PDP Manager's Memo

August 2026 Vol. 4

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

The Dairy Signal^®

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

August 25 - After the chopper: setting your fields up for success in 2027

Join an interactive discussion on setting your fields up for success in 2027. Hear about the decisions to make after 2026 corn silage harvest, including fall fertility options, cover crops and other practical strategies.

Matthew Oehmichen, part owner of Short Lane Ag Supply

August 27 - Optimizing reproductive dairy heifer game

Tune in for a conversation with the latest research and information on optimizing reproductive efficiency in dairy heifer programs.

Dr. Paul Fricke, PhD, dairy reproduction specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

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 18

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

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

Opportunities to Learn

ACE Twilight Meetings: See you this week!

This is your chance to have a seat at the table where issues shaping rural Wisconsin are discussed. Join fellow producers, community leaders and elected officials at ACE Twilight Meetings hosted by PDP, Wisconsin Towns Association and Wisconsin Counties Association.

August 24, 25, 26, 27

Learn more

Innovative dairies and ag businesses + scenic Idaho

LET US DO THE PLANNING for a unique opportunity to enjoy the picturesque southern Idaho landscape and exclusive access to forward-thinking dairy farms and innovative ag businesses.

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

October 19-23, 2026

Learn more

Upcoming programs

2026 CALF CARE CONNECTION®

Three hands-on breakout sessions led by industry experts Dr. Bethany Dado-Senn, Dr. Jill Soderstrom and Dr. Jennifer Van Os and a producer panel are on tap for the one-day workshops.

Oct. 14, 15, 2026

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

For Your Dairy

UNDERSTANDING COW BEHAVIOR and adopting positive handling techniques are the foundation of keeping animals calm and people safe. An article from UW-Extension shares practical tips and graphics to share with your entire team, including key cow behaviors:

Cows perceive humans as predators
Cows have herd instincts
Cows walk more slowly than humans
Cows are naturally curious
Cows prefer routine and familiarity

Read the full article to learn more.

THE LATEST ON LAMENESS research and management practices was the focus of a recent episode of The Dairy Signal^® featuring Dr. Nigel Cook. He highlighted the importance of managing and preventing lameness in the heifer rearing and transition periods, including research on preventing corkscrew claw syndrome with adjustments to heifer housing and management. Watch the episode to learn more.

Your Farm - Your Footprint®

YOUR SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS MATTER

With Your Farm - Your Footprint (YFYF), you can measure the impact of your sustainability efforts, without having to share your data with anyone.

"Having our carbon score puts us ahead of the game. Now that we have this information, we can act on it — and that gives us a new data point to enhance our business."

David Trimner, Miltrim Farms, Inc.

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

Dairy Currents

AS FARMS RELY MORE ON TECHNOLOGY, the impact of a power outage, cyber attack or other event that disrupts electricity, internet connections, can be critical. A Digital Ag Risk Assessment checklist compiled by Iowa State Extension provides a way to review your operation’s readiness for service failure. Learn more.

BIOFERMENTATION IS OPENING NEW OPPORTUNITIES to transform lower-value dairy co-products, including whey permeate and acid whey, into higher-value materials, ingredients and fuels. A Dairy Foods article focuses on how using microorganisms can be used to convert lactose and other nutrients to produce biodegradable plastics, organic acids, proteins and microbial oils. Read more.

Book Review

YOUR DESIRED FUTURE: FIVE ESSENTIAL STEPS THAT TAKE YOU WHERE YOU WANT TO GO

Author Henry Cloud shares how intentional actions, practices and structured strategies can help you move from your current state to where you want to be. The five frameworks of Vision, Talent & Resources, Strategy & Plan, Measurement & Accountability, and Adaptation & Problem-Solving are essential to positive results. Learn more.

Inspiration

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying 'I will try again tomorrow.'"
- Mary Anne Radmacher