PDP Manager's Memo

April 2026 Vol. 2

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

The Dairy Signal^®

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

April 14 - Beat the Heat: Smarter Dairy Ventilation

Learn about energy-efficient ventilation design to reduce heat stress risk in dairy facilities and a recent study that introduced an interactive online calculator to assist with fan selection.

Neslihan Akdeniz, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Biological Systems Engineering, UW-Madison

April 16 - Monitoring Technology to Manage Your Calves More Efficiently

Learn more about calf monitoring technology from Merck Animal Health that was featured on the 2026 PDP Business Conference Nexus stage.

Dr. Jennifer Wilson, DVM, Monitoring Success Specialist Merck Animal Health
Jerod Henrickson, General Manager, Bella Holsteins, Platteville, Colorado

Access Now

Thank you to DLF for sponsoring The Dairy Signal in April. Success starts with the seed. That’s why farmers trust DLF, the world’s forage seed leader. Backed by cutting-edge research, DLF delivers high-yielding forage products with the traits you need to drive profit on your farm. Ask your retailer about high-performance alfalfa brands like Forage First, 5 Series and Alforex Seeds. Learn more at lacrosseseed.com.

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

April 7

With spring planting just around the corner, tune in for a check-in on soil health and what farmers can do to elevate soil health for planting.

Chris Bandura, Soils Program Manager, UW-Madison Division of Extension

April 9

Join a discussion to gain insights on the latest global, weather, export and other news and their impact on agricultural and dairy markets.

Ben Buckner, Chief Grains and Dairy Analyst, AgResource Company

Opportunities to Learn

PDP SMART DAIRY WORKSHOP

April 15, 16, 2026

Chippewa Falls, Manitowoc, Wis.

AI IS EMBEDDED IN TODAY'S DAIRY SYSTEMS. This unique, one-day workshop will give you new insights to make it work for your operation. Pre-registration is required for sessions led by Dr. Jeffrey Bewley and Dr. Miel Hostens. Learn more and register today.

PDP ACCELERATE™

July 28, 2026

Madison, Wis.

HELP YOUR INTERN STAND OUT. The one-PDP Accelerate workshop day event will enhance your organization's internship program by helping students build knowledge, skills and confidence. Learn more.

Dairy Currents

LOOKING FOR NEW TEAM MEMBERS? A benefit to PDP members is a complimentary listing on talentCONNECT, dairy's online professional network. Employers can create a profile and post a job opening and description to reach individuals seeking positions in the dairy sector. Individuals looking for career opportunities in the dairy community can get their resumes to the front of the industry's leading farms and companies.

Visit talentCONNECT to learn more.

A “MORE IS MORE” MINDSET is growing and reshaping food and beverage trends, according to a Food Navigator article. After years of marketing focused on low-fat, low-sugar, and reduced-calorie products, many consumers are shifting toward foods made with real ingredients and bold flavors. Indulgence, nostalgia, and sensory experiences are gaining appeal, particularly among younger consumers seeking small treats to boost mood or relieve stress. Learn more.

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 Business Mind

COMPENSATING FAMILY MEMBERS can be more complicated than it appears. Decisions meant to support relatives in a family business like equal pay, special salary arrangements, or ownership incentives become harder to sustain as businesses expand and new generations join. Transparent employment philosophies and market-based pay structures helps protect both business performance and family relationships. Learn more in this article from Family Business Consulting Group.

YOUR MOOD SETS THE TONE in your business or farm, whether you realize it or not. A Fast Company article highlights how everyday leadership habits like showing appreciation, reinforcing what’s working, and keeping a clear sense of purpose can ripple across an organization. Read the full article to learn how a positivity mindset can build a healthier culture and get better performance at the same time.

Foundation Focus: Cornerstone Dairy Academy

EIGHTEEN DAIRY PRODUCERS AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS were honored as Cornerstone Dairy Academy graduates following the 2026 program in March. The graduates successfully completed the Influential, Visionary and Servant Leadership pillars of the application-based leadership-development program. PDP Cornerstone Dairy Academy is underwritten by Dairy’s Foundation with a goal of providing a strong foundation of communications and servant leadership skills for dairy farmers and industry professionals at any stage of their career. The 2027 program will be held March 15-16, 2027, with applications opening in fall 2026. Learn more.