PDP Manager's Memo

December 2025 Vol. 3

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

The Dairy Signal^®

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

December 16 - Exploring Work Visas: A Focus on the H-2A Program

Join the conversation about immigration visa options, with a focus on the H-2A program. Learn about how to begin the application process, how the programs work and available resources.

Kyle Farmer, Attorney and Owner, Farmer Law PC

December 18 - Positive Pressure Barns: Design & Air Quality

Tune in to learn about positive pressure barns, including how the systems work, layout options, and air quality, along with the benefits and disadvantages of the ventilation systems.

Courtney Halbach, MBA, Outreach Specialist, The Dairyland Initiative

Access Now

Previously on The Dairy Signal

December 9

Learn about the latest research and updates in calf respiratory health and preventative measures that dairy producers can take to protect the youngest members of their herd.

Dr. Theresa Ollivett , DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Large Animal), Assistant Professor in Food Animal Production Medicine, UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine

December 11

With just a few weeks left of 2025, tune in for the news and analysis you need for the rest of the year and a look ahead at what will drive agriculture and dairy markets in 2026.

Ben Buckner, Chief Grains and Dairy Analyst, AgResource Company

Tune in every Tuesday and Thursday live from noon to 1 p.m. CT, or catch previous episodes on demand here.

Opportunities to Learn

DAIRY MANAGERS INSTITUTE

Dec. 16-17, 2025

Green Bay, Wis.

TAKE MANAGEMENT SKILLS TO THE NEXT LEVEL. Learn from management and financial experts who know the dairy business. Their insights will provide practical strategies to strengthen communication, build trust, and support high-performing teams.

CORNERSTONE DAIRY ACADEMY®

March 3-4, 2026

Madison, Wis.

READY TO GROW AS A LEADER? Applications are open through January 15 for the 2026 PDP Cornerstone Dairy Academy®.

Build practical communications and leadership skills: perfect for students, emerging professionals, or anyone navigating change or new opportunities in dairy.

Three learning pillars, all taught by leading experts:

Influential Leaders – Interact & Influence
Visionary Leaders – Ethics, Leadership & Outlook
Servant Leadership – Serve, Grow, Lead

All sessions will be simultaneously translated into Spanish.

Learn more and apply.

FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR DAIRY®

Kewaunee, Wis.

Level Two -

Jan. 15-16, 2026

Feb. 4-5, 2026

Mar. 10-11, 2026

Learn more and register.

MANAGERS ACADEMY FOR DAIRY PROFESSIONALS®

January 20-22, 2026

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Learn more and register.

Dairy Currents

COMFORT AND VALUE will define restaurant trends in 2026, according to the National Restaurant Association. Diners want familiar foods with fresh twists and global influences, driving menu innovation with dishes like smashed burger tacos. Affordability remains key, with value-driven offerings helping operators attract cost-conscious guests while keeping menus creative and satisfying. Learn more.

U.S. DAIRY EXPORTS WERE UP 1.7% through the first three quarters of 2025, despite a decline in September. The U.S. Dairy Exporter Blog reported that U.S. dairy export value grew 15% to $7.184 billion during the same time. Cheese sales continue to set monthly records, butterfat is soaring and lower-volume categories such as high-protein whey, milk protein concentrate and whole milk powder also showed gains. Read more.

Your Farm - Your Footprint®

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Sustainability isn’t just about the environment: it’s about building a balanced, thriving farm. Your Farm - Your Footprint (YFYF) helps you integrate all three pillars of sustainability into your operation:

Economic: Strengthen your bottom line by optimizing resources and improving efficiency.
Social: Foster a positive impact on your community and ensure a thriving workplace for generations to come.
Environmental: Reduce your footprint, conserve resources, and protect the land that supports your success.

YFYF brings together the tools, data, and expertise to help you measure your progress and take action. By balancing these three pillars, your farm can grow stronger today while planning for tomorrow.

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

For Your Business Mind

A TOTAL COMPENSATION STATEMENT summarizes an employee’s full annual compensation, including wages, benefits, and perks, so employees see the full value of what their employer provides. Many benefits like employer retirement contributions, paid leave, and health insurance are often overlooked when focusing only on paychecks. Learn more in the UW-Extension article.

SETTING GOALS FOR TEAMS is important, but constant pressure to meet unrealistic goals can cause burnout and frustration. A SmartBrief article highlights a better approach: pairing high expectations with genuine support. Instead of overwhelming teams, leaders should give clear direction, set realistic priorities, and check in with empathy. A focus on coaching instead of constant urgency helps people stretch without burning out. Read more.