PDP Launches 2025-26 Training for Dairy Professionals

By Blake Jackson

As the dairy industry continues to evolve with shifting market conditions and emerging technologies, staying ahead with innovative practices is essential.

To support this progress, Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) has unveiled its 2025-26 program year, offering a comprehensive lineup of both in-person and virtual training sessions tailored for today’s dairy professionals. Several programs will also feature simultaneous Spanish translation to enhance accessibility.

“We’re excited to introduce this next calendar of programming designed to help forward-thinking dairy farmers meet their goals for productivity, professional growth and sustainability,” said Shelly Mayer, executive director of PDP and dairy farmer from Slinger, Wis.

“Today’s dairy teams are expected to excel in multiple areas animal care, sustainability, financial management, community relations, and more. PDP’s programming reflects those needs while incorporating simultaneous translation into Spanish and offering programs beyond our state borders.”

Among the returning highlights are:

• Accelerate (July 22, 2025): A one-day event for ag interns to build workforce readiness.
• ACE Twilight Meetings (Aug. 25-28, 2025): Farm tours and community discussions on rural issues.
• Financial Literacy for Dairy: A two-tier financial training series with practical assignments.
• Business Management & Advanced Finance Workshop (Oct. 29-30, 2025): Focuses on risk management and strategic financial planning.
• Stride Youth Leadership Conference (Nov. 8, 2025): Leadership development for teens.
• Dairy Insights Summit (Dec. 11, 2025): An event for dialogue between producers, industry experts, and policymakers.
• Managers Academy (Jan. 20-22, 2026): High-level executive training and tours, set in Puerto Rico.
• The Dairy Signal: Weekly live expert discussions.

Programs with Spanish translation include Calf Care Connection (Oct. 22-23), Dairy Wellbeing Workshop (Nov. 19-20), Dairy Managers Institute (Dec. 16-17), Cornerstone Dairy Academy (March 3-4, 2026), and the PDP Business Conference (March 4-5, 2026).

A standout opportunity this year is the PDP International Tour to New Zealand, scheduled for Feb. 2-15, 2026, offering a global learning experience with limited availability.

Most programs offer continuing education credits through Dairy AdvanCE and other accrediting bodies like ARPAS, CCA, and RACE. For full details and registration, visit www.pdpw.org or call 800-947-7379.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave