The Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin’s drive to raise the bar of professionalism for dairy producers across the country succeeded as the of 2011 Business Conference concluded March 16 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Attendees buzzed about session topics as they networked in the hallways, including Dr. Keith Bolsen, a dairy nutrition consultant and former professor at Kansas State University.

“I think this is the best dairy producer business conference I’ve been to in 10 years,” Bolsen said. “I don’t remember a day where I felt my time was better spent.”

“There was a lot of interaction and discussion with audiences. I heard things you can, as we say, put a ribbon around and take home,” Bolsen said. “It’s practical information that helps you manage your dairy operation. You can go home from here with several really good ideas that you can practically implement on the farm tomorrow.”

Bolsen was one of 1,125 individuals registered at this year’s Conference. A check of the registration list shows individuals in attendance from 25 states – as close as nearby states of Minnesota and Illinois and as far away as California, Texas and New York.

“The trade show is filled with valuable resources,” observed A.J. Leonard, an employee of Merry Water Farm, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Scott Seward, Seward’s Dairy of Pine River, Wisconsin, agreed with Leonard, adding that he also likes to check out booths to see what goods and services are offered and “see if they have something I need now or perhaps later.”

Shelly Mayer, executive director of PDPW, summed up the 2011 PDPW Business Conference in this manner: “When you go into all the rooms or observe in the hallways or the trade show, there is a lot of magic happening. People are connecting and learning. Dairies will benefit from what happened here.”  PD

—From PDPW news release

PHOTO:
Eric Hillan, PDPW president and dairy producer from Ladysmith, Wisconsin, welcomed everyone to the event. Photo by PD Editor Karen Lee.