PDPW Dairy's Bottom Line -- February 2023

Come

2023 PDPW BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Welcome to the 2023 Business Conference!

Katy Schultz

Grateful. Each and every year when the PDPW Business Conference rolls around I’m so gratefulfortheopportunitytorecharge my batteries, reconnect with my peers and dig into the challenges facing our dairies The dairy farmers on the committees helpi n g t o p u l l together ideas,

r a i n s t o r m where the industry is going and identify our edu-

a t i o n g a p s always seem to hit the nail on the head.Their work on this program is crucial for our farms to continue to succeed, to be prepared and nimble for the future.

On behalf of the PDPW Board of Directors,it’s my distinct pleasure to welcome everyone to the PDPW Business Conference, scheduled March 15-16 at the Kalahari Resorts, 1305 Kalahari Drive, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

With the theme of“Empowering success,” this year’s sessions are designed with our future viability in view. Current economic indicators and world events tell us we need to be ready for what the future holds, particularly if we want a measure of control to ensure we’re still thriving a year from now. What does it look like to “be ready?” How do we balance the collective unknowns domestically and abroad in the face of supply-chain inconsistencies, changing weather patterns, the ongoing conflict in

Index

Map and calendar ......... page 4

Registration form.......... page 7

Keynote speakers page 8

Learning Lounges page 24

Ukraine and evolving markets?

What I know for sure is dairy producers have always shown themselves to be resilient, steadfast,servant-minded and capable of rising above. And ever since PDPW started its work more than 30 years ago, it has continued to offer the educational information and solution-oriented resources we need.

Sure there are a lot of unknowns around us; that’s a part of life. Even so I’ve never been more excited about what’s around the corner for dairy This year’s conference sessions will highlight technologies and insights we need to be more proficient in managing finances, understanding the opportunities within the realm of environmental sustainability, learning new techniques to attract and retain quality employees, and more. Sessions will be simultaneously translated into Spanish;

encourage all team members to invest in education.

And there’s more. With more than 60 relevant and insightful sessions, keynotes and breakouts with hands-on opportunities,the business conference will once again feature innovative companies showcasing their ideas on the Nexus® stage.

Teens ages 15 to 18 can attend sessions crafted specifically for them to enhance their communication and self-awareness skills.

Please see CONFERENCE, Page 5

Schultz

Continuing Education Units available

The 2023 PDPW Business Conference o ers a total of 810 minutes of continuing-education units through three continuing-education providers.

– ARPAS – provides certification of animal scientists through examination, continuing education and commitment to a code of ethics. Limitations and restrictions apply to the number of continuing-education credits that can be obtained. Visit www.arpas.org for more information.

PDPW’s Dairy AdVanCE® – DACE – is for everyone in dairy. Farmer and student subscriptions are free; industry professionals can sign up for a $75 lifetime subscription. Visit www.DairyAdvance.org for more information.

American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists

Certified Crop Advisor –CCA – is one of the professional-certification programs o ered by the American Society of Agronomy. Visit www.certifiedcropadvisor.org for more information.

Directions to Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

Address: 1305 Kalahari Drive, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

From Madison or Chicago: Interstate-90 westbound to exit #92, U.S. Highway 12 – Lake Delton/Wisconsin Dells. Turn north or right at the bottom of the exit ramp onto Highway 12.

At the first stoplight, Meadowview Drive, turn right onto Kalahari Drive.

From Milwaukee: Interstate-94 westbound to exit #92, U.S. Highway 12 – Lake Delton/Wisconsin Dells. Turn north or right at the bottom of the exit ramp onto Highway 12.

Upcoming Educational Events

FEB 21-23; 28

The Dairy Signal®

Online, 12 – 1 pm CT

Visit www.pdpw.org to participate in live-streamed event.

Audio/video recordings also available free.

MAR 1-2

Financial Literacy for Dairy® (Level 2, concluding session)

PDPW headquarters

Juneau, Wis.

Visit www.pdpw.org for details.

MAR 1-2; 7-9

The Dairy Signal®

Online, 12 – 1 pm CT

Visit www.pdpw.org to participate in live-streamed event.

Audio/video recordings also available free.

MAR 14-15

Cornerstone Dairy Academy

Kalahari Resorts

Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Visit www.pdpw.org for details.

MAR 15-16

PDPW Business Conference

Kalahari Resorts Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Visit www.pdpw.org for details.

MAR 18-APRIL 1

PDPW International Tour

Australia (and optional extension to Tasmania)

Tour is sold out. Visit www.pdpw.org for details

MAR 21-23

The Dairy Signal®

Online, 12 – 1 pm CT

Visit www.pdpw.org to participate in live-streamed event.

Audio/video recordings also available free.

MAR 22-23

Financial Literacy for Dairy® (Level 3)

PDPW headquarters

Juneau, Wis.

Visit www.pdpw.org for details.

MAR 28-30

The Dairy Signal®

Online, 12 – 1 pm CT

Visit www.pdpw.org to participate in live-streamed event.

Audio/video recordings also available free.

APR 4-6; 11-13; 18-20; 25-27

Dairy’s Bottom Line is pubished by PDPW in cooperation with Agri-View. 1901 Fish Hatchery Road Madison, Wisconsin 53713 Toll-Free: 1-888-AGRI-VIEW agriview@madison.com; www.agriview.com

The Dairy Signal®

Online, 12 – 1 pm CT

Visit www.pdpw.org to participate in live-streamed event.

Audio/video recordings also available free.

PDPW mission: to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.

February 2023

PDPW• Dairy’s Bottom Line

At the first stoplight, Meadowview Drive, turn right onto Kalahari Drive.

From Green Bay/Appleton: U.S. Highway 41 southbound to Wisconsin Highway 44 west

Take Highway 44 west to Wisconsin Highway 23 west; Highway 23 merges with Interstate-39. Take exit #100 onto Highway 23 west to Wisconsin Dells Take Highway 23, Broadway Street, through downtown Wisconsin Dells. Once over the bridge, at the second stoplight – Wisconsin Highway 23/U.S. Highway 12, Wisconsin Dells Parkway – turn left In three stoplights turn left onto Highway 12. In two stoplights at Meadowview Drive, turn left to Kalahari Drive.

From Minneapolis: Interstate-94 eastbound to exit #92, U S Highway 12 – Lake Delton/Wisconsin Dells. Turn north or left at the bottom of the exit ramp onto Highway 12. At the second stoplight, Meadowview Drive, turn right onto Kalahari Drive

Note: GPS and MapQuest users may need to use the city of Baraboo, Wisconsin.

From 3

This year they’ll partner with conference emcee Michael Hoffman. With his energetic style he’ll equip them to use the skills they learn Wednesday, to put them into practice at the sessions they attend Thursday.

I’m looking forward to learning from this year’s preview-stage presenters. We are fortunate to have world-class research-oriented agricultural universities surrounding us. There’s incredible work being done and we’ll have the unique opportunity to be among the first to review examples of researcher findings.

Some of that research addresses familiar topics from new perspectives In one session we’ll discover how automated technology and data collected on our dairies can mitigate lameness challenges The session highlighting methods to minimize environmental impacts of dairy manure will prompt new considerations regarding greenhouse-gas reduction and nitrous-oxide emissions. Another session will review

efforts seeking practical antibiotic-free alternatives to control mastitis.

There are also preview-stage sessions exploring non-traditional applications for dairy Researchers are presently investigating novel uses for milk for personalizedmedicineandnutrition. Consider how we might use milk and its components to rebuild the intestinal microbiome after antibioticuse,orimproveorganfunction and recovery in patients. Otherresearchisstudyinghowwe might develop microbiome-centered therapeutics for personalized nutrition by using bioactive milk and dairy components.

Imagine the opportunities we open for dairy when we gather together to learn from one another and ask questions that haven’t previously been considered That’s how we take part in the process of empowering success.

For more details on the 2023 PDPW Business Conference, including access to both the English- and Spanish-language fliers, visit www.pdpw.org or call PDPW at 800-947-7379

If you haven’t already registered for this business-changing program, do so now. Registration

details are included in this edition on page 7

I look forward to seeing you at Business Conference!

Katy Schultz of Fox Lake, Wisconsin, is a dairy producer and president of the PDPW Board Email KatyLSchultz@ gmail com to reach her

thank you sponsors!

vision sponsor

vision sponsor

mission sponsors

corporate sponsors

(Including teens 15-18. For student rate, registrant must be a full-time student.)

Registration fees are non-refundable after Feb. 28, 2023. Walk-ins are welcome for an additional $20/person. Lodging at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions 1305 Kalahari Drive, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 877-525-2427 // www.kalahariresorts.com/wisconsin/

Save the resort fee on Kalahari lodging by booking directly through the PDPW website. For other lodging in the area, visit pdpw.org/businessconference/travel.php.

Technologyforher futureandyours

To register: scan QR code, visit www.pdpw.org or call PDPW at 800-947-7379.

Decisionoftheyear!

“HerdMonitor® takestheguesswork outofthosetripstothebarnand allowsustheopportunitytofocus onanimalsthatneedourattention, saving notonlytime and money butalsopotentiallysavingthelife ofoneofouranimals.Wellworth the investment!”

JenMcCormick McCormick FamilyDairyLLC,NewYork

Scan tolearn more!

Keynotes to empower, prepare

Michael Hoffman of Dallas will act as emcee of the business-conference’s main-stage events. His business and relationship precepts have earned him favor with members of the PDPW community and beyond. The founder and owner of Igniting Performance, he will also facilitate “Future of Success” sessions for teens ages 15 to 18 years old as well as two other employee-development sessions.

Wednesday, March 15 opening keynote

The opening-day session headliners will be Dan Basse, president of AgResource Company, and Jacob Shapiro, partner and director of geopolitical analysis for Cognitive Investments. The keynote speakers will use their collective expertise to identify key geopolitical forces expected to shape the next five years of business. In “What in the world? Global politics and evolving markets,” Basse and Shapiro will answer the questions “How did we get here?” and “Where are we headed?”

Political pundits and economists have seen that domination by a single world power is no longer in effect, despite that the United States held that global role during the past 30 years. The emergence of a multipolar world has set the stage for a turbulent, competitive landscape of increasing and decreasing

powers. And when volatility becomes normative, our use of energy sources becomes a priority – as well as our capacity to

employ data in smarter more-automated ways.

Basse and Shapiro will emphasize trade protectionism

David Kohl talks to attendees of a PDPW Business Conference.

Dan Basse Jacob Shapiro

Michael Hoffman

as well as ongoing conflicts between major powers.They will discuss pending worldwide macro developments poised to affect dairy producers and other major agricultural commodities. Their insights will pose critical questions regarding each producer’s present readiness but will also empower producers with tools needed to prepare for circumstances that lie ahead.

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1.25 DACE, 1 PD CCA

net-negative year. He will define what success looks like, and detail how producers should plan to improve and grow their businesses.

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1.25 DACE and 1 PD CCA

Support

Thursday, March 16 keynote

The world of economics has offered much fodder for debate in recent times – and that’s compounded by the reality of being more globally connected than ever before. In “Making sense out of an economic whirlwind,” Ed Seifried, professor emeritus of Economics and Business at Lafayette College, will expound on macro-economic indicators dairy producers and professionals need to watch. He will discuss which will have the most impact on business decisions being made.

As Seifried unravels the complex topic he’ll offer practical applications and strategies to capitalize on downward and upward trends. Outlining macroeconomic concepts from a banking point of view, he will showcase how the subject affects the broader economy. He’ll also outline how to interpret gross domestic product, speak to specific analytics the dairy community needs to be monitoring and share tips on preparing for a

Thursday, March 16 closing keynote

Rallying attendees together for the closing session, best-selling author and former Texas A&M University professor Rick Rigsby will deliver an address designed to help attendees make an impact.

In an age of ever-increasing technological advancements, instant information and unchecked social-networking urges, Rigsby contends that appearance – or what he refers to as “impression” – has become the new corporate wardrobe for many organizations. Despite advances that have ushered in a new millennium and stand to elevate mankind to new heights, critics argue society has never been shallower in communication or more superficial in appearance.

Rigsby’s mission is to help people rediscover what’s actually important and meaningful in one’s professional career and personal life. He’ll share insights of past generations along with wisdom that’ll inspire, motivate and empower attendees to make an impact rather than an impression

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1.25 DACE and 1 PD CCA

Ed Seifried

Rick Rigsby

February 2023 • PDPW• Dairy’s Bottom Line

Day One sessions kick off conference

The two-day programming lineup for the business conference features a range of topics –including animal care and food safety, business and financial acumen, and human resources and management. Other topics featured include those specific to transitioning to or working with the next generation as well as the dairy industry’s stewardship of its social license as it pertains to consumer trust, the environment and current policies. Visit bit.ly/ PDPWconf to see full biographies of the speakers.

Wednesday, Mar. 15 morning specialty sessions

Attendees can select one of four 75-minute sessions or one of two 75-minute Hands-on Hub sessions.

Strategies for success

Today’s farms are complex business entities increasingly reliant on excellent management practices. Maximizing all the farm’s resources requires sound business strategies and skillful ass et management. Brady Brewer will outline the implications of the many financial factors that impact how producers arrive at strategic-planning decisions. He’ll also outline the broad

financial themes that come into play and highlight powerful insights into how to adjust an operation’s strategic-planning models to prepare for whatever lies ahead. Brewer is an assistant professor at Purdue University-Agricultural Economics.

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1.25 DACE, 1 PD CCA

Dig into cover crops

Dairy farmers well-seasoned with cover-crop experience will share their original goals when they first incorporated ground cover into their nutrient-management objectives. In addition to outlining their initial goals –such as soil retention, water quality, spring forages and better nitrogen utilization – they’ll share their real-world results. Hailing from different regions of the state, the producers will discuss their individual goals and approaches to working with cover crops – and how they monitor and measure for success. Learn what worked, what didn’t and more.

Wisconsin panelists are dairy producer John Koepke of Oconomowoc, Duane and Derek Ducat of Deer Run Dairy near Kewaunee, and beef and crop producer Adam Baumann of Marathon. The session will be facilitated by Amber Radatz,

water-quality-program manager with the University of WisconsinDiscovery Farms and UWDivision of Extension.

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1.25 DACE, 1 CM CCA

Nutrition for the non-ruminant

Often focused more on dairy-cattle health than their own, dairy farmers commonly fall short of effectively taking care of their own nutrition and wellness. In a session designed to turn the tables on humans caring for cows and cal ves, we’ll cover practical nutrition tips even the busiest people can incorporate. Health and nutrition coach Morgan Ekovich will teach attendees how to plan nutrition without rescheduling their day – and be able to eat on the run, snack from the tractor cab and increase energy levels.

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1.25 DACE

Up the transition-cow game

The changes occurring at three weeks pre- and post-fresh

mark major turning points in a cow’s productive cycle. The complex physiological, metabolic and nutritional transformations cows undergo are further impacted by the way those changes occur and how they are managed. All the changes are closely linked to production, clinical and subclinical postpartum diseases, and reproductive performance. Connect the dots between day-to-day on-farm practices and recent research findings to dial in cow-management decisions.

Presenters are Laura Hernandez, professor, and Dr. Thiago Cunha, veterinarian and postdoctoral student, at UW-Animal & Dairy Sciences.

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1.25 DACE, 1.25 ARPAS

Wednesday, Mar. 15 afternoon breakout sessions

Attendees can select three of four 60-minute sessions or one of two 75-minute Hands-on Hub sessions.

Managing finances amidst change

Wrap your mind around financial management and better understand the forces at play. How might a farm respond through rapid change, increasing interest rates, evolving technology and supply-chain

Adam Baumann Amber Radatz

Brady Brewer

John Koepke

Laura Hernandez

Morgan Ekovich

Thiago Cunha

Brady Brewer

Duane Ducat

Derek Ducat

pressures? This session will help you think on your feet and equip you to pivot business models so you’re poised for the next opportunity. It will be presented by Brady Brewer, assistant professor at Purdue UniversityAgricultural Economics

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1 DACE, 1 SUS CCA

Dollars and sense in udder health

Take proper drug use and cow health a step forward. Gather new insights as we break down the interrelated topics of mastitis, cow health, culturing and a dairy’s bottom line. We’ll go beyondthebasics to cover the best ways to use drycow therapy and pathogen-based treatment options Learn how sound cow management can lead to positive financial outcomes.It will be presented by Dr. Daryl Nydam, veterinarian and professor at Cornell University-College of Veterinary Medicine.

This session qualifies for the following continuing-education units: 1 DACE, 1 ARPAS

Feeding out cost of production

Learn how a trio of U.S. dairy producers calculates cost of production with a heavy emphasis on forage. What types of feed ingredients and quality affect a herd’s production? What are their values for forage when calculating cost of production? How do they measure, manage and control shrink? All those questions and more will be answered in a panel discussion. Panelists are David Trimner, co-owner and general manager of Miltrim Farms near Athens, Wisconsin; Scott Brenner, dairy producer at Hunter Haven Farms near Pearl City, Illinois; and Shawn Kemp, Chief Financial Officer and consultant with Pico/Dos Pico Dairy near

Test tech tools that dial in the ration

Loveland, Colorado The discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Andrew Bohnhoff, veterinarian and nutrition consultant with Prairie Estate Genetics

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1 DACE, 1 ARPAS, 1 CM CCA

Plan now for retirement later

Planning for retirement is often seen as something to consider later in life, but the sooner one starts, the better If you haven’t started yet, it’s not too late – no matter your age. The unexpected can happen; having a plan in place will guide you In this session we’ll explore options for setting aside dollars for retirement without banking entirely on the farm Discover steps you can take to be positioned to retire while the farm continues to prosper. It will be presented by Sarah Wiersma, Ameriprise financial adviser at Eventus Wealth Advisors.

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1 DACE

Hands-on Hub sessions

Each 75-minute session occurs twice Wednesday and Thursday.

Knowing the changes and variability in your feed – from ration to bunker – means big numbers. New technologies monitor feed changes with ease and allow for a potentially new level of precision-ration adjustments. Try, test and learn about new tools without investing yet Chat with representatives from Rock River Labs as well as leading technology companies SCiO, trinamiX-BASF and Si-Ware Systems. It will be presented by Katie Raver, animal nutrition and field-support specialist at Rock River Laboratory

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1.25 DACE, 1 CM CCA

Obstetrics and maternity care

Learn hands-on practical insights for managing close-up and maternity pens Dr Ryan Breuer,veterinarian,and Dr.Paul

Merkatoris, veterinarian, will cover first-rate maternity care.

•pre-,mid- and post-delivery signs to watch for

•distress signs using a hands-on simulation model

•protocols for safe, healthy calf deliveries

•birthing scenarios needing assistance

•safe handling practices for handlers and cows

BreuerisaclinicalassistantprofessoratUW-LargeAnimalInternal Medicine Merkatoris is assistant professor at the UW-School of Veterinary Medicine.

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1.25 DACE, 1.25 ARPAS

Feeders

• Versatile Hook System

• Grow Me Teat & Connectors

• Easy to clean and carry

Revolution

Snap-On Nipple

• The Milk BarTM Revolution has five slits on a radius to control the flow

• Calves drink at the right speed and produce adequate amounts of saliva

• Extremely durable

Andrew Bohnhoff

Daryl Nydam

David Trimner

Paul Merkatoris Ryan Breuer

Sarah Wiersma

Shawn Kemp

Scott Brenner

Learning continues during day two

Day two of the business conference will delve into employee management and wellness, the environment,dairy management and nutrition, and more Visit bit.ly/PDPWconf to see full biographies of the speakers.

Thursday, Mar. 16 morning specialty sessions

Attendees can select one of four 75-minute sessions or one of two 75-minute Hands-on Hub sessions.

Goodbye ‘help wanted’... hello, new team member!

If you’ve been looking to fill a position on your dairy without luck have you ever considered that the right people are out there but you’re just not asking for themtherightway?Byrethinking yourapproachtojobpostingsand descriptions, and evaluating the qualities of people you want as team members, you’ll discover foolproof strategiestoattractand retain them. It will be presented byMichaelHoffman,founderand owner of Igniting Performance.

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1.25 DACE, 1 PD CCA

Stretching for health and mobility

Dairy farming can be hard on the body. Stretching for good health and reaching beyond your toes isn’t just a new-age fad; it’s a smart way to optimize your body’s potential at every age. Learn simple methods to protect your body while building endurance, strength and flexibility

When you’re at your best you can be what’s needed for cows, family and team members. It will be presented by Morgan Ekovich, health and nutrition coach.

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1.25 DACE

What’s that in your water?

How do you know if you’re delivering excellent-quality water to your cows? How do you test your water and what should you do if it doesn’t meet the standards cows need? Learn to identify the subtle factors and solve the culprits that may be limiting your dairy’s productivity and performance. It will be presentedbyAdamGeiger,dairy-research nutritionist with the

Zinpro Corporation,and Jeff Lee, vice-president of industrial sales at Total Water Treatment Systems

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1.25 DACE, 1.25 ARPAS, 1 SUS CCA

Navigating carbon options with the experts

A panel of experienced leaders will discuss different types of credits and incentives dairy owners can create based on various farm activities. The panelists will showcase examples such as reducing enteric methane from dairy cows, reducing nitrogen from fertilizer-management practices, generating value from soil-carbon sequestration and crediting for other regenerative-agriculture practices. Panelists will be Isaac Smith, director of agri-carbon at Anew; Ryan Stockwell, senior manager at Indigo Ag; and Nate Schuster, project-development manager at 3Degrees Group. The session

will be facilitated by Andy Skwor, agricultural-services team leader at MSA Professional Services.

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1.25 DACE, 1 SUS CCA

Thursday, Mar. 16 afternoon breakout sessions

Attendees can select two of four60-minutesessionsoroneof two 75-minute Hands-on Hub sessions

Golden girls are cash cows

Just like fashion, some trends in herd management recycle. What once was fashionable –such as culling older cows to

Attendees listen during a learning session at a PDPW Business Conference.

Adam Geiger

Andrew Skwor

Jeff Lee

Michael Hoffman

Morgan Ekovich

Nate Schuster Ryan Stockwell

Isaac Smith

make room for new girls – is no longer in vogue. With longevity back in style, this session will explore the economics of developing the correct cow and maintaining her in the herd for a longer duration. After all, making sound business decisions is always in style.

The session will be presented by Dr. Gavin Staley, veterinarian, technical-service specialist at Diamond V.

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1 DACE, 1 ARPAS

Design feed centers for success

Efficient and well-managed feed centers are key to managing inputs, reducing shrink and maximizing investments. Glean insight from a seasoned expert regarding designing and

managing feed centers – that includes the feed pad, mixing center and commodity-feed area. Critical to controlling costs, farmers must also factor in herd size, future growth plans and geographic variations.

It will be presented by Joe Harner, engineer at the ag-engineering-consulting firm JGMIII.

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1 DACE

More than a side-hustle

Adding extra value to your dairy by diversifying on-farm sales may sound appealing. But how does one start? What plans need to be set forth? Learn from dairy producers who have created new revenue streams. Hear the truth about what it takes to launch, grow and maintain a

successful business.

Panelists will be Ken Smith, dairy producer and owner of Moo Thru Ice Cream near Remington, Virginia; and John Rosenow, dairy producer and owner-CEO of Cowsmo Compost near Cochrane, Wisconsin. It will be facilitated by Katy Schultz, dairy producer and owner of TriFecta Farms near Fox Lake, Wisconsin.

This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1 DACE

Transition cows: can choline help?

Does supplementing rumen-protected choline have a place in your transition-cow program? Learn about new choline research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that’s examining impacts on high-producing dairy cows and their offspring.

It will be presented by Heather White, professor at UW-Animal & Dairy Sciences, and Henry Holdorf, dairy-nutrition consultant at Purina Animal Nutrition. This session qualifies for continuingeducation units – 1 DACE, 1 ARPAS

Whatifyoucouldadvancenature,improvesustainabilityandgrowyourbusiness, allwhileenablingcowstobebettercows?

Zinpro®IsoFerm®isthebreakthroughyou’vebeenlookingfor—anessentialnutrient thatincreasesmilkproductionwhilereducingdrymatterintake—empoweringyou todomorewithless.

Fromproductivitytoprofitability,thisinnovativetechnologyenablesyoutomaximizeyour potential,andit’sonlymadepossiblebytheresearchandnutritionalexpertiseofZinpro.

Gavin Staley

Henry Holdorf

Heather White

Katy Schultz

Joe Harner

John Rosenow Ken Smith

PDPW helps dairy become Future Ready

Shelly O’Leary

Having turned the corner on its 30th year as Dairy’s Professional Development Organization®, Professional Dairy Producers® – PDPW – has remained true to its vision to lead the success of the dairy industry through education. In addition to providing best-in-class education to dairy producers and industry professionals alike, the producer-led organization has made a priority of helping members not just stay on pace but to leapfrog ahead of the curve.

With that objective in mind, the organization recently conducted a 360-degree view of the full dairy value chain’s perspective of the future. Partnering with the greatly respected Forward research group in a first-ofits kind study, PDPW sought to answer the question, “How can we help dairy producers better anticipate the future so they can be proactive and prepared?”

Eager to hear perspectives from all sides, the study specifically sought conversations with the nation’s leading dairy-food marketers and processors in addition to dairy producers across the nation. Food-system customers interviewed included some of the largest global dairybrand processors, marketers and retailers in the world. Dairy producers who participated hail from coast to coast, with an average age of 48.6 years and representing an average herd size of 2,069 cows.

With the goal of learning how

PDPW can help the dairy community be Future Ready™, three core questions were asked. Research shows the dairy community has some gaps to close but the results also show we are well-positioned to do so.

Where is the future of dairy going?

When asked to list the top-five most impactful trends likely to impact dairy farmers in the next five years, food-system customers and producers had di ering opinions.

Given the top billing of “environmental sustainability” by food-system customers, they cited the importance and urgency of dairy farms in helping them achieve their net-zero carbon-emissions goal by 2050. Environmental sustainability was not listed in the producer top five. That might be because of the producer view that they’ve been regularly working toward sustainability so it’s not something they consider to be a new

or upcoming trend. Many dairy producers have long been engaged in practices such as re-using water, implementing cover crops, developing nutrient-management plans, testing soil, participating in watershed groups, composting and more.

Farmer efforts in support of environmental sustainability are a natural part of what they already do, but they don’t necessarily measure the progress. Fortunately the research shows the gap in perception can potentially be bridged by producers sharing their progress and working together with their up-the-chain customers to determine how best to measure results. An e ective way to do that is to welcome customers to the farm so they can see for themselves the progress that’s been made, while collaborating on how to measure future progress.

Producers also said in order to make more environmental-sustainability progress, they need a clear understanding of customer

expectations as well as su cient research around viable on-farm solutions. They also noted a need for technical expertise and capital investment to successfully set a measured baseline and manage carbon-footprint progress through time.

Similarly, animal welfare is a topic successful producers consider a basic management principle. Again, closing the gap is a matter of producers more e ectively sharing with their customers the steps they consistently take in o ering the best care to all animals on their dairy. It’s also important customers know producers are committed to being aware of new research, best practices and innovations being introduced.

The top-three trends indicated by food-system customers naturally point to consumer desire to know where food comes from and the consequences of its production. On the producer side of the research, it’s not surprising to see labor and economics as their most important.

One interviewed producer commented, “The labor pool continues to a ect us ... I would say the last three to five years it’s been extremely hard to get labor, especially skilled labor.”

The findings clearly show producers are interested in training and guidance to help them manage labor concerns; they also feel robotics and other technologies are likely to play a critical role in reducing labor needs. In addition, many producers believe it’s

Table 1. Top Five Most Impactful Trends. Cited by Forward research group for PDPW, 2022

PRIORITY EDUCATION AND TRAINING TOPICS

Food-system customers

1. Consumer insights, trends and what they expect of dairy

2. Sustainability practices that are carbon-reducing value streams that reduce carbon, training resources

3. People-management skills, quality labor training

4. New innovations and technology

5. Community-relations and communication-skills development

important to develop programs that encourage youth in dairy careers.

In the meantime, food companies are eager to secure partnering relationships with dairy producers and suppliers as they pursue their commitments to be net-zero in carbon emissions by 2050.

“The research confirmed that customers want to partner with us (dairy producers),” said Linda Wenck, principal and director of Sustainable Food and Consumer Communications at MorganMyers. “While requirements to meet specific standards could certainly follow, for now producers can work toward being the go-to supplier for their customers.”

What does this mean for dairy farmers and their partners?

In simple terms, suppliers can expect to do business in a more-competitive landscape with more consolidation and potential integration represented by a blend of all business sizes. The research further showed customers are more concerned about how their suppliers deliver on their needs than about business size. Producers who adopt the mindset of being a preferred supplier rather than being merely the producer of a commodity product will help position themselves as the go-to choice for their customers.

It’s essential to bear in mind the merits of environmental

sustainability in the opinion of food-system customers. They place a high value on having access to a quality product produced via sustainable production practices. It helps deliver on their 2050 net-zero carbon-emission commitments; it ’s also important to their shareholders as well as domestic and international customers and consumers.

“Food-system customers said animal welfare is table stakes today,” Wenck said. “In addition, dairies who know their en vironmental footprint and have a plan to improve it are in demand, as are dairies with strong people-management skills. Customers believe producers who retain good labor and keep them well-trained and happy probably also take good care of their animals.”

While farmers may believe their story isn’t interesting or worth developing, consumers are intensely eager to know about the people producing their food. Consumers will sometimes make purchasing decisions solely based on a farmer’s story.

“There’s nobody more qualified to tell their story than the farmer,” Wenck said. “Farmers are one of the most trusted professionals in consumers’ eyes.”

Current trends reveal that customers see a wealth of opportunity in the potential of dairy products – a welcome change from the days in which

Producers

1. Help policymakers, regulators understand realities of farming

2. Youth recruitment into dairy

3. New innovations and technology

4. Financial-management training

5. People management skills

dairy received a black eye through one scientific report or another. With the current popularity of high-protein snacks, butter boards and a heightened awareness of the benefits of probiotics, dairy producers are in a solid position to secure strong relationships with their customers.

How can dairy best prepare or position itself to be future-ready?

Food-system customers and producers wholeheartedly agree education is the key to being proactive and prepared for the future. Owners and senior managers prioritize training for financial-management skills while dairy-herd managers cite education regarding people-management skills as most important. It was also noted that general workers need milker training and best practices for animal care.

Those interviewed largely agree that dairy processors and dairy food companies in the future will require dairy farmers to provide proof that they and their team members are taking courses or training programs for continual improvement in key areas such as animal welfare, labor management, sustainability and more.

They also believe farmers will need to track continuing-education units in the future. Fortunately a system is already in place to meet that need. Dairy

AdvanCE® or DACE – powered by PDPW – is an online management tool designed to help us ers find, track and manage attendance at training programs and efforts toward continuing education.

What’s next? When the Future Ready logo appears on PDPW publications and program materials, it indicates that the resource is designed to help foster a more-proactive and -prepared dairy community –one that’s ready for the future.

Simply put, continuing education is key to productive conversations and collaboration with all stakeholders along the value chain. Working together is how “team dairy” wins. Aim to understand what your customer wants, position your farm as a preferred supplier and demonstrate progress in sustainability with measurements that can be shared. You can accomplish those objectives by pursuing educational opportunities that include all members of your farm team.

For more background on the Future Ready™ objectives, findings and implications for future programming, tune into the Jan. 19, 2023, episode of PDPW’s The Dairy Signal®. Click on the Dairy Signal logo at www.pdpw.org to view or download the episode.

Shelly O’Leary is the communications and outreach specialist with PDPW. Email soleary@pdpw.org to reach her.

Table 2. Priority producer education and training topics. Cited by Forward research group for PDPW, 2022

practices needed for

Mark Crave

“Climate-smart agriculture” is more than the next buzzword. It’s a necessary commitment that makes sense for farmers from economic, environmental and social standpoints. According to data from Information Resources Inc., 77 percent of consumers believe sustainability is important when selecting products to purchase. That means we need to ensure our Wisconsin sustainability stories are told.

A collective voice is essential.

As a Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin board member, I believe connecting with consumers opens the door for dairy farmers to tell their stories in multiple ways. It also opens the doors to important constituents including consumers, media, buyers, exports and more. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is working with local media to help dairy farmers share their environmental-sustainability stories with consumers, meeting them where they are and making connections. One example occurs during National Dairy Month when Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin helps dairy farmers share their stories and bring consumers to farms where they can see what’s

happening. Last year more than 45 Wisconsin farm families were featured on news stations telling their dairy-forward stories, reaching more than 8 million people in the state and beyond.

As my fellow presenters at the Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum on “Climate Smart Dairy in Wisconsin” recently shared, our industry must work to understand the science behind our changing climate. We need to explore practical adaptations and mitigations. Consumers are expecting it and our planet depends upon it.

In many ways climate-smart dairy is already aligned with best management practices. Farmers are always looking to increase productivity and farm returns, and to improve efficiencies. Climate-smart processes are aimed at creating more-resilient systems that result in reduced emissions as well as benefit water and soil health. And there’s a financial upside. Sustainably marketed products grew 2.7 times faster in their categories from 2015 to 2021, according to research from the New York University-Stern Center for Sustainable Business.

As a conference presenter and participant I had the privilege of sharing our family’s experience putting climate-smart dairy practices in place. I learned a great deal about why and how our industry can prepare for the future.

On our second-generation family farm and at our cheese plant we began adopting climate-smart practices long before we’d heard that terminology. We’re a multifaceted operation constantly exploring synergies across our lines of work. It made sense to consider

how we can tighten the loop that connects our crops, cows, cheese and consumers. It’s a more-responsible approach to production and consumption plus it often creates cost-savings and inspires brand loyalty.

Listed are a few of the ways we have integrated sustainability into our approach and some of the advances dairy-industry innovators see on the horizon.

One of the best stories in animal agriculture right now is the use of byproducts and co-products as feedstuffs. We’re diverting 10,000 tons per year of leftover brewer’s grain, corn-gluten feed, whole cottonseed and malt sprouts from the landfill to feed our livestock a nutritious diet. Who doesn’t love a win-win collaboration with our friends in Wisconsin’s beer industry? At the plant the cream and whey protein that remain after we produce our award-winning cheese are sold for further processing into butter and high-protein drinks.

We invested in an anaerobic-digestion system – technology that converts manure into a renewable source of electrical energy that we use to heat our buildings. If we were forced to purchase diesel fuel to run our system we would need 1,000 gallons of fuel every day. Our digester also produces dry organic bedding and material that can be used as plantfriendly fertilizer. That eliminates the expense of purchasing and trucking in alternative bedding.

Herd genetics is another important facet to consider in climate-smart agriculture. We use genomic data to help us make breeding decisions –decisions that benefit the environment by having cows that

Mark Crave

produce the most milk while using fewer resources. When we combine genetic advancement with everything we know about diet, ventilation and animal comfort, our herd consistently outperforms.

We’re also paying attention to forage shrink. We’re beating industry standards by using inoculants, harvesting at the correct moisture and designing our bunkers to reduce feed loss during storage. When converting improvements of even a few percentage points of the harvest back into the acres it took to produce that feed, the return on investment is clear. Other longstanding conservation practices such as cover crops, minimal tillage and land application of wastewater with a dribble bar are also climate-smart.

Our climate-smart story is woven into our branding. Consumers are increasingly conscious of how their consumption affects the planet. We use a renewable-energy logo on our products and dedicate a section of our website to highlighting sustainability practices. According to market research,

products that can claim “local” and “environmentally friendly” halos are among the features worth paying more for.

Climate-smart dairy investments are also tied to emerging agricultural carbon-credit markets. In response to growing consumer demand, global companies are developing new sustainability goals for their supply chains. They’re creating systems to pay farmers to voluntarily integrate practices that reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint.

As much as we work to tighten our production loop and create synergies across our own operations, opportunities remain. For example the plastics currently involved in packaging our products are created using fossil fuels. That’s one area where we’re looking to industry scientists to develop sustainable solutions.

Experts at the University of Wisconsin-Center for Dairy Research, supported by our dairy-checkoff dollars, are advancing projects that re-cast waste streams as organic feedstocks. They are working to recapture chemicals and use

February 2023 • PDPW• Dairy’s Bottom Line 19

circular approach is key to a climate-smart dairy future.

But climate-smart dairy can’t solve our challenges if it’s only an academic theory. Those initiatives must become integrated into Wisconsin farmers’ management and production practices. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin supports farmer-led conservation programs such as UW-Discovery Farms, Farmers for Sustainable Food and others working to solve environmental challenges and connect farmers with resources that support a climate-smart approach.

biodigesters to convert them into valuable products, including packaging materials. The

Our work in America’s Dairyland contributes to global sustainability goals beyond food security, with global consequences. Climate-smart dairy goes beyond a buzzword and will prove more than a trend. Be sure to share your dairy’s sustainability story at every opportunity you have. It’s the way of the future for farmers, proving modern dairy is a solution to climate change.

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

Mark and Patrick Crave at Crave Brothers Farm and Farmstead Cheese consistently employ sustainable practices and other climate-smart practices.

Business grows to include dairy

The COVID pandemic changed many things about how we do business and interact with each other. For Morgan Ekovich it opened the door to a new business opportunity and launched her career as a “solopreneur” in the business of physical fitness. What began out of her love for physical fitness has expanded to reach into the lives of dairy producers.

As owner of“Get Fit with ME,” Ekovich is focused on helping clients meet their personalized health and fitness goals. Based in Lansing, Michigan, she works with clients across the country She grew up as an athlete, graduating from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and health fitness. She was teaching fitness classes and working with clients as a personal trainer at a local gym when the pandemic changed everything.

“When COVID hit in March 2020, the club shut down,” she said “After I was laid off I immediately sent out an email to my clients, telling them I was committed to continuing to work with them. I wasn’t sure what that would look like, but I knew we’d figure it out.”

She began working with her clients outdoors in parks or connecting with them at home through FaceTime. That enabled them to continue their work toward fitness goals.

“When I was able to go back to work at the gym,I found that a lot of clients still liked having a virtual option,” Ekovich said. “That started my journey to develop my own programs. I began working part-time for the gym and parttime on my own. I loved working for myself; it was the best move I ever made.”

By October 2021 she had left the gym completely to run Get Fit with ME full-time. Her business and program offerings have

evolved to fit the needs of her clients, who range in age from 20 to 80 years old.She provides virtual personal training as well as group fitness classes through video-conference platforms.

“I really enjoyed teaching group fitness classes at the gym, and moving them to virtual provides the flexibility for people to join in from wherever they are,” she said “I’m able to coach throughout the session.”

Two new offerings include accountability programs as well as wellness retreats and programs for businesses and organizations. Just like there is no “one size fits all” way to manage a farming business, neither does a cookie-cutter approach work for personal-health and wellness journeys.

The accountability programs she offers include personalized approaches that help clients identify small changes they can incorporate into their lifestyles –changes that lead to lasting change.

Ekovich also hosts a private

Facebook group for busy moms, to provide support for their fitness, nutrition, organizational and accountability goals.

“We’re all good at holding others accountable in our families and businesses,” she said. “But sometimes we forget what needs to happen for our own health. With a 7-14-21 day habit-changing program, we focus on small habits that can make a big difference over time. We start small, get wins, build momentum and celebrate successes”

Business expansion continues with support

She’s surprised at how much she enjoys owning her business, she said.She appreciates support from resources like America’s Small Business Development Centers, which helps with business planning, paperwork and other business-starting requirements

“When you work from home, it’s easy to feel alone and wonder if you’re doing things the right

As owner of ‘Get Fit with ME,’ Morgan Ekovich is focused on helping clients meet their personalized health and fitness goals.

Contributed

way,”she said “Having a support system of professionals, coaches and family members is important to help answer questions and keep moving,even if they are virtual, too.”

Starting this year, she has a contracted employee on her team.She’s continuing to expand her reach with clients from across the country.

“I thought I would only be able to work in a small geographic area,” she said. “But the ability to reach people in a virtual way from Washington State to Florida and Maryland all from my home in Michigan has been incredible.”

In the future Ekovich wants to buildonacombinationofin-person events and workshops followed by virtual accountability programs.

“I love the energy of working with groups and in-person events to teach small steps in nutrition and fitness that you can implement right away and make a difference,”she said.“And then take the accountability piece virtual where we can follow up and build

PDPW staff

on the progress you started at the in-person event.”

Small changes key to health

Ekovich said she’s found that working with clients who are farmers or serve in other physically demanding jobs poses a special challenge because of physical and mental stress.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with dairy farmers,” she said.“Both my parents grew up on dairy farms and I have a special place in my heart for the work that farmers do.”

She highlighted healthy routines on a recent episode of PDPW’s The Dairy Signal® and will present two sessions at the 2023 PDPW Business Conference.

“Even though you (farmers) are already moving a lot, there are improvements you can make to prevent injury, manage stress and improve nutrition so you’re able to do a better job for your

family, your team and your farm,” she said. “It can start with something as simple as stretching at the end of the day so you feel better and can move more easily instead of needing to take Advil just to get out the door in the morning”

She said preventative activities are especially important for dairy farmers. Keeping in mind one’s form and bodily alignment while performing daily tasks such as carrying buckets or movingequipmentcanhelpprevent injuries in the long term

“You are the people sun-up to sun-down working with animals, equipment and people,” she said “If you’re aching and in pain,you can’t support the farm the way you want to. If we can add some prevention into the mix to help you sleep better, eat healthier and avoid injury, it all adds up in small ways.”

Visitwww.getfitwithme-morganekovich com for more information.

Teens to receive practical training

Two 75-minute sessions will be held Wednesday exclusively for teens 15 to 18 years old.

In the “Future of Success” sessionsledbyconferenceemcee Michael Hoffman, founder and owner of Dallas-based Igniting Performance, 15- to 18-year olds will learn key communications and re l a t i o n s h i p skills In an energetic and dynamic morning session, teens will learn how their presence, conversations and ability to ask intelligent questions – in conjunction with a confident

handshake

can be positively influential.

In a follow-up afternoon session,Hoffman will illustrate how people-to-people interactions are at the heart of human relationships. Teens will have fun learning about themselves and others while exploring the many ways we impact one another –by choosing unsolicited acts of kindness and words well spoken In a digital age, the time deliberately spent with each other will also be addressed.

Attendees will have the opportunity Thursday to implement the tips they’ve learned by networking with others and attending sessions as active participants.

Michael Hoffman

February 2023 • PDPW• Dairy’s Bottom Line

Preview-stage sessions will share research

Attendees at the 2023 Professional Dairy Producers Business Conference will have an opportunity to be among the first to hear from university researchers about their ongoing work.

Five 30-minute sessions will take place in the Hall of Ideas on the following topics.

Wednesday, March 15, 10:15-10:45 a.m.

“Using automated technology and integrated data sources to address dairy-cattle lameness”

Lameness continues to be prevalent within dairy. Data collected by modern commercial dairies has the potential to be a powerful tool in addressing lameness, particularly when coupled with data from the many autonomous animal-monitoring technologies currentl y on the market.

Presenters will be Dr. Gerard Cramer, veterinarian and associate professor at the University of Minnesota-Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, and Elise Shepley, postdoctoral associate at the University of Minnesota.

Wednesday, March 15, 1:00-1:30 p.m.

“Using dairy for personalized medicine and nutrition”

Milk and its components are vital to human nutrition and health. This research seeks to

identify valuable uses for milk formulations and its fractions, to advance personalized medicine with the goal of improving the health of certain high-risk patient populations. Examples include using milk to rebuild the intestinal microbiome after antibiotic use, or customized clinical nutrition formulations to improve organ function and recovery in patients. Presenters will be Joe Pierre, assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Nutritional Sciences, and Karen Antunes, postdoctoral student at the UW-Nutritional Sciences Department.

Wednesday, March 15, 1:45-2:15 p.m.

“Dairy-manure land management: Methods to minimize environmental impacts of dairy farms”

Using dairy manure as a nutrient source poses the challenges of unpredictable nitrogen-mineralization rates for crop uptake as well as significant losses of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus to the environment. Highlighting a variety of manure-treatment technologies and management practices, this session will present potential solutions with a focus on reducing greenhouse-gas, methane and nitrous-oxide emissions as well as nitrate leaching. Presenting the session will be Xia ZhuBarker, assistant professor at the

UW-Department of Soil Science. Thursday, March 16, 10:15-10:45 a.m.

“Antibiotic drug use for mastitis control in dairy cows: Can we do better?”

Antibiotic therapy to control mastitis accounts for the dairy industry’s main use of antibiotics. Preventing new infections is key for effective mastitis control; researchers aim to investigate the development of antibiotic-free alternatives to control mastitis infections in the dry period. Presenters will be Hilario Mantovani, assistant professor at UW-Animal & Dairy Sciences, and Ana Júlia Moreira, master’s student and research intern at UW-Animal & Dairy Sciences.

Thursday, March 16, 12:40-1:10 p.m.

“Developing bioguided processing for microbiome-centered therapeutic applications”

How might we develop microbiome-centered therapeutics for personalized nutrition using bioactive components from milk and dairy? Reviewing examples of current research, Gulustan Ozturk will highlight the underutilized whey-protein phospholipid concentrate and its potential as an alternative source of bioactive compounds. She is an assistant professor at the UW-Food Science Department.

Ana Júlia Moreira

Elise Shepley Gerard Cramer

Gulustan Ozturk

Hilario Mantovani

Joe Pierre Karen Antunes

Xia-ZhuBarker

MetalRoofing

Five candidates vie for PDPW board

Three dairy-producer members will be elected to the 20232024 PDPW Board of Directors during the 2023 Business Conference. Because PDPW bylaws allow one vote per dairy-farm membership, each PDPW dairy-producer member can vote for as many as three individuals.

The five candidates running for the 2023-2024 board are Scott Brenner of Pearl City, Illinois, and four candidates from Wisconsin – Patty Dolph of Lake Mills, Jordan Ebert of Algoma, JJ Pagel of Kewaunee and Laura Raatz of Oconto Falls.

Scott Brenner co-owns Hunter Haven Farms near Pearl City. The farm consists of 1,000 dairy cows and 1,650 acres of farmed cropland. Before becoming a co-owner he worked as the h e rd s m a n a t Hunter Haven Farms for more than 15 years He has served more than 10 years on the Stephenson County Fair board and for five years on the Stephenson County Farm Bureau board of directors. He’s an enthusiastic advocate for agricultural and consumer education; their farm has hosted many tours throughout the years.

Patty Dolph of Lake Mills farms with her husband, Chet D o l p h , a n d in-laws, Pat and Don Dolph The farm milks 500 dairy cows and c ro p s 1 ,0 0 0 acres of land

Her role is manager of the milking operation, which includes the dairy herd, young stock and employees. She attended the University of

Wisconsin-Madison, earning an animal-science degree. The farm focuses on cow comfort and animal health; the family has earned many milk-quality awards.

Jordan Ebert of Algoma is part of the seventh generation in agriculture on h i s fa m i ly ’s fa r m E b e r t Enterprises is a dairy, beef and cropping operation owned by h i s p a re n ts, R a n d y a n d Renee Ebert. The farm runs 8,500 acres, raises all young stock, milks 4,200 cows, raises 2,000 head of beef crosses and employs 90 valued team members The family has diversified with a retail- and wholesale-meat-products business, beef-harvest facility and a farm-to-table-minded restaurant. He attended UW-Madison and worked at ABS Global before returning to the family business.

JJ Pagel of Kewaunee is a third-generation farmer who owns and operates Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy with his sister Jamie Witcpalek a n d b ro t h e r Bryan Pagel He attended the UW-Farm and Industry Short Course and the Cornell Dairy Executive Program. Currently the Pagel family milks about 10,000 cows at five sites and farms 15,000 acres. They have on-site processing for farmstead cheese that’s sold at their retail store in nearby Luxemburg, Wisconsin. JJ Pagel and his wife, Chase Pagel, have four children and are active members of the Kewaunee County Dairy Promotions; they are also involved in coaching and community activ-

ities.

Laura Raatz of Oconto Falls and her husband, Tyler Raatz, are part-owners of Wagner Farms with her brother, Shawn Wa g n e r, a n d parents, Hank and Pam Wagner. She gradua t e d f r o m UW-Marinette with an associate’s degree and a passion to go back to the farm where she’s now herd manager. In that role she focuses on taking

animal health and comfort to the next level. Wagner Farms has 950 cows and crops about 1,500 acres. She’s involved in four other businesses including Wagner Leadership Training with her dad Together in late 2021 they authored their first book. For dairy producers who didn’t return mailed ballots to PDPW headquarters by Feb 20, ballots can be cast onsite at the business conference. They must be completed by 1 p.m. March 16 Visit pdpw org/programs/ BoardCandidates/details for more information.

JJ Pagel

Jordan Ebert

Laura Raatz

Patty Dolph

Scott Brenner

Weds. 10:1510:45 am

learninglounges

Practical information in 30-minute sessions

1:001:30 pm

RED LOUNGE

Time with Tom

So much of our response to situations in life is mind over matter. Allow Tom to fine-tune your thinking – and prepare to be inspired.

Tom Thibodeau

l .5 DACE, .5 PD CCA

Making relationships real

Learn techniques to make conversations flow naturally to develop meaningful relationships. It’s not all about talking –its also about being a great listener.

Michael Hoffman

l .5 DACE, .5 PD CCA

Ins and outs of bunker safety

Caution and attention to detail win the day here. Rather than burying your team in safety tips, save lives with a sensible approach to bunker and silage practices.

Connie Kuber

l .5 DACE

Generating better heifers

Reconsider the way you think about growing your heifers for optimal results. You may need to reevaluate what you feed, how you feed it and at what age you calve in first-lactation heifers.

Dr. Gavin Staley, DVM

l .5 DACE, .5 ARPAS

Transition talks that work

Streamline your transition plan by using concise communication skills taught in this session. Realigning your vision and values doesn’t have to be painful.

Liz Griffith

l .5 DACE

GREEN LOUNGE

Starch availability and utilization

Not all starches are created equal. Take a bite out of feed costs by maximizing the right starch sources.

Dr. Andy Bohnhoff, DVM

l .5 DACE, .5 ARPAS, .5 CM CCA

Milk production. Culling. Methane. Let’s talk about milk production and herd-turnover rates as they pertain to methane generation. Gather insight into the ultimate equation of sustainability.

Dr. Daryl Nydam, DVM, PhD

l .5 DACE, .5 ARPAS

Going the full measure: grazing your heifers

Learn how you can elevate your soil health and farm economics to the full measure by grazing your dairy heifers.

Jason Cavadini

l .5 DACE

Cooking up optimal soil health

Mix together a healthy dose of minerals, organic matter and water. Sprinkle in some roots, microbes, maybe some worms and you’ve got the basic recipe for soil. Get the dirt on just the right ingredients to create healthy soils.

Jamie Patton

l .5 DACE, .5 SW CCA

Maximize your nitrogen inputs

Get the skinny on field trials being conducted across Wisconsin and discover how the findings relate to Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) and corn silage.

Matthew Oehmichen

l .5 DACE, .5 NM CCA

From calf to cow, insure not only their future, but your own.

When your goal is to help your herd reach their full potential, health matters. Diamond V of fers a fresh perspective on animal health. A perspective that suppor ts gut health, strengthens immunity and, ultimately, enhances per formance.