PDP Manager's Memo

July 2026 Vol. 1

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

The Dairy Signal^®

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

July 7 - Small Changes that Matter

Tap into the knowledge of experienced calf managers for practical, cost-effective improvements in raising calves to boost performance without breaking the bank, including seasonal adjustments in colostrum management, TMR audits, lung ultrasounds and more.

Jim Van Patter, Dairy Manager, Nehls Bros Farms
Sherry Arnold, Co-Owner, Busse’s Barron Acres

July 9 - Market Update

As we start the second half of 2026, tune in for the latest news and analysis of agricultural markets and insights on the trends that will impact your farm, the dairy industry and agriculture.

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.

Opportunities to Learn

CARBON, CROPS + COWS

July 28 - Sauk City, Wis.

July 30 - Pittsville, Wis.

Industry experts will break down how sustainability metrics are calculated and what factors have the greatest impact. Then see examples of those practices in action through farm tours and producer discussions. Learn more and register.

PDP ACCELERATE™

July 28, 2026

Madison, Wis.

A strong internship teaches technical skills. A great one builds professionals. Interns will build the professional, communication and leadership skills they need to thrive now and after graduation. Add it to your intern's schedule! Learn more and register.

CALF FACILITY TOURS

Aug. 11 - Blanchardville, Wis.

Aug. 12 - De Pere, Wis.

Aug. 13 - Watertown, Wis.

Three days, three ways to strengthen your calf care program. Bring your calf care team and plenty of questions for the hosts during these interactive visits across Wisconsin. Learn more.

ACE ON-THE-FARM TWILIGHT MEETINGS

August 24, 25, 26, 27

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

Dairy Currents

BEEF TALLOW IS MOVING BEYOND NICHE BRANDS and into mainstream food products as companies respond to growing consumer interest and changing dietary guidance. While sales of tallow-based foods have surged, nutrition experts remain divided on its health benefits, and many analysts believe the ingredient will remain a specialty offering rather than a widespread replacement for seed oils. Read more.

COULD GROCERY WASTE HELP LOWER DAIRY FEED COSTS? Researchers published a Journal of Dairy Science article finding that replacing a portion of corn and molasses with unsold fruits, vegetables and bakery products maintained milk production while improving nutrient digestibility. With about 40% of U.S. total food supply going to waste, recovered food could reduce feed costs, recycle nutrients and keep millions of pounds of edible waste out of landfills. Read a Dairy Reporter article and the full study.

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 Business Mind

EFFECTIVE MEETINGS DON’T HAPPEN by accident. Leadership expert share tips for planning and running meaningful meetings, including:

Clarify the purpose of the meeting
Default to fewer, shorter meetings
Have a clear agenda, shared in advance
Have a clear closing

Read the full article for more tips and details.

EQUAL ISN’T ALWAYS FAIR when it comes to farm succession. An article from University of Wisconsin Extension explains why dividing farm assets equally among heirs can jeopardize both the business and family relationships. Families are encouraged to focus on equitable solutions, open communication and thoughtful planning that recognize each heir's contributions while preserving the farm for future generations. Learn more.

PDP Members Shine During June Dairy Month

June Dairy Month has wrapped up, but we’re still celebrating all the great work that PDP member dairies did to share their stories and the impact of the dairy industry. Follow @dairyfarmersofwisconsin for more.

Paul Lippert and Trisha Blaser of Grass Ridge Farm in Pittsville, Wis., talk about animal care and sustainability on their family dairy farm.

Jim Van Patter of Nehls Bros. Farms in Juneau, Wis., share all the work that goes into keeping calves and cows happy and the role of dairy farmers in feeding the world.

Kiley Pagel of Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy in Kewaunee, Wis., provides an inside look at the boot camp program that introduces young people to dairy farming and modern agriculture.