PDP Manager's Memo

June 2026 Vol. 5

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

The Dairy Signal^®

There will not be new episodes of The Dairy Signal this week. Enjoy the Independence Day holiday with your friends and family and we'll see you with the next live episode at noon CT on Tuesday, July 7! Catch previous episodes on demand here.

Previously on The Dairy Signal

June 23

Tune in for insights into generational stressors in family businesses and ways to manage them.

Suzi Schaefer, Owner/CEO, The Suzi Method™ and Ag Strong™

June 25

Learn about the health screenings that will keep you, your family and team healthy and productive, including health, skin and heart exams.

Melissa Ploeckelman Brown, Outreach Specialist, National Farm Medicine Center and Marshfield Clinic Research Institute

Opportunities to Learn

CARBON, CROPS + COWS

July 28, 30, 2026

Sauk City, Wis., Pittsville, Wis.

What do sustainability scores mean and what are the opportunities for your farm?

Join experts and fellow producers for a one-day workshop featuring focused discussions, real-world examples, field walks and farm tours. Bring your agronomist, nutritionists and other advisors to develop a plan for your farm. Learn more.

PDP ACCELERATE™

July 28, 2026

Madison, Wis.

The next generation of leaders starts at PDP Accelerate, bringing interns from across the agriculture industry for one powerful day. Facilitated by Michael Hoffman, it is a great way to boost your organization’s internship program and help build the future of our industry. Learn more and register.

CALF FACILITY TOURS

August 11, 12, 13

Learn more.

ACE® ON-THE-FARM TWILIGHT MEETINGS

August 24, 25, 26, 27

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

For Your Business Mind

FARM SUCCESSION STARTS WITH AN HONEST LOOK at the business itself. Before transferring ownership, families should evaluate whether the operation has the financial performance, production capacity and resilience needed for long-term success. Dr. Kevin Bernhardt outlines a practical framework for assessing economic viability and building a stronger foundation for the next generation in an UW-Extension article.

WHEN THE FUTURE IS UNCLEAR, relying only on a detailed plan can leave organizations vulnerable. A Leadership Insights article uses the metaphor of a map and a compass to explain why adaptability, vision and strong values are essential in uncertain environments. Successful leaders know when to follow the plan and when to adjust course as conditions evolve. Read more.

Your Farm - Your Footprint®

THE BIG FOUR

Your Farm - Your Footprint provides four key unbiased, data-protected components:

Comprehensive sustainability assessment
Customized action plan for your farm
Peer learning network
Financial assistance

"Put simply, Your Farm-Your Footprint is one of the most cost-effective ways a dairy farm can stay ahead of the curve on the sustainability front."

-John Ruedinger, Ruedinger Farms, Inc.

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

For Your Dairy

THE “SUMMER SLUMP” BEGINS long before production losses show up in the bulk tank. Heat stress alters feeding behavior, rumination and rumen function, increasing the risk of acidosis, reduced fiber digestion and milk fat depression. An article from The Miner Institute highlights why maintaining rumen stability is critical during hot weather and how feeding management can help cows stay productive and healthy. Learn more.

WEATHER STRESS AND HIGH NITROGEN LEVELS can lead to dangerous nitrate accumulation in forage crops, creating serious health risks for cattle. Nitrate toxicity reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen, causing symptoms ranging from weakness and breathing difficulties to abortion and death. Read a Penn State Extension article to identify at-risk forages, recognize warning signs and implement prevention measures before problems occur.

PDP Members Shine During June Dairy Month

June Dairy Month continues, and so does the great work of dairy producers around the state to share their stories. Follow @dairyfarmersofwisconsin for more.

Brittany Gerrits of Cozy Nook Farms in Waukesha, Wis., talked about her passion for dairy and carrying on the legacy of a family farm.

The Straschinske and Holub families of Riverview Dairy in Boyd, Wis., shared why they are proud to be Wisconsin dairy farmers and the value of raising families on the farm.

Erin Grawe of Daluge Farm in Janesville, Wis., was interviewed about their fifth generation farm and the summer farm camps that allow them to connect with their community.