General Sessions:
Welcome and Conference Kick-Off
Without a Compass: Navigating an Unlikely Path to Dairy Leadership
Presented by Jackie Klippenstein, Sr. Vice President, Chief Government and Industry Relations Officer at Dairy Farmers of America
Sponsored by Progressive Dairy
Growing up in the city, Jackie never once considered or planned for a career in agriculture. Having found herself in an industry she is now so passionate about, Jackie will discuss her unlikely journey from Long Island to success as a leader in a leading global dairy company. She will share her career “ah-ha’s”, discuss the choppy water she encountered, and provide guiding principles you might need to navigate your way through your career when you don’t have a compass. Jackie hopes to leave the audience inspired and energized to focus on driving value for their stakeholders and feeling confident and hopeful in their career prospects.
Calves on the Move
This presentation will highlight the welfare challenges and management solutions associated with transporting young dairy calves. Dr. Cramer will leave you with farm-specific solutions to maximize calf comfort and success as they journey to their next destination.
Dairy Girl Network Roundtable and Open Discussion
Sponsored by Farm Credit Systems (AgCountry Farm Credit Services, American AgCredit, Compeer Financial, Farm Credit Services of America, GreenStone Farm Credit Services and AgWest Farm Credit
The Dairy Girl Network Roundtable will feature DGN leadership interacting with the audience through an active roundtable discussion. This roundtable will be an opportunity to hear from attendees and discuss current trends and how we all play a part in this industry.
Profitable Longevity: Extending the Life of Your Herd
Looking at the holy grail of dairy farm profitability, getting the most out of our dairy herd while they are still here on the farm and maximizing their longevity. This presentation will look at longevity from a number of angles to reach a financial understanding of the impact to profitability.
Standing Up for the Industry We Love
Presented by Brandi Buzzard, cowgirl and rancher
Sponsored by Ever.Ag
Trust. A small word with immense meaning. It’s critical to defend our industry while gaining and retaining trust. In this captivating message, hear Buzzard’s experiences seizing the moment to stand up for agriculture by engaging global food companies, the press, policy makers and more, while using trust as a driving force. Through lessons learned, be inspired to use your voice and actions to build and retain trust in order to preserve the industry you love.
They Tell the Story of Dairy, What’s Their Story?
Barbara O’Brien and Marilyn Hershey lead the team whose job it is to tell the story of dairy, our story. Whether that story is about cow care, sustainability, innovation or our people, each story matters and plays a key role in building our industry into the future. Barbara and Marilyn will share their own stories about building blocks to resilient leadership and how it aligns with the resilience of the dairy industry.
Unlocking Dairy Sustainability: Strategies, Success Stories, and Future Trends
Presented by Kelly Sheridan, Vice President, Environmental Affairs, Sustainability & Multilateral Affairs, U.S. Dairy Export Council; Angela Anderson, Director, Sustainability & Supplier Commitments, Starbucks Coffee Company; and Jamie Pagel Witcpalek, Chairwomen and Owner, Pagel Family Business; moderated by Kendra Kissane, Founder & CEO, AG Sustainability Solutions
Sponsored by LF Bioenergy
Join us for an exploration of sustainability, focusing on how influential dairywomen have taken pivotal roles to share US dairy’s story and drive meaningful change. These leaders are developing practical solutions that benefit all stakeholders and create collective impact locally and globally. This session will uncover how to engage effectively in sustainability initiatives, explore opportunities, and discuss financial incentives for producers. Attendees will gain insights into key issues being discussed on behalf of dairy farmers and how these trailblazing women are navigating the “Wild West” of sustainability. Hear their success stories, challenges, and practical advice for embarking on the sustainability journey. This is one panel you won’t want to miss!
Who’s in Charge? Lessons in Leadership from the Barn to the Boardroom
Presented by Laura Daniels, founder and president of DGN and owner of Hitch Pin Consulting
Sponsored by Hitch Pin Consulting
In this speech, Laura shares hard-earned wisdom from over a decade of leadership at DGN, 15 years running her own farm and decades of guiding her dairy farming clients. The journey starts with taking bold, imperfect steps while your passion burns, the power of perseverance, and how to avoid burning out along the path to where you were meant to go. She will also explore the critical moments where leaders must know when to step up and when to step aside. Laura reflects