PDP Manager's Memo

September 2026 Vol. 1

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

The Dairy Signal^®

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

Sept. 8 - Could your farm survive a cyberattack?

Hear why farms have become targets for cyberattacks, what could happen if cloud-based systems went offline and practical steps producers can take to protect their farms.

Andrew Rose, Agricultural Advisor, BIO-ISAC

Sept. 10 - Carbon & LCFS markets: making sense of the opportunity

Tune in for an interactive conversation about the current state of carbon and LCFS credit markets, including where value exists, where potential risks are emerging, how the economy is shaping markets and considerations for dairy farmers.

Patrick Wood, Founder and General Manager, Ag Methane Advisors, LLC

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

September 1 - Understanding today's global landscape

Go behind the headlines to understand the global landscape impacting the ag economy, including U.S./Canada trade relations, wars in Iran and Ukraine, U.S. and China relations, data centers and AI and more.

Jacob Shapiro, Director of Research, The Bespoke Group, and host of “The Jacob Shapiro” podcast

September 3 - Market update

With summer winding down, tune in for the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and ag industry through the fall, winter and beyond.

Ben Buckner, Chief Grains and Dairy Analyst, AgResource Company

Opportunities to Learn

LET US DO THE PLANNING FOR YOU. Don't miss the chance to explore Idaho agriculture and scenery of the Magic Valley. Go behind the scenes at 5 dairies, 3 ag businesses and see Shoshone Falls, Perrine Bridge and more along the way!

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

October 19-23, 2026

Learn more.

Featured programs

Find the full list of upcoming programs on our website.

2026 CALF CARE CONNECTION®

A lifetime of productivity starts on Day One. The one-day event features breakout sessions focused on starter intake, managing milk for consistent nutrition and optimal calf housing plus a producer panel. Simultaneous Spanish translation.

Oct. 14, 15, 2026

Learn more

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & ADVANCED FINANCE WORKSHOP

Sharpen business, financial and HR skills at two-day workshop led by nationally-recognized expert Dick Wittman. Use case studies and real world scenarios to build strategies that will work for your business.

Sun Prairie, Wis.

Oct. 28-29, 2026

Learn more

STRIDE™ YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Nov. 17, 2026

Learn more

DAIRY WELLBEING WORKSHOP

Nov. 18, 19, 2026

Green Bay, Wis.

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 Currents

CORN SILAGE HARVEST BRINGS LONG DAYS, heavy equipment and multiple safety hazards. An Ohio State Extension article includes recommendations to prepare for a safe and productive silage season, including inspecting equipment, maintaining guards and PTO shields, shutting down machinery before making repairs and staying out of recently filled silos. Learn more.

U.S. DAIRY EXPORTS DECLINED 5% in July, but the overall outlook remains positive, according to U.S. Dairy Exporter Blog. Cheese exports surged 25% to a record monthly high, while dry whey shipments jumped 76%. Tight supplies and pricing challenges weighed on dairy proteins, including NFDM/SMP. Despite July’s decline, year-to-date export volume remains up 9% and value is up 12%. Read more.

Your Farm - Your Footprint®

STAY IN THE DRIVERS SEAT.

PDP's Your Farm – Your Footprint^TM initiative puts dairy farmers in complete control of their farm’s environmental score, providing a confidential space to understand their farm’s environmental footprint, decide how best to use that information on their farm and with whom to share their results.

“Your Farm – Your Footprint lets me decide what’s best for my operation. As dairy producers, we’re the ones with skin in the game. We know our dairies inside and out. Farmer-led initiatives like this are just what our industry needs.”

John Haag, Dane, Wis.

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

For Your Business Mind

EMAIL SCAMS ARE BECOMING MORE SOPHISTICATED. Fast Company highlights four tactics gaining traction: malicious QR codes, “ClickFix” clipboard traps, fake login pages that can bypass two-factor authentication, and fraudulent invoices sent through legitimate platforms. The takeaway: slow down, verify unexpected requests independently and never assume a familiar-looking email is safe. Learn more.

A SUPPORTIVE WORKPLACE CULTURE starts with leadership and grows through everyday actions. Culture isn’t built through one initiative, but through small, consistent habits. Leaders can strengthen their teams by connecting employees to purpose, encouraging engagement, recognizing good work, creating an environment where people feel safe sharing ideas and prioritizing well-being. Learn more.

Inspiration

"Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow."
- William Pollard