The PA Dairy Summit Will Be Held on February 7-8, 2024 in Lancaster, PA
For dairy producers who want to unlock their potential, hear from dynamic industry-focused speakers, and network with their peers, the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit will take place on February 7-8 at the Lancaster Wyndham Resort and Convention Center in Lancaster, Pa. Thanks to grants and support from the Center for Dairy Excellence, Professional Dairy Managers of PA, and Summit sponsors, registration fees for dairy producers are set to be as affordable as possible. Dairy producers can attend the full, two-day Dairy Summit for $100, with one-day rates available for $50. Individuals must reserve their hotel rooms by Thursday, January 18 to receive the discounted group rate of $149 per night.
“Whether you’re trying to attract employees or retain those who are currently working at your dairy, or you want to learn ways you can achieve a more productive lifespan for your dairy herd and navigate the generational differences between family members, there are sessions for everyone at this year’s Summit,” said Andy Bollinger, a dairy producer from Lancaster County and the chair of the 2024 PA Dairy Summit. “This is one of those conferences that is well worth your time getting off the farm for a few days – not only for the in-depth sessions, but the time spent catching up with other producers.”
Hosted by the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania and Center for Dairy Excellence, the 2024 Dairy Summit is a nationally recognized conference for dairy farmers in all types of production. The 2024 event will feature four keynote speakers who will lead dynamic sessions on real-time industry issues, including creating a multi-faceted family farm, building trust inside and outside the farm gate, innovating a producer-led marketplace, and navigating shifting dairy market dynamics.
Along with these keynote sessions, there are four specific breakout tracks with sessions led by dairy producers and industry professionals on relevant topics that appeal to all members of dairy teams. The breakout tracks include sessions “For Your Employees,” “For Your Dairy,” “For Your Future,” and “For Your Perspective.” Some of the sessions on the program are:
- For Your Employees – Building Culture and Connecting with Your Team with Jorge Delgado. To attract employees and retain those who are currently working at your dairy, it all starts with your ability to connect with your team and empower your workforce. Learn tangible ways you can unlock a positive and team-oriented culture on your dairy operation.
- For Your Dairy: The Maturity Problem with Dr. Gavin Staley. The productive lifespan of commercial dairy cows is short compared to their natural life expectancy. In fact, the average is between 2.5 and 4 years in most developed dairy industries. However, cows in the third lactation pay for themselves. If they are culled too early, we are left with a herd full of expensive heifers. Whether you have 20 cows or 1,000 cows, learn how you can grow a tall “lactree” and achieve a more productive life herd.
- For Your Future: A Practical Approach to Biosecurity Planning – A Tale of Two Farms with Dr. Hayley Springer. Everyday biosecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. During this session, take a practical, ready-to-apply approach to biosecurity planning by looking at real examples from two working dairy farms. You’ll walk through each plan, with a range of factors and difficulty levels, and see how you can apply some of their approaches to biosecurity planning on your farm.
- For Your Perspective: Navigating Personality Styles and Generational Differences with Josh Keefer. 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 unlocking the potential of leaders of all ages on your team.
Visit www.padairysummit.org to register for the conference or contact the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit Business Office at 814-355-2467. To receive the Dairy Summit discounted hotel group rate at the Lancaster Wyndham Resort and Convention Center, call (717) 299-5500 and ask for the PDMP Dairy Summit rate by January 18. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The reduced group rate is only available as long as there are rooms remaining within the group block. After January 18, the group discount is no longer guaranteed.
Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are also available. Email info@padairysummit.org for more information.