By Blake Jackson
High school students passionate about agriculture and leadership will have the opportunity to take part in a full day of hands-on learning and career exploration at the 2025 STRIDE Youth Leadership Conference, hosted by Professional Dairy Producers (PDP).
The event will be held on Wednesday, November 12, at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, with check-in beginning at 9:00 a.m. and the program wrapping up at 6:15 p.m. Students ages 15 to 18 are encouraged to register by Sunday, November 2.
Registration includes program materials, meals, and a STRIDE T-shirt. This event also qualifies as an “above the chapter level” activity for FFA members pursuing state and American degrees.
Keynote speaker Michael Hoffman, founder of Igniting Performance, Inc., will deliver an energetic session focused on helping students boost their confidence, strengthen communication skills, and develop lasting leadership abilities.
Students will also participate in three immersive, faculty-led sessions at UW-River Falls, including a nose-to-tail diagnostic evaluation of a calf, a campus tour showcasing academic programs, and a networking opportunity with professionals from diverse agricultural fields such as veterinary care, production agriculture, trucking, welding, and education.
Following registration, participants will receive a health form and waiver requiring a parent or guardian’s signature. Students will be supervised throughout the event.
For more details or to register, visit www.PDPW.org or call 800-947-7379.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-baranozdemir
Categories: Wisconsin, Education