By Blake Jackson
The Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) annual Business Conference in March 2024 attracted nearly 1,200 dairy producers and industry professionals for two days of learning and networking."Driving Innovation" was the central theme, with presentations covering the latest advancements in technology, sustainability practices, and market trends.
A major highlight was the launch of PDP's "Your Farm-Your Footprint" program. Designed to empower dairy farmers to assess and improve their environmental impact, this first-of-its-kind initiative is entirely farmer-led. The program was a keynote session focus, featuring dairy farmers Mitch Breunig and JJ Pagel sharing their experiences alongside sustainability specialists.
Geopolitical analyst Jacob Shapiro offered insights on global forces impacting the dairy industry, providing valuable context for future planning. Balancing this perspective, third-generation logger Bruce Vincent championed the importance of sustainability and transparency for dairy businesses. Vincent argued that by prioritizing these aspects, dairy producers can become trusted leaders who replace consumer fear with science-based facts.
The conference culminated in the introduction of the 2024-2025 PDP Board and a sneak peek at the 2025 Business Conference. Titled "Dialing It In," the upcoming event will take place in Madison, Wisconsin and equip dairy professionals with the most recent resources and knowledge for success in the ever-evolving dairy industry.
Photo Credit: istock-fangxianuo
Categories: Wisconsin, Business