The 2022 PA Dairy Summit Will Include 12 Breakout Sessions on Timely Topics
To help the dairy industry come together to focus on achieving excellence and top-notch performance, the 2022 Pennsylvania Dairy Summit will include 12 breakout sessions about broad industry issues and real-time herd, farm, and financial management topics. With the theme of “Going for the Gold,” attendees will hear from a U.S. Olympian, panels of experienced dairy producers, experts in dairy markets, and more. Hosted by the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania and Center for Dairy Excellence, the 2022 event will take place on February 2 and 3 at the Lancaster Marriott in Lancaster, Pa.
“From conversations with dairy producer panelists about robotic milking systems and high feed costs, to open discussions about how to navigate the logistics nightmare and prepare for 2022 dairy markets, there is something for everyone on dairy operation teams at the PA Dairy Summit,” said Frank Graybill, the 2022 Dairy Summit chair and a dairy farmer from Hershey, Pennsylvania. “Offering inspiration, education, and networking for dairy farmers in all types of production, we have designed breakout sessions that cover topics that are most important to some of the challenges and opportunities the dairy industry is facing right now.”
Four keynote speakers have been announced for the event, including dairy farmer and U.S. Olympian Elle Purrier St. Pierre; Dr. Marin Bozic, Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota; Dale and Clay Hemminger of Hemdale Farms Dairy and Greenhouses in Seneca Castle, New York; and Ed Herr from Herr’s Potato Chips. The dynamic speakers will share what’s next for milk pricing, how to successfully manage multiple enterprises, and ways to build a collaborative culture for generational businesses.
Some of the breakout sessions for the 2022 Dairy Summit include:
Controlling Feed Costs in Today’s Market with Walt Moore, Jared Kurtz and Rainey Rosemond
With overall feed costs representing anywhere from 35 to 70 percent of the total costs on a dairy farm, this panel discussion will feature two dairy producers who will share their go-to strategies for managing feed costs and maintaining forage quality in the midst of record-high grain prices.
Protecting Yourself from Animal Activism with Casey Kinler, Brook Duer and State Police Master Trooper Kelly Osborne-Filson
When it comes to animal activism, being proactive instead of reactive can help dairy producers protect their operations. This session will dive into steps they can take to protect themselves from activists, including understanding privacy laws, taking security measures, holding employee trainings, maintaining facilities, being vigilant online, and more.
Predicting 2022 Dairy Markets with Matt Gould
Predicting milk prices and dairy markets is never 100 percent accurate, but looking ahead can help dairy professionals identify trends and plan risk management strategies. This session will look at the upcoming year and analyze potential demand for domestic and international markets, expectations for exports, milk supply and contributing factors, and more.
Integrating Robotic Milking Systems with Dale and Clay Hemminger, Matt Brake, and Dan McFarland
This panel discussion will feature multiple dairy producers who have successfully integrated robotic milking systems on their operations. They will evaluate the pros and cons of robotics, how the systems are helping drive milk production, and lessons learned after integrating this technology into their operations.
Navigating the Logistics Nightmare
Transporting milk and getting it on the shelves is something that happens 24/7, 365 days a year. When unexpected events occur or the supply chain gets disrupted, freight and trucking logistics are more important than ever. This panel discussion will feature industry professionals from various companies who will analyze how these freight logistics impact the dairy industry and the process of getting essential supplies and equipment to farms.
Who Will Own This When I’m Gone?: Generational Leadership with Josh Kieffer
When working with family and multiple generations on the farm, unresolved conflicts, resistance to change and other communication barriers can all contribute to poor business performance. This session will offer strategies for motivating leaders of all ages and share how working together to embrace both youth and wisdom can benefit your operation.
Maintaining High Standards with Biosecurity Plans
Maintaining high standards when it comes to animal care, workplace settings, and environmental and antibiotic stewardship can help operations be prepared if crisis strikes and demonstrates an industry-wide commitment to consumers. In this session, Miquela Hanselman will share ways producers can develop a biosecurity plan and maintain these high standards.
Thanks to grants and support from the Professional Dairy Managers of PA (PDMP), the Center for Dairy Excellence and Summit sponsors, registration fees for dairy producers and all farm employees are set to be as affordable as possible. During registration, producers can receive an additional $50 discount for each attendee from the farm.
To register for the conference and view the full program, visit padairysummit.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit Business Office at 814-355-2467 or email info@padairysummit.org for more information.