PDP Manager's Memo

February 2026 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!

Feb. 24 - When work gets tricky: Handling ethical dilemmas

Tune in for a candid conversation about handling ethical dilemmas in the workplace. Walk through real-world scenarios, what constitutes an ethical dilemma and what managers and owners can do to prepare for potential issues.

Don Tyler, Founder, Tyler & Associates, Executive and Management Coach

Feb. 26 - Information: The new chore we can't ignore

The ability to manage information to effectively track performance and make decisions is a skill that will separate top tier dairies in the future. Hear about strategies and tools to effectively manage information and communicate for success.

Tim Schaefer, CFP, Certified Family Business Advisor, Certified Professional Business Coach, Encore Consultants
Tracey Wiedmeyer, Co-Founder and CEO, Gripp Ag

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

Feb. 17

Hear from two dairy producers about their experiences in designing, building and moving calves into new housing barns.

Sam Peetz, part-owner, Rosy-Lane Holsteins
Christine Bender, part-owner, McFarlandale Dairy

Feb. 19

Join in an interactive discussion about the market news and trends that will influence 2026 in the dairy industry and agricultural markets.

Ben Buckner, Chief Grains and Dairy Analyst, AgResource Company

2026 PDP Business Conference

JOIN THE SHARPEST MINDS IN TODAY'S DAIRY INDUSTRY AND BUILD YOUR BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS.

There's something for everyone at dairy's premier educational event! Join us March 4-5 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis.

Just a few highlights:

50+ sessions in variety of formats: keynotes, breakout sessions, Hands-on Hub, Learning Lounges
Powerhouse keynotes: John O’Leary, Dr. David Kohl, Gregg Doud, Dr. Edmond Seifried, Alex Weber
Share ideas and network with forward-thinking producers, industry experts and leading researchers
Music, food and drinks on Wednesday evening in a piano-bar setting
Hear about the newest technologies on the Nexus Stage
Dive deep into the latest research on the Preview Stage
Meet your next intern or new hire at the expanded TalentConnect reverse job fair
Simultaneous Spanish translation of all sessions

2026 Flyer

Learn More and Register

For Your Business Mind

STRONG LEADERSHIP STARTS WITH SELF LEADERSHIP. An article from People Management highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and strong leadership even as artificial intelligence becomes a bigger part of our work and personal lives. The author argues that self leadership, the practice of intentionally influencing your own thinking, feelings and actions, is the foundation for leading others. Learn more in the full article.

BUIILDING A RESILIENT DAIRY BUSINESS. At the 2026 PDP Business Conference, Dr. David Kohl will lead a breakout session on why three diverse revenue streams are critical to thriving in today’s dairy business and the actionable steps you can take to make it happen on your operation. Day two morning session, 10:30 and 11:40 a.m.

Your Farm - Your Footprint®

KNOW YOUR NUMBER

PDP's Your Farm - Your Footprint puts your farm at the forefront of sustainability as the dairy supply chain looks to reduce its carbon footprint.

Through Tier 1, dairy producers can receive non-government grants up to $9,750 per farm (up to 2,500 acres) to get their carbon footprint scores. A confidential third party will gather your information and help you learn your farm’s environmental footprint score, how it's calculated and potential opportunities to reduce your score.

Learn more and sign up today at www.pdpw.org/your-farm-your-footprint/.

For Your Dairy

BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION for calf health with the four pillars of colostrum management. An article from Ohio State Extension highlights management practices, including:

Timing: Colostrum should be fed as soon as possible after birth, ideally within the first 1 to 2 hours.
Quality: Measuring quality with a Brix refractometer helps ensure calves receive colostrum capable of delivering sufficient antibodies.
Quantity: The goal of colostrum feeding is to deliver adequate IgG, not simply a fixed volume. In practice, this often means feeding colostrum equivalent to 10 to 12% of body weight at the first feeding, adjusted based on measured quality.
Cleanliness: Clean collection, storage, and feeding equipment are therefore critical to colostrum program success.

Read the full article to learn more.

PRECISION CALF HEALTH: TECHNIQUES THAT DELIVER. Don’t miss this Hands-On Hub session at the 2026 PDP Business Conference where Dr. Ryan Breuer, DVM, and Dr. Theresa Ollivett, DVM, will lead you through tools and techniques for calf vaccinations, treatments and diagnostics to reduce stress, protect tissue and boost long-term performance. Hands-on Hub, Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Foundation Focus

SILENT AUCTION BIDDING IS NOW LIVE.

Dozens of unique items and experiences are now open for bidding on the annual Dairy's Foundation silent auction. Click here to browse and bid. You can also see items up close at the PDP Business Conference. Bidding closes at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.

PLANT A SEED CAMPAIGN IS UNDERWAY

The ninth annual "Plant a Seed" campaign launched on Feb. 1 with a goal to raise $75,000 to support programs that develop dairy leaders, strengthen on-farm skills and build stronger connection between dairy producers and their communities. Donations can be made online. Thank you to campaign heroes Pipping Concrete, Inc., Mullins Cheese and Grassland Dairy Products for pledging $10,000 each to match donations.