No matter your learning style or farm or business goals, there is something for everyone in the dairy industry at the 2023 PDPW Business Conference. Presented by the Professional Dairy Producers, the conference will be held March 15-16 at the Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

The conference will feature a variety of keynote, breakout, hands-on and other sessions. Sessions will be simultaneously interpreted in Spanish.

With the theme “Empowering Success,” the sessions will highlight new ideas, research and insights attendees can put to work right away on their farms. Master of ceremonies Michael Hoffman will kick off the general session and help facilitate the two-day conference.

“A highlight of the 2023 business conference will be the opportunity to hear directly from dairy producers who are putting new ideas and innovations to work in their operations,” says Cassandra Strupp, PDPW program manager. “Our panel discussions are among the most popular sessions; producers love hearing from their peers about the practices and technologies that have worked — or not — on their farms.”

Producer panels

Here is a look at three producer panels:

Dig Into Cover Crops. This day one morning specialty session will feature dairy farmers with experience in cover crops, including how they first incorporated ground cover into their nutrient management objectives and a look at their results, learnings and obstacles.

Hailing from different regions of Wisconsin, dairy producer panelists include John Koepke, Oconomowoc, and Duane Ducat of Deer Run Dairy LLC, Kewaunee. In addition, Adam Baumann, crop and beef producer from Marathon, will share in the discussion that focuses on their individual goals and approaches to cover crops, as well as how they monitor and measure success. Amber Radatz, agriculture water quality manager with University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension will facilitate the panel.

Feeding Out Cost of Production. This day one afternoon breakout session will take a deep dive into how dairy producers calculate their cost of production with a heavy emphasis on forage. The trio of producer panelists will also share how they determine the value of feed ingredients and quality, as well as how they measure, manage and control shrink.

Dr. Andrew Bohnhoff, a veterinarian and nutrition consultant for Prairie Estate Genetics, will facilitate the panel that includes David Trimner, co-owner and general manager of Miltrim Farms, Athens, Wis.; Shawn Kemp, chief financial officer and consultant for Pico/Dos Pico Dairy, Loveland, Colo.; and Scott Brenner, dairy producer from Hunter Haven Farms, Pearl City, Ill.

More Than a Side Hustle. This day two afternoon breakout session will get to the heart of what it takes to launch, grow and maintain a successful value-added business on an active dairy farm.

Hear from panelists Ken Smith, dairy producer and owner of Moo Thru Ice Cream, Remington, Va., and John Rosenow, dairy producer and owner/CEO of Cowsmo Compost Inc., Cochrane, Wis. Both have created new revenue streams in separate ways. Katy Schultz, dairy producer and owner of Tri-Fecta Farms, Fox Lake, Wis., will facilitate the panel.

Innovation and research

In addition to the packed agenda of producers and experts from across the country, the Nexus Stage will showcase five companies whose novel ideas, products and services offer innovative solutions to producers and agribusiness professionals. Representatives from each company will give a 15-minute presentation followed by a question-and-answer segment.

The Preview Stage also returns, featuring the latest research from university researchers, graduate students and Dairy Innovation Hub-funded professors.

The expanded Hall of Ideas Equipment and Trade Show will foster idea-sharing and networking for both producers and suppliers.

Youth Leadership sessions led by Michael Hoffman will help youth ages 15 to 18 build communications skills and self-awareness.

Visit the 2023 business conference website for the conference flyer, hotel and registration details, as well as information on exhibiting at the event.

The 2023 PDPW Business Conference offers 810 minutes of accredited training through such providers as Dairy AdvanCE (Continuing Education), American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists and Certified Crop Advisers.

Source: PDPW