PDP Manager's Memo

August 2026 Vol. 5

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

The Dairy Signal^®

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

Sept. 1 - Understanding today's global landscape

Go behind the headlines to understand the global landscape impacting the ag economy, including U.S./Canada trade relations, wars in Iran and Ukraine, U.S. and China relations, data centers and AI and more.

Jacob Shapiro, Director of Research, The Bespoke Group, and host of “The Jacob Shapiro” podcast

Sept. 3 - Market update

With summer winding down, tune in for the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and trends that will impact dairy producers and ag industry through the fall, winter and beyond.

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

August 25 - After the chopper

What decisions should you make after 2026 corn silage harvest? Hear about fall fertility options, cover crops and other practical strategies.

Matthew Oehmichen, part owner, Short Lane Ag Supply

August 27 - Optimizing reproductive dairy heifer programs

Listen to a conversation about the latest research and information on optimizing reproductive efficiency in dairy heifer programs.

Dr. Paul Fricke, PhD, dairy reproduction specialist, UW-Madison

Opportunities to Learn

DOWNLOAD THE 2026-27 PDP CALENDAR for the full list of events and educational programs. With a mix of on-farm tours, interactive workshops and focused trainings - many with simultaneous Spanish translation - there is something for everyone on your dairy team. Download the calendar and learn more about how programs are selected.

Featured programs

Find the full list of upcoming programs on our website.

EXPERIENCE IDAHO DAIRY TOUR. Join us to tour Idaho's scenic Magic Valley, leading ag companies and five dairies:

Idaho Jersey Girls Dairy
Riverbend Dairy
Skyline Dairy
TLK Dairy
Si-Ellen Dairy

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

October 19-23, 2026

Learn more.

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

STRIDE™ YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

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

For Your Business Mind

DAIRY PRODUCERS HAVE SEVERAL OPTIONS to manage price risk, from subsidized federal programs to futures, options and forward contracts. An article from UW-Extension reviews federal programs and market-based tools, highlighting what each tool does and does not cover, and how the tools coordinate. Producers and their advisors can evaluate which combination will fit their farm’s size, finances, milk utilization and risk tolerance. Read more.

INTROVERTS AND EXTROVERTS OFTEN APPROACH communication differently. Introverts may do their best thinking before they speak, while extroverts may process ideas by talking them through. A SmartBrief article encourages leaders to recognize these differences rather than labeling quiet employees as disengaged or talkative employees as unfocused. 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

BUILD A STRONGER RUMEN with solid feed. An article from Ohio State Extension reviews the role that starter and forage play in a establishing chemical absorption, physical strength and microbial diversity in the digestive tract. R ead the full article for details and management guidelines for solid diet and weaning transition.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING CAN STRENGTHEN milking protocols and milk quality. Following one customized training session, workers’ knowledge scores rose and premilking disinfectant contact time increased. Read more about Michigan State research that found training works best when employees learn not only how to perform each task, but why it matters to milk quality.