PDP Manager's Memo

May 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!

May 19 - Wisconsin Beef: Investing in Growth

Tune in for an interactive conversation with Wisconsin Beef Council and discuss how producer checkoff dollars are being invested to drive demand and fuel market growth, as well as how this work connects with and supports dairy producers.

Tammy Vaassen, executive director, Wisconsin Beef Council

May 21 - Market Update

With summer just around the corner, hear about the trends that will drive agriculture and dairy markets for the next few months and the rest of 2026. Presenter will be:

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

May 12

Discover how drones are boosting efficiency, monitoring feed and supporting animal welfare, and learn how to put this technology to work on your farm.

Derek Wawack, dairy forage quality expert, Alltech

May 14

Hear about research on bovine colostrum supplementation to rescue antibiotic-induced dysbiosis and reduce long-term obesity risk by improving gut health.

Dr. Joseph Pierre, PhD, assistant professor, nutritional sciences, UW-Madison

Opportunities to Learn

PDP ACCELERATE™

July 28, 2026

Madison, Wis.

SUMMER INTERNS: STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD by attending PDP Accelerate. Through group activities and conversation, attendees will walk away with:

Ability to start a conversation, build rapport with others
How to use technology to their advantage in the job market
Confident body language to become more “hireable”
Understanding varying personalities to be a strong team player
Convey and receive meaningful feedback
Expanded professional network of peers

Learn more and register.

HOOF MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

June 16, New York

June 18, Wisconsin

Learn more.

2026-27 FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR DAIRY

Beaver Dam, Wis.

Level One:

Nov. 11-12, Dec. 1-2

Level Two:

Feb 2-3, 17-18,
Mar. 9-10,

Learn more.

Opportunities to Give Back

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY AT 2026 PDP BLOOD DRIVE

Celebrate June Dairy Month by giving back. Dairy industry professionals and community members are invited 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. Learn more and register for your time slot here.

For Your Business Mind

“SLOW IS SMOOTH AND SMOOTH IS FAST” is a reminder that efficiency comes from consistency, not chaos. A Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development article reviews how dairy farms can improve labor performance by emphasizing preparation, clear communication and repeatable routines instead of rushing employees. This is especially relevant during busy seasons, employee onboarding and training. Taking time to do tasks correctly the first time can reduce accidents, improve morale and build a more productive dairy. Learn more.

READING A MILK CHECK LINE-BY-LINE provides valuable insight into dairy farm income. An article from UW-Extension provides a walkthrough of how milk volume, components, somatic cell counts, PPDs and premiums all contribute to the final milk payment. For Wisconsin producers, understanding these details can help evaluate herd performance, compare milk buyers and better manage risk in a changing dairy market. Learn more.

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 Dairy

FEED BUNK MANAGEMENT PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE in the success of automated milking systems (AMS). A Penn State Extension article highlights that providing at least 24 inches of bunk space per cow, frequent feed push-ups and good feed access can improve cow traffic, milk production and robot visits. The article also notes that feed placement near robot exits can create congestion, making bunk layout and feed distribution important management considerations for AMS dairies. Learn more.

TRANSITION PERIOD LYING BEHAVIOR IS CLOSELY LINKED to cow health after calving. A study in Journal of Dairy Science followed 499 multiparous cows, tracking lying duration from dry-off until 21 days after calving. Mean daily lying durations in the week before calving were negatively associated with disease risk. Researchers stated that lying duration before calving may have longer term links to production and reproduction due to an association with disease. The research also points to management factors such as stocking density, pen crowding and facility design as important influences on cow comfort. Read the full study.

Book Review: Thinking Fast and Slow

THINKING FAST AND SLOW. In his classic bestseller, Daniel Kahneman provides groundbreaking insights on systems that drive the way that we think. He reveals where we can and cannot trust our intuitions and how we can tap into the benefits of slow thinking. He offers practical and enlightening insights into how choices are made in both our business and our personal lives―and how we can use different techniques to guard against the mental glitches that often get us into trouble. Order the book here or read an online copy .