By Blake Jackson
Dairy producers and industry professionals can strengthen their financial and business management skills through the 2026 Business Management & Advanced Finance Workshop, presented by Professional Dairy Producers (PDP).
The two-day program will take place October 28-29, 2026, at Compeer Financial in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.
Designed for participants who already understand basic financial concepts, the workshop focuses on applying advanced management strategies to support long-term business growth.
Attendees will learn alongside dairy professionals with varied experiences and perspectives, allowing them to explore operational challenges from different viewpoints.
Participants will also complete assignments before the workshop, helping them arrive prepared with their own farm data, management questions, and financial considerations.
“The biggest takeaway for me was understanding how important financial literacy is,” said Cody Hawkins, a Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin dairy producer and previous attendee. “No matter how good you are at farming or how well you care for animals, the success of your farm depends on making good business choices. PDP’s financial courses emphasize calculating the return on investment before making major decisions.”
Agricultural management expert Dick Wittman of Wittman Consulting will facilitate the workshop. Sessions will move beyond traditional financial statements and budgets, using case studies, financial tools, and interactive activities to examine business performance, growth planning, family business governance, and strategic decision-making.
The workshop is approved for up to 12.5 Dairy AdvanCE (DACE) continuing education credits. Dairy professionals can learn more and register through PDP’s website or by contacting PDP at 800-947-7379.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vwalakte
Categories: Wisconsin, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle