PDP Manager's Memo

June 2025 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. We wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July and look forward to seeing you with a new episode on Tuesday, July 7. Catch previous episodes on demand here.

Previously on The Dairy Signal

June 24

There are a variety of programs and resources for producers to access when adopting conservation programs on their farms but knowing which is the right fit for one’s acres and operation can be a challenge. Hear tips and strategies to navigate farm bill programs and how to best research non-government funding options.

Scott Stipetich, Precision Ag & Conservation Specialist, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever

June 26

As we near the half-way point of 2025, join in for the latest news in agriculture and dairy markets as well as the trends that will be impacting the dairy industry for the growing season and beyond.

Ben Buckner, Chief Grains and Dairy Analyst, AgResource Company

Opportunities to Learn

PDP ACCELERATE WORKSHOP

July 22, 2025

Madison, Wis.

JUST A FEW WEEKS AWAY - ARE YOUR INTERNS REGISTERED?

Make the most of your interns' experiences by including the PDP Accelerate workshop in their summer program.

Adding the one-day conference into a summer internship program demonstrates an employer’s commitment to a culture of learning. It’s designed to enhance a student’s internship experience while also helping them develop a commanding professional presence, elevate communications skills, networking and leadership abilities, and conduct meaningful presentations in professional settings.

Learn more and register.

PDP BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & ADVANCED FINANCE WORKSHOP

October 29-30, 2025

Sun Prairie, Wis.

Learn more and register.

MANAGERS ACADEMY FOR DAIRY PROFESSIONALS®

January 20-22, 2026

Puerto Rico

Learn more and register.

2026 INTERNATIONAL TOUR - NEW ZEALAND

February 2-15, 2026

Learn more.

Dairy Currents

HOW WILL THE SUSPENSION OF FDA PROFICIENCY TESTING of Grade “A” milk and milk products impact the dairy industry? A paper from UW-Extension reviews the history of the testing program within the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance framework, reasons for suspension in April 2025, and the potential implications for states and the industry. Historically, this program has played a vital role in the U.S. milk supply, ensuring that the results of milk testing are trustworthy and comparable. The suspension was driven by federal workforce cuts and budget pressures that have ‘temporarily’ removed a layer of quality control; however, steps are being taken across the industry to ensure that milk safety is not compromised. Read the analysis to learn more.

TREND ALERT: “CEREAL MILK” IS ITS OWN FLAVOR! For many people, the best part of a bowl of cereal is the milk left at the bottom of the bowl. This sweet treat has become its own flavor in recent years, being incorporated into cookies, milkshakes, pies and soft serve ice cream by chefs across the country. An article from Salon.com notes that the cereal milk trend is driven by both taste and the memories and rituals of cereal as a breakfast staple. Learn more.

Your Farm - Your Footprint

TAKE THE NEXT STEP WITH TIER TWO OF YOUR FARM-YOUR FOOTPRINT.

The second phase of the PDP Your Farm - Your Footprint initiative announced at the 2025 Business Conference now offers financial incentives for implementing sustainability-focused farming practices. Cost-share funding is now available for eligible dairy farmers in specific milk sheds to receive financial assistance for adopting best practices that improve farm sustainability and operational efficiency. The program remains confidential and farmer-led, ensuring all farm data is private and producers have full control over their information. Participating producers have the opportunity to engage in peer groups to share insights and best practices.

The program is made possible by Dairy’s Foundation and sponsorship from Nestlé, furthering the commitment to achieving U.S. dairy’s sustainability goals. As a program sponsor, Nestlé’s involvement highlights the importance of industry-wide collaboration in achieving meaningful environmental progress.

Visit the website or email croy@pdpw.org to learn more.

For Your Business Mind

“X FACTORS” SET ENDURING LEADERS APART from those who burn out or fade away. While experience, drive and knowledge are important for today’s leaders, an article from Chief Executive magazine highlights the invisible forces that shape truly effective leaders and how to manage through them:

Timing is everything (and you don’t control it)
It’s not just business – it’s always personal
Know how you’re built (DNA vs. destiny)
If everyone thought like you, you’d have no employees
Build your own leadership team (at the company and beyond)

Learn more about each of the five X factors in the full article.

UNDERSTAND GUIDELINES FOR CLASSIFYING HIRED WORKERS as a W-2 employee or 1099 contractor to avoid legal, tax and financial issues in the future. While many prefer to classify workers as 1099 contractors to save money and reduce paperwork, the Internal Revenue Service has strict rules to decide classification, including:

How much control the employer has over how, when and where a worker does their job.
The financial relationship, whether paid a regular wage or on a project or task basis
The type of relationship, including whether the work is ongoing, or for a short-term or specific project.

Read an article from Michigan State Extension with more details and examples.

Industry Impact: Dairy Innovation Hub

Another new feature in Managers Memo is an occasional series highlighting organizations and companies making a difference in today’s dairy industry.

The Dairy Innovation Hub is a $7.8M-per-year state-funded effort to support the success of Wisconsin’s dairy community by advancing science, developing talent, and leveraging collaboration at UW-Madison, UW-Platteville, and UW-River Falls.

The Hub has four key priority areas:

Stewarding land and water resources
Enriching human health and nutrition
Ensuring animal health and welfare
Growing farm businesses and communities

The concept for the Dairy Innovation Hub was brainstormed on a whiteboard at dairy farmer Mitch Breunig’s farm, then developed into a formal concept by forward-thinking dairy groups and leaders. Since its launch in 2019, the Hub has funded more than 250 projects and 18 faculty positions across the three campuses.

An advisory council of 13 dairy farmers, researchers and industry leaders fosters two-way communication and idea generation between Wisconsin’s dairy community and university partners.

Learn more about the Dairy Innovation Hub on its website, including annual report with faculty profiles, research highlights and more.

Inspiration

"The American Dream means giving it your all, trying your hardest, accomplishing something. And, then I'd add to that, giving something back. No definition of a successful life can do anything but include serving others."

— President George H.W. Bush