December 2024 Vol. 4

Brought to you by Dairy's Professional Development Organization®

There will be no episodes of The Dairy Signal from December 24 to 26 or December 31 to January 2. Enjoy the holidays with family and friends, and we look forward to new episodes in the New Year that connect you with industry experts and leaders!

You can catch up on the episodes you missed by accessing them on demand here.

Previously on The Dairy Signal

December 17

The dairy industry continues to drive and shape Wisconsin’s economy. With a 16 percent increase in economic impact, we will discuss the many ways Wisconsin dairy farmers are contributing to our thriving ag economy.



• Ben Miller, Senior Vice President of Industry Relations, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

December 18

Take a deep dive into the research and new management strategies emerging for prenatal and neonatal calf nutrition.

• Dr. Mike Steele, Professor, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph

December 19

Learn about edge of field practices and stacking practices for soil and water conservation and the benefit these practices can bring in reducing runoff and flood potential.



• Sheri Schwert, Ag Water Quality Outreach Specialist, University of Wisconsin Extension

NEW VIDEO SERIES TO SUPPORT CALVING. A new “Calving Assistance” video series from UW-Extension provides review of the birthing process. The video includes how to safely assist in normal and abnormal presentation situations, and how to use snares and chains when assisting cattle in the birthing process. Watch the series here and share it with your team.

RESEARCH HAS SHOWN that some feed additives can be effective at reducing methane emissions in dairy cattle, however gaining consumer awareness/acceptance and implementation of additives such as 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) is in the early stages. The Journal of Dairy Science has compiled articles reviewing the effectiveness and safety of additives. Click here to see the list and access full articles.

Opportunities to Learn

Dairy Currents

PREPARE FOR HOLIDAY AND WINTER ROADTRIPS by stocking vehicles with critical supplies, including:

• a snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper; 
• abrasive material (sand or kitty litter), in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow; 
• jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices (flares and emergency markers); 
• first aid kit, including a tourniquet;
• blankets for protection from the cold; and 
• a cell phone and charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine.

Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for more details and tips on staying safe on the road.

WHAT IS AHEAD FOR FOOD INDUSTRY IN 2025? The Institute of Food Technologists shared a list of the top 10 trends that will drive the food industry in the year ahead, including:

• The rise in GLP-1 medications will accelerate product innovation
• Salt and sugar reduction activities will dominate food headlines
•  Food is Medicine receives a stronger push and greater integration from wide-ranging demographics
• Clean label is not going away
• Chemical additive approvals and post-market reviews will intensify

Read the full blog post for the rest of the top 10 list and details on each.

Your Farm Your Footprint

EASY-TO-USE REPORTING AND BENCHMARKS FOR THE FUTURE are some of the most popular aspects of the Your Farm – Your Footprint™ sustainability initiative. The first-of-its-kind program empowers dairy farmers to know and understand their environmental footprint, offers solutions to shape the future of your farm. Dairy’s Foundation is the initiative’s first sponsor, with Nestlé sponsoring in part.

Participants have access to reporting along with technical consulting, opportunity to test-drive three sustainability measurement platforms, and a peer networking group. Your data is protected and won’t be shared with anyone else without your consent.

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

PDP Podcast Weekly

Checking in on your Mental Health - Jeff Ditzenberger

The holidays are a time for family and friends; but is also a great time to check in on your mental health! Jeff Ditzenberger shares why this important topic is difficult to focus on but is very necessary.

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 farm and livestock supplies providers.

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.

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure."

- Colin Powell