Conference Preview: Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW)

Published on Mon, 01/19/2015 - 3:44pm

March 18-19, 2015
Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis.

Connect with a new idea, an old friend, a global perspective, a preferred supplier, an inspiring attitude, a leading expert, the latest technology, a trusted resource. It’s all here for you in two jam-packed days!
Here Is Your Invitation To Incredible Connections!

The 2015 PDPW Business Conference is your portal to a world of new connections that will help you and your dairy business thrive. This popular, power-packed conference is a “do not miss” event for all types and sizes of dairies. What connections will you find to energize your dairy career? Save on your registration! Become a member today!

Remember to spend some time in the Hall of Ideas & Equipment Show. Connect with the dairy industry’s preferred providers and bring home great ideas. Enjoy ice cream throughout the conference at our ice cream sponsor exhibitors.

Day 1 Pre-Conference Specialty Sessions

9:00 am - 10:15 am (SELECT ONE)
Honey I Shrunk Our Profits: Preventing Losses from Silage Shrinkage
The amount of silage that never makes it from the silo to the feed bunk is ridiculous — 16-20 percent of the total tons ensiled last year went to waste. That’s more than $1.6 billion of inventory! You can stop the shrinkage with key silage management practices that can decrease dry matter loss by 5 to 10 percentage points, and improve feed quality and safety. Both bunker silos and drive-over piles will be discussed. Attend and find the money hidden in your silage! CEU:1.5 UW-SVM; 1 ARPAS; 1 PD CCA
Keith Bolsen is Professor Emeritus in the Animal Sciences & Industry Department at Kansas State University and a leading industry consultant on safe, efficient, and profitable silage programs.

HANDS-ON LAB: All Hoofs on Deck
This is a hands-on hoof workshop where participants will learn how to treat lame cows — everything from the basics of treating foot lesions to techniques for therapeutic trimming and blocking. Not just lecture, this session is “show, tell, and practice” using cadaver feet and all the right equipment. Save money and keep cows healthy with these essential skills. Space is limited in this session.
CEU: 1.5 UW-SVM; 1 ARPAS
Gerard Cramer, DVM, is an associate professor
at University of Minnesota. His previous veterinary practice focused on providing bovine foot care, consulting and research services to the dairy industry.

Road Ready: Learn the New Laws for Farm Implements
Does size matter? How about weight and width? Ignorance is no excuse when it comes to preventing accidents and minimizing wear and tear on rural roads. Everyone who operates equipment should attend this session for a clear understanding of the new laws and regulations affecting farm implements. Protect yourself, your employees, your neighbors, and your community relationships!

CEU: 1.5 UW-SVM
Sergeant Michael Klingenberg is Motor Carrier Sergeant for the North Central Region of the Wisconsin State Patrol. He supervises 10 inspectors in an 18-county area in central Wisconsin.
Rob Richard has served in the offices of several
state government officials and is currently senior director of governmental relations for Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation.

Bring It On: Dairying Without Quotas in the EU
Two international dairy producers speak about how the end of the long-used quota system in Europe is changing the dairy industry in EU countries. Ireland’s Michael Murphy and Germany’s Eckhard Meiners will tell us how they are adjusting, and where they see the EU dairy industry going in the next five years. Facilitator Dr. David Kohl will put these stories into perspective for U.S. dairy producers. Take home global connections and inspiration from dairy producers who do not fear change — they embrace it!

CEU: 1.5 UW-SVM; 1 ARPAS; 1 PD CCA
Dr. David Kohl is Professor Emeritus in the Agricultural and Applied Economics Department at Virginia Tech and President of AgriVisions, LLC.
Michael Murphy, his wife, Geraldine, and son, Jerry, operate a family dairy farm that has existed in Coolnasoon, Ireland since the 1830s. They currently milk 117 mostly Holstein Friesian cows with plans to expand when the EU quota lifts.
Eckhard Meiners together with his wife and 15 employees milk 650 cows. A new milking parlor and barns combine with a biogas plant and cropland on this thriving dairy operation near the North Sea coast of Germany.

Trending on Farms: Ultrasonography for Accurately Diagnosing Respiratory Disease
On-farm use of this technology provides opportunity to diagnose and treat respiratory problems in calves before they show clinical signs of distress. Dr. Ollivett will demonstrate the technology and explain the techniques involved in ultrasounding the respiratory system. She will also share results from several recent studies weighing the costs and benefits of portable ultrasound technology. Is this more proactive approach right for your farm? Bring your questions. CEU: 1.5 UW-SVM; 1 ARPAS
Theresa L. Ollivett, DVM, is an Assistant Professor within the Food Animal Production Medicine section of the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.

