PDP Manager's Memo

June 2025 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. Tune in every Tuesday and Thursday live from noon to 1 p.m. CT, or catch previous episodes on demand here.

June 24 - Breaking Down Conservation Programs

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 - Market Update

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

Access Now

Previously on The Dairy Signal

June 17

Tune in for a discussion of fire safety procedures and protocols. Chief Minor will walk through fire drills and critical safety measures to protect your team, animals, buildings and equipment. Presenter will be:

Gerald Minor, Chief, Pittsville Fire Department

June 19

As summer temperatures rise, ensure that you are keeping all animals cool and healthy. Hear strategies for managing heat stress in non-lactating groups of animals on your dairy farm. Presenter will be:

Dr. Jimena Laporta, Associate Professor of Lactation Physiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Opportunities to Learn

PDP BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & ADVANCED FINANCE WORKSHOP

October 29-30, 2025

Sun Prairie, Wis.

TAKE YOUR FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS ACUMEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

Through interactive case studies and class discussions, instructor Dick Wittman will cover core strategies and competencies to help agricultural businesses succeed.

In this two-day course, participants will learn:

Farm management proficiency
Financial statements
Cash flow budgeting
Financial metrics and simulation
Cost and managerial accounting
Family business governance
Growth management

Learn more and register.

PDP ACCELERATE WORKSHOP

July 22, 2025

Madison, Wis.

Learn more and register today.

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.

For Your Business Mind

BALANCING BENEFITS WITH COSTS OF MECHANICAL VENTILATION is becoming a higher priority for Wisconsin dairy farmers as rising nighttime temperatures and reduced wind speeds from rural development make heat stress a bigger concern. An article from UW-Extension reviews the cost of electricity and recommends strategies to protect profitability while maintaining effective ventilation:

Choose high-efficiency fans
Size air inlets properly
Do regular maintenance
Use variable-speed fans

Learn more.

BECOMING A FIRST-TIME MANAGER IS ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING TRANSITIONS in the workplace, especially for people who were strong individual performers. An article from Kellogg Insight highlights that 60% of new managers receive no management training, which can lead to either doing everything themselves or focusing too much on their success instead of the team. By leading with values such as self-awareness, confidence, humility and balance, new managers can earn trust and become strong, effective leaders. Learn more.

Your Farm - Your Footprint

WHY SHOULD I GET MY SCORES?

Your Farm - Your Footprint is a producer-led initiative that gives you the tools, insights and support to measure and improve your environmental impact while protecting your bottom line.

Still on the fence? Here are three reasons to get involved:

Confidential control over your farm's data. We know the importance of keeping your data private. This is why your environmental scores are confidential, and all the data collected remains yours. You are in control.
Financial support. Non-government grants are available for Tier 1 up to $9,750 per farm, which covers up to 2,500 acres. In addition, farms that participated in Tier 1 may be eligible for cost-share opportunities in Tier 2 for on-farm projects that reduce your farm's environmental scores.
Customized roadmap and peer support. After data collection, you will receive a tailored roadmap with practical recommendations to improve your sustainability scores. Additionally, farms have the opportunity to participate in peer groups where producers can share experiences, discuss best practices and learn from one another in a confidential setting.

Visit the Your Farm - Your Footprint website to learn more and sign up.

For Your Dairy

TRANSPORTATION CAN HAVE LASTING IMPACTS on health, resilience and performance on calves. An article from Michigan State Extension shares recommendations for reducing stress when moving young calves from one facility to another. Producers can make a meaningful difference by reducing time in transit, transporting calves at older ages, feeding milk before departure, minimizing unnecessary handling, applying strict fitness-to-transport criteria and ensuring excellent colostrum management. Learn more.

FEED ADDITIVES, HERD MANAGEMENT AND BREEDING PROGRAMS all play a part in reducing methane production on dairy farms. In an episode of The Dairy Signal, Dr. Joanne Knapp reviewed methane-reducing additives on the market and research underway on new options. New carbon credit programs are being introduced with incentives to offset the cost of feed additives. Several management practices can also have a significant impact on a farm’s sustainability score, including growing feed locally, improving herd health and reducing mortality, reducing culling in the milking herd, and reducing the number of replacement heifers that you are maintaining. Watch the episode to learn more.

Book Review

THINK AGAIN: THE POWER OF KNOWING WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW. Author Adam Grant encourages readers to question assumptions, embrace curiosity, and stay open to changing their minds. Blending psychology, storytelling and research, the book explores the importance of intellectual humility and the dangers of stubborn thinking. It highlights how success and growth often come not from certainty, but from the willingness to rethink ideas and unlearn outdated beliefs. With practical advice for individuals, teams and organizations, it offers tools to improve decision-making, foster healthy debate, and adapt more effectively in a rapidly evolving world. Learn more.

PDP Podcast Weekly

TIME FOR REST WITH MICHAEL HOFFMAN

Michael Hoffman is back to discuss the importance of taking a break! Listen as Michael and his daughter Ali share how they use short and long-term breaks to help reduce stress and improve productivity.