PDP Manager's Memo

June 2025 Vol. 2

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 10 - 2025 Growing Season Update & Outlook

What’s the status of the 2025 growing season? The answer depends on where you live, of course. Dr. Goeser will offer advice for early-season adjustments to boost plant health and yield as needed. He’ll also discuss hay quality and tips to ensure consistency throughout the season.

Dr. John Goeser, Dairy Nutrition + Management Consultant, Progressive Dairy Solutions

June 12 - Market Update

As we near the halfway point of 2025, tune in for a discussion of the market, export and weather news that will drive dairy and agricultural markets this summer and for the rest of the year.

Ben Buckner, Chief Grains and Dairy Analyst, AgResource Company

Access Now

Previously on The Dairy Signal

June 3

Tune in for a conversation on demystifying carbon markets, where Patrick Wood will break down the complexities of carbon markets and uncover practical opportunities to enhance producers’ bottom line.

Patrick Wood , Founder and General Manager, Ag Methane Advisors, LLC

June 5

Ag technology promises big returns, but how do you make it work for your operation? Hear proven strategies to identify the best tech investments and maximize productivity and profits

Dr. Brady Brewer, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University

Opportunities to Learn

SAVE THE DATE!

2026 MANAGERS ACADEMY FOR DAIRY PROFESSIONALS® IN PUERTO RICO

January 20-22, 2026

World-class training in a warm-weather haven is on tap for the 2026 Managers Academy for Dairy Professionals in Puerto Rico.

Registration is now open for this three-day executive-level conference, which will inspire you to think outside the box, connect with industry professionals, and provide actionable takeaways to enhance your dairy business.

Out-of-industry executives will offer tours and share winning approaches to overcome obstacles and session expert will equip you with practical tools to propel your business to new levels of success.

Visit PDP website for more details and registration.

PDP ACCELERATE™

July 22, 2025

Madison, Wis.

2026 INTERNATIONAL TOUR - NEW ZEALAND

February 2-15, 2026

Learn more and book today

PDP BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & ADVANCED FINANCE WORKSHOP

October 29-30, 2025

Sun Prairie, Wis.

Learn more and register.

Dairy Currents

MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM IS A “WIN-WIN” for communities, senior citizens and the dairy industry. An analysis compiled by Dr. Leonard Polzin examines the impact of the senior nutrition program in Wisconsin and nationwide. In Wisconsin alone, the program’s nearly 4 million meals in 2023 equated to about 3.85 million dairy servings for seniors. The program improves senior nutrition by delivering milk, cheese and other dairy products to those in need while providing a stable, socially-driven source of demand for the dairy sector. Learn more.

WHOLE MILK FOR HEALTHY KIDS ACT PASSES OUT OF SENATE COMMITTEE and now awaits passage by the full U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. The bill would allow for whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk to again be served in school cafeterias. An issue update from International Dairy Foods Association highlighted that since whole and 2% milk were banned from school meal menus more than 10 years ago, school milk consumption and meal participation have declined. National polling from IDFA showed that 91% of parents serve children whole or 2% milk at home, and 81% support passing of the legislation. Learn more.

June Dairy Month Community Blood Drive

IS IT ON YOUR CALENDAR? June Dairy Month is here! For the second year, PDP will host a community blood drive to honor our hardworking dairy producer members and their commitment to feeding the world. Donate at our Juneau, Wis., headquarters from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18. Donors can look forward to receiving a $15 gift card from the American Red Cross, as well as delicious dairy treats provided by the PDP staff (think mac & cheese, ice cream and cheese) after their donation. Learn more and schedule your donation time.

Your Farm - Your Footprint

Grants available to learn your operation's environmental footprint

Dairy producers can receive grants for up to $9,750 (covering up to 2,500 acres) to confidentially learn their farm's environmental footprint score and understand how it is calculated. The second phase of PDP's Your Farm - Your Footprint initiative also 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 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.

Dairy farmers interested in Your Farm – Your Footprint opportunities can learn more by visiting PDP's website or calling 800-947-7379.

For Your Business Mind

CONSISTENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY ARE KEY for workplace productivity, according to an article from Inc. magazine. While short bursts of intense productivity (sprints) may make you feel like you are getting the most work done, research shows that maintaining a focused, steady pace may be more effective in the long term. The article also features the “40 percent rule,” which says that when your mind tells you that you are exhausted, you are really only 40% done and still have 60% energy left, highlighting that most of our limits are self-imposed. Learn more.

BUILDING A TRUSTWORTHY ORGANIZATION IS LIKE CONSTRUCTING A SKYSCRAPER. A LinkedIn article reviews the importance of a strong foundation, planning and teamwork to deliver results for employees and customers alike. It is a daily practice, not a one-time effort. Key steps include:

1. Start with bedrock

2. Assemble a skilled crew

3. Build floor-by-floor

4. Weather the storms

5. Celebrate the view

Learn more in the full article.

Foundation Focus: Calving Corner

DAIRY'S FOUNDATION SUPPORTS PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES that fill gaps in the dairy industry. Organizations across the country can apply for grants for new programs that support the next generation of dairy enthusiasts, build skills of dairy producers while growing and maintaining trust in our people and products.

One program that has received funds in recent years is the “Calving Corner” at the PA Farm Show. Each year, more than 200,000 visitors to the show visit the Calving Corner and an estimated 12,000 view a live birth. The Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation, based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, coordinates the Calving Corner, with support from volunteers, dairy producers and sponsors.

Since its introduction in 2018, grant funding has been used to expand the Calving Corner experience for urban and suburban visitors, including a STEM Day event to feature some of the technologies used on a dairy farm, including robotic milkers, feeders and sweepers. A Moo U learning area with hands-on activities for kids of all ages features programs including an Engineering Lab, Chemistry Lab, Anatomy Lab, Biology lab, Nutrition Lab and Technology Lab. Learn more on its website, YouTube and Facebook.

There are two grant cycles each year, with deadlines on June 1 and December 1. Organizations can apply for grants of up to $10,000. Learn more.

PDP Podcast Weekly

GREAT EXPECTATIONS WITH SHELLY O'LEARY

PDP's Shelly O'Leary returns to the podcast to share a story regarding a leadership seminar she attended years ago that left such an impression that she continues to think about it today.