Day 1 Keynote Speakers

Connecting the Dots: Economically and Generationally
Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s financially is an every-day must, and so is connecting with the right information from around the globe. With one foot planted on your dairy and the other on the gas pedal, acclaimed economist and teacher Dr. David Kohl will take you on a ride far beyond your farm, exploring economic data and resources that will make a difference in your future success. Whether you are just getting started or at the peak of your career, Dr. David Kohl will help you connect with critical success factors, and visualize just how important you are to the dairy universe. CEU: 1 UW-SVM; 1 PD CCA
Back by popular demand, Dr. David Kohl is the dairy industry’s number one guru, bringing 9 million miles worth of traveling, teaching and mentoring agricultural business leaders to the stage. Kohl is Professor Emeritus in the Agricultural and Applied Economics Department at Virginia Tech and President of AgriVisions, LLC.

THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT SUCCESS: What the Top 1% Do Differently and Why They Won’t Tell You
Be prepared to laugh and learn as this research-based keynote reveals how top performers harness the power of their advantages, even when the odds are not in their favor. Business relationship expert and Amazon.com bestselling author Garrison Wynn delivers a high-impact program that answers two monumental questions: How do you get people to do what you want them to do? And how can you get better results from the challenging people you encounter along the way? With an emphasis on what you can actually walk out of the session with and achieve tomorrow; this program shows you how to weather the perfect storm while still looking really good in a raincoat!
CEU: 1 UW-SVM; 1 ARPAS; 1 PD CCA
Uniquely blending the talents that established him as a young Fortune 500 leader and a successful professional stand-up comedian, Garrison fuses comic timing and research to deliver his motivational business expertise. In his teens, Garrison worked with Magnavox and baseball legend Hank Aaron to promote the world’s first video gaming system, and, by age 27, he became the youngest department head in a Fortune 500 company’s history. He has created and marketed products sold in 30 countries and is the author of the Amazon.com bestseller, “The REAL Truth About Success.”

First-Class Entertainment
Join in the fun Wednesday evening when we unveil an amazingly talented group who will cook up a mix of impersonations and customized skits that just might feature YOU! We’ll take a humorous look at ourselves and what we do every day. Prepare for some belly laughs!

Day 1 Afternoon Specialty Sessions
3:30 - 4:30 pm & 4:45 - 5:45 pm
(SELECT TWO)

This is a Lame Session
It’s very interactive, though, and you’ll take home the latest research on preventing lameness in dairy cattle, especially during the critical transition period. You’ll also learn treatment strategies for both hoof horn lesions and digital dermatitis. No question is too lame for this hoof expert, so bring yours. CEU: 1.2 UW-SVM; 1 ARPAS
Gerard Cramer, DVM, is an associate professor at University of Minnesota. His previous veterinary practice focused on providing bovine foot care, consulting and research services to the dairy industry.

Wireless Cows and Wearable Technology for the Farm
Come and learn how hands-free technology is shaping farms of the future. Craig Ganssle, founder and CEO of Basecamp Networks, will introduce intelliSCOUT®, the first agriculture platform for wearable technology. In addition, Craig will talk about how his company’s agricultural arm,  FarmHouse Networks, is able to increase your cows’ connectivity. CEU: 1.2 UW-SVM; 1 PD CCA
Craig Ganssle designs applications for wearable technology. He is founder and CEO of Basecamp Networks, the first company to bring wearable applications to agriculture.

Create your Own Survivability Gauge (Offered first session only)
No matter where your farm is in its life cycle, certain proven strategies can keep you in business through the “go and whoa” cycles. The energetic Dr. Kohl will teach you how to take big data and break it into smaller, manageable bites that measure your survival rate through any cycle. Psst... Your lender will love that you attended this session and put these tools to work on your farm.

CEU: 1.2 UW-SVM; 1 ARPAS; 1 PD CCA
Dr. David Kohl is Professor Emeritus in the Agricultural and Applied Economics Department at Virginia Tech and President of AgriVisions, LLC.

Reading Your Cows’ Cues
If she’s avoiding social competition at the feed bunk or spending more time standing than usual, she may be trying to tell you something. Recent research from the UBC Animal Welfare Program uses animal behavior to identify cows at risk for disease and lameness. Monitor your cows effectively and you can diagnose problems before they escalate. Use this information to create the absolute best environment for health and longevity. CEU: 1.2 UW-SVM; 1 ARPAS
Dr. Katy Proudfoot teaches at The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Her research focuses on the relationship between behavior, management and disease during the calving period.

The Chosen Ones: Why Being Good is Not Good Enough Anymore (Offered first session only)
We’ve all heard about best practices and expert knowledge. So why aren’t the smartest people with the most information always in charge or number one in their field? Garrison Wynn provides original research from his #1 bestselling book The Cowbell Principle to explain why certain products, services or leadership styles are consistently chosen, and others are not. Success is more than being good at what you do. It’s about being consistently chosen to do it. Attend this session and learn how to make your ideas and products the ones others choose.

CEU: 1.2 UW-SVM; 1 PD CCA
Garrison Wynn is a Fortune 500 business leader and a successful stand-up comedian. Products that Garrison created and marketed are sold in 30 countries. He is the author of “The REAL Truth About Success.”

HANDS-ON LAB:
The Anatomy of the Dairy Cow Udder
See it here first-hand. This inside look at the bovine udder will help you understand the “how” of milk production and the “why” behind every day practices with dairy cows. Udderly meticulous dairy professionals will appreciate how Drs. Poulsen and Vanderloo connect the dots between anatomy, physiology and every day management.

CEU: 1.2 UW-SVM; 1 ARPAS
Dr. Keith Poulsen, DVM, is the Diagnostic Case and Outreach Coordinator at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Medical Sciences Department at the UW-School of Veterinary Medicine and a specialist in Large Animal Internal Medicine in the UW-Veterinary
Care Large Animal Teaching Hospital.
Dr. Peter Vanderloo, DVM, is associate director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. He has 23 years experience as a practicing veterinarian with a primary emphasis in dairy cattle.

Day 2 Keynote Speakers

Think Globally, Connect Locally
Global Dairy Strategist Tim Hunt assesses the demand for dairy products around the world, growth in competing dairy regions, and your ability to compete on the world stage. And, because U.S. dairy success is not only about production, he’ll explore the challenges facing our processing infrastructure, revealing the increasingly important connections between everyone in the dairy supply chain. When you understand how you’re connected to others in the chain, you’ll learn where risk lurks and opportunities abound. Tap into this global-to-local perspective that will help you position your business for future success.

CEU: 1.2 UW-SVM; 1 PD CCA
Tim Hunt is the Global Dairy Strategist for Rabobank’s Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory team. He leads a team of 12 dairy analysts located in the world’s major dairy regions. Rabobank serves farmers, processors, traders and users of food and fiber in more than 45 countries around the world, including the U.S.A.

Connect to Profit Opportunities in 2015 and Beyond
No one knows the dairy markets as well as Mary Ledman. Her thirty years of experience in the dairy industry have given her keen insight into the production, processing, pricing and policy side of dairy. Pull up a chair as she delivers concise information on where we have been, where we are, where we are going and how to get there profitably. This expert will put you in the know so you can make decisions about where your business should be headed.

CEU: 1 UW-SVM; 1 ARPAS; 1 PD CCA
Mary Ledman is founder of Keough Ledman Associates, a dairy economic consulting firm that provides dairy product and milk price forecasting, economic and policy analysis, dairy product and milk sourcing strategies and domestic and international dairy market information.

“Never Fly Solo” and Other Words of Wisdom from a Wingman
Buckle up for this former fighter jet pilot, Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman, whose inspirational message is sure to lift you off your seat. This high-energy, action-packed presentation reveals how to transform real world business experiences by breaking peak performance barriers. And by the way — you can’t break barriers on your own. Waldo’s rule is “never fly solo.” You’ll leave the conference feeling the need for speed, and also to be well connected to your family, friends, peers and co-workers.

CEU: 1 UW-SVM; 1 PD CCA
Waldo the Wingman, Lt. Colonel Rob “Waldo” Waldman, is a decorated fighter pilot who trained for combat in the U.S. Air Force. He is the author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller “Never Fly Solo.”

Day 2 Morning Specialty Sessions
10:15 Am - 11:15 Am & 11:20 Am - 12:20 Pm (SELECT TWO)

Make the Most of Fresh Cow BHB Monitoring
Energy balance management of transition cows is being monitored effectively on many dairies. Learn how to interpret ketosis testing using the latest measurement tools for beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB). Session leader Jim Barmore will share insights on the nutritional factors that impact BHB test results, and how to manage in a way that improves results. Most importantly, hear first-hand from fellow producers who are monitoring BHB, and how it impacts their operation. CEU: 1.2 UW-SVM; 1 ARPAS
Jim Barmore is a founding partner of GPS Dairy Consulting LLC and has been providing technical service and management expertise to dairies since 1983. He offers expertise in forage management, ingredient procurement, inventory management, herd performance monitoring, financial evaluation, cow comfort and facilities.
Dr. Jerry Gaska, DVM is Dairy Manager at Nehls Brothers Farms, a 2,000-cow dairy in Juneau, Wis. He is also a veterinarian and owner of Gaska Dairy Health Services, S.C. In 2010 Dr. Gaska received the Excellence in Preventive Medicine Award from American Association of Bovine Practitioners.
Jeremy Natzke is herdsman at Wayside Dairy in Greenleaf, Wis., a partnership that also includes Jeremy’s father, Dan, and his cousin Paul. They milk 1,750 cows, raises 1,450 heifers and crop 2,700 acres
of corn, alfalfa and wheat.

HANDS-ON LAB: Is She Pregnant? (2 hour session)
This two-hour wet lab is hands-on experience with the new IDEXX Visual Read Pregnancy Test becoming popular on dairy farms. Dr. Fricke will provide thorough training and answers to three key questions: 1) How does an ELISA test work? 2) What are pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs)? And 3) How can I best use PAG testing for reproductive management? If you want to get your hands on the latest technology for your reproductive management program, this is your chance. CEU: 2.4 UW-SVM; 2 ARPAS
Dr. Paul Fricke is a professor of dairy science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on understanding the biology underlying reproductive problems in dairy cattle.

The Fab Four: Understanding and Protecting Your Milk Check
There are four prices that determine your milk check. Mary Ledman will break down everything you need to know about your milk check and the best strategies for protecting your price, including creative price risk management strategies beyond the traditional methods. Attend so you can learn how to protect what you produce.

CEU:1.2 UW-SVM; 1 PD CCA
Mary Ledman is founder of Keough Ledman Associates, a dairy economic consulting firm that provides dairy product and milk price forecasting, economic and policy analysis, dairy product and milk sourcing strategies and domestic and international dairy market information.

Can You Hear Me Now? Communicating About Food in a Hyper World
There’s no shortage of food and nutrition information in the news, on blogs or on Twitter. Hyper communication about food seems to be burning out consumers with conflicting messages. Registered dietitian and award-winning journalist Carolyn O’Neil explains why the need for effective, accurate communication and education is more important than ever. Here’s one dietitian who wants your message to be heard, and she will provide guidance for telling dairy’s nutrition story effectively.

CEU: 1.2 UW-SVM; 1 ARPAS; 1 PD CCA
Carolyn O’Neil is a registered dietitian, writer, author and Nutrition Advisor to BestFoodFacts.org. She has covered food, nutrition and cuisine for CNN and is now at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is a passionate nutrition communicator focused on helping others make informed and inspired decisions on what to eat for optimal health.

Got Conflict? Be a Bridge Builder
Loss of time, money, production, efficiency, creativity, and morale are the costs of unresolved conflict. Has your team made needless mistakes, distracted and upset others, or lost interest in their work? There are proven strategies for resolving conflict. Becky Stewart-Gross will share the myths about anger and conflict and offer five styles of handling conflict in the way that is best for you. You’ll leave with more confidence in handling difficult, stressful situations ahead. CEU: 1.2 UW-SVM; 1 PD CCA
Dr. Becky Stewart-Gross is president of Building Bridges Seminars, offering custom-designed leadership and sales training. She works with leaders from family-owned businesses to international corporations. She and her husband co-authored “Sleeping with Your Business Partner: A Communication Toolkit for Couples in Business Together.”

Pass It On: Generational Farm Transfers That Work
Hear the stories of two farm families who have been able to keep their dairy farms in the family for multiple generations. Learn what worked well, including strategies for involving and working alongside family members. With attorney Melissa O’Rourke moderating, you’ll take home suggestions and resources that will get you on the path to a successful farm transfer. CEU: 1.2 UW-SVM
Melissa O’Rourke is a Farm & Agribusiness Management Specialist and Attorney for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She provides business planning and legal advice to the farm and agribusiness communities.
Lee and Emily Maassen have a 700-cow dairy farm in Maurice, Iowa. They are in partnership with with sons Aaron, Adam and Stefan. Lee is past president of the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance.
Dennis and Barb Mashek run the 160-cow Hilltop Acres Farm near Calmar, Iowa. Their herd is known worldwide for its Brown Swiss genetics. Their children will be the seventh generation involved in the family business. They earned the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award for the state of Iowa
in 2012.