By Blake Jackson
Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) will host its two-day Dairy Managers Institute on December 15-16, 2026, at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, offering current and aspiring dairy managers practical skills in leadership, communication, financial management and negotiation.
The program is designed to help dairy professionals strengthen management abilities, improve team performance, and prepare their businesses for future challenges.
Training will begin at 8:30 a.m. on December 15 and conclude at 4 p.m. on December 16. Simultaneous Spanish translation will be available throughout the sessions.
Participants can register for one of three training tiers, with enrollment in sequential order encouraged.
“I loved the mix of hands-on learning, open discussion and connecting with other dairy professionals who share the same goals and challenges,” said Dairy Managers Institute attendee Meghan Magley of Strutz Farm in Two Rivers, Wis. “And the instructor made the sessions educational and fun.”
The first tier, Lead and Manage with Insight, will be led by Dr. Becky Gross-Stewart, president and founder of Building Bridges Seminars. Participants will explore different leadership styles, assess their management strengths and weaknesses, understand the distinction between leading and managing, and learn strategies for implementing organizational change.
The second tier, Master the Art of Coaching, will be presented by Michael Hoffman, founder and owner of Igniting Performance Inc. The training will focus on effective coaching conversations, active listening, empathy, constructive feedback, setting expectations and building employee commitment to action plans.
The third tier, Nail the Financials and Negotiations, will feature Dr. Kevin Bernhardt, University of Wisconsin-Platteville agribusiness professor and UW-Extension farm management specialist, alongside Linda Swindling, author and founder of Journey On! Topics will include calculating dairy break-even points, evaluating costs and benefits, understanding debt, developing negotiation strategies, and recognizing when to compromise or walk away.
Registration is now open, and early enrollment is encouraged to secure preferred training tiers. Each tier offers up to 14 Dairy AdvanCE (DACE) continuing education credits.
Additional program details and registration information are available at www.pdpw.org or by contacting PDP at 800-947-7379.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jesp62
Categories: Wisconsin, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle