural education to inspire the next generation of consumers.

Patty Dolph of Dolph Dairy Farms in Lake Mills, Wis., shared how their milk is used to produce high quality cheese and highlighted the role dairy plays in Wisconsin's economy.