By Blake Jackson
The 2025 STRIDE Youth Leadership Conference, hosted by Professional Dairy Producers (PDP), will give high school students a firsthand look at the diverse career paths available in agriculture and dairy.
This one-day event will take place on Wednesday, November 12, at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, combining leadership and communication training with hands-on learning and campus tours.
Aimed at students ages 15 to 18, the STRIDE conference also counts as an “above the chapter level” FFA activity. Participants will take part in three interactive labs designed to build real-world skills and awareness of career options.
The calf health diagnostics workshop will provide a detailed look at animal care and the importance of observation in maintaining long-term herd health.
A campus tour will introduce attendees to university life, including student programs and involvement opportunities. In addition, the career connections activity will allow students to engage one-on-one with professionals in fields such as education, veterinary medicine, welding, farming, trucking, and more.
“Attending the PDP STRIDE Conference was a great opportunity to explore the UW campus and agricultural majors,” said past attendee Leah Mess of Rosendale, Wis. “I enjoyed networking with students that have similar agricultural interests, and I’d recommend STRIDE to anyone who is interested in an agricultural career.”
The program will also feature a leadership workshop led by Michael Hoffman, founder and owner of Igniting Performance, Inc., focusing on confidence and communication skills.
Registration is due by Sunday, November 2, and includes meals, training materials, and a STRIDE t-shirt. A signed health form and waiver from a parent or guardian are required. Students will be supervised throughout the event.
For more information or to register, visit www.PDPW.org or call 800-947-7379.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sisoje
Categories: Wisconsin, Education