December 2024 Vol. 2

Brought to you by Dairy's Professional Development Organization®

It's Okay to not be Okay - Jeff Ditzenberger

Jeff “Ditz” Ditzenberger has been a member of the agricultural community his entire life. A Navy veteran and former corn and soybean farmer, he brings a vast array of life and professional experiences to his work. 

Nearly 30 years ago, Ditz survived his own suicide attempt. In 2015, he founded TUGS to promote mental wellness in rural communities. TUGS (Talking, Understanding, Growing, Supporting) is a community nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental wellness and ending the stigma around seeking help for suicidal ideation. Working directly with individuals and in partnership with other community groups, TUGS emphasizes peer connection and support — particularly for those who find it most difficult to accept and express their personal struggles and professional frustrations. It’s Okay to not be Okay.

Check out what's coming this week on The Dairy Signal. Tune in every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday live from noon to 1 p.m. CT, or catch previous episodes on demand here.

Dec. 10 - Proactively Maximize Cow Health

Dec. 11 - Commitment to Health

Dec. 12 - Market Update

Thank you to Zinpro Corporation for their featured sponsorship of the Dairy Signal. For over 50 years, Zinpro has pioneered the research and development of performance trace minerals and innovative solutions that improve the health and wellbeing of animals. Discover their industry-leading tools & solutions at www.zinpro.com.

Previously on The Dairy Signal

December 3

Return to the “Coaches Corner” with a conversation about how to create a culture within your team to share vulnerabilities, strengths and faith with others.

• Michael Hoffman, President, Igniting Performance

December 4

Hear about the latest research and management practices for managing fresh cows to reduce the incidence and impact of hypocalcemia and ketosis.

• Dr. Jessica McArt, DVM, PhD, DABVP, Associate Professor, Ambulatory & Production Medicine, Cornell University

December 5

The USDA has released the final proposal for changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO). Join the discussion to learn about the referendum and voting process for cooperatives and dairy producers.

• Dr. Charles Nicholson, Associate Professor, Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences and Agricultural & Applied Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Opportunities to Learn

USDA ANNOUNCES NEW ACTIONS ON HPAI (H5N1). The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced the start of its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), which builds on federal and state actions since highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cattle was first detected in March 2024.

In the past 30 days, USDA has confirmed the presence of HPAI (H5N1) in 273 dairy herds in two states. A new Federal Order requires that raw (unpasteurized) milk samples nationwide be collected and shared with USDA for testing. This new guidance from USDA will facilitate comprehensive H5N1 surveillance of the nation’s milk supply and dairy herds. Learn more in the USDA news release and Wisconsin DATCP communication.

CONSIDER SAFETY, CONDITION AND BUSINESS NEED when making equipment purchases, especially in a challenging economic environment. An article from UW Extension highlights the role that used machinery can play in expanding capacity, upgrading equipment or addressing unmet labor needs while keeping expenses in check. Producers should choose equipment that fits into your operation, understand and evaluate costs, prioritize safety features for a better long-term investment, and be cautious buying from online platforms and auctions. Read the full article to learn more.

MANAGE STRESS DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. A survey by the American Heart Association reported that 63% of Americans say the holiday season is more stressful than tax season. Reframing the season with a focus on what is most important to you and your family members is key. An article from Fast Company highlights four ways to avoid holiday burnout:

1.     Make space on your calendar for your priorities.

2.     Set boundaries

3.     Let go of obligations

4.     Have a plan for the holiday rush.

Learn more here.

Book Review

NEVER LEAD ALONE: 10 SHIFTS FROM LEADERSHIP TO TEAMSHIP. Author Keith Ferrazzi highlights a shift of organizations from a hierarchical model to sharing the load among a team that elevates each other and the organization to achieve even stronger results. The book highlights the 10 critical shifts to teamship, including peer-to-peer accountability, personal trust, shared feedback, team resilience and adopting agile ways of working, providing a step-by-step road map for teammates and leaders. Learn more.

Your Farm Your Footprint

YOUR FARM – YOUR FOOTPRINT™: YOUR SUSTAINABILITY STORY

Modern consumers value sustainably produced food, and your farm is already doing its part. With Your Farm - Your Footprint (YFYF), you can highlight your sustainability efforts—without having to share your data with anyone.

YFYF helps you measure the impact of your practices, so you can confidently showcase your farm’s commitment to sustainability. The data stays with you, but the story of your farm’s positive environmental and resource management practices is yours to tell.

Your sustainability efforts matter, and with YFYF, you control how you share that story.

And, don’t miss out on grant opportunity sponsored by Dairy’s Foundation and partially sponsored by Nestlé that will cover up to 2,500 acres in the program. Learn more and sign up at www.pdpw.org/your-farm-your-footprint/.

Premier Suppliers and Supporters

Thank you to the partners and premier suppliers who support your professional development organization. Dairy's Premier Suppliers are those who faithfully exhibit and support PDP's Business Conference and are trusted, leading providers of high-quality products, services and solutions essential to the dairy industry. See below to see some of our communications, crop genetics, energy and utilities, and computers and software suppliers.

Interested in becoming a part of dairy's premier suppliers? Submit your trade show contract for the 2025 Hall of Ideas and Equipment Show at the PDP Business Conference, March 12-13, 2025.

It takes but one positive thought - when given a chance to thrive - to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts. --- Robert Schuller