Q. How did the Annual Business Conference get its start?

MAYER: The Annual Business Conference is our marquee event. The first conference took place in 1992 and was started by a handful of dairy producers that invited other dairy producers to gain business management skills.

Q. Why did you choose this year’s Annual Business Conference theme?

MAYER: The committee each year puts a lot of thought into the current needs of the dairy industry. Now, more than ever, profitability is top of mind for dairy producers and passion is always important in order to capture profitability. The theme, “Adding Passions, Multiplying Profits”, intertwines both concepts.

Q. Which speakers will most excite dairy producers this year?

MAYER: There is such a variety of sessions this year. All of them focus on such timely issues of cutting costs and building profitability. The sessions are also hands-on and engaging. One on calf necropsy will allow producers to get an inside look to see and learn the reality of calf health. As dairy producers we want to give other producers the opportunity to maximize their time, therefore we’ve brought together 38 panelists and experts and dairy producers can select the ones most relevant to them and their operations. During these times this is the smartest investment you can make right now. The conference offers a whole smorgasbord of knowledge and management tips that can impact how you operate your dairy.

Q. What effect will the current status of the dairy industry have on attendance at your event this year?

MAYER: Now more than ever dairy producers need information and resources to help them navigate through this turn in the industry. We’re hoping they will continue to turn to us and the Annual Business Conference to find that information.

Q. What is your target audience?

MAYER: Our target audience is dairy producers that are focused on continuing to grow their business skills and have a lifelong commitment to learning. We’re also looking to producers that want to expand their leadership abilities.

Q. How have events like this helped to shape the industry?

MAYER: When people come together and network they can focus on finding solutions. This event helps them unite and find common ground while also discovering new ways and ideas through education.

 Q. Where do you see PDPW in the next five years?

MAYER: I see the organization continuing to build on its strengths. It will expand upon its outreach and educational programs and continue to unite the industry and help producers have a strong voice. PDPW will continue to build relationships within the food system and benefit communities, producers and other industry stakeholders.

Q. How can PDPW most help the dairy industry?

MAYER: The success of the industry has been built on the success of individual producers. Dairy profitability is the number one issue that shapes the success of the industry. PDPW can help by continuing to grow dairy producer leadership to help further develop the industry. It will help lead by identifying issues and finding solutions.

Q. What is the challenge for your members or the industry that you lose the most sleep over?

MAYER: The greatest challenge our industry faces is channeling our passion. We all must unite behind our one brand – milk. We’ve seen the industry fall to tactics that divide us and allow others to advocate against us. I lose sleep watching our opportunity for strength diminish when we become divided rather than united. Ultimately milk is our common ground and what unites our industry.  PD

Editor’s note: PDPW’s Annual Business Conference is set for March 17-18 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.pdpw.org, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 800-947-7379.

Shelly Mayer

PDPW Executive Director

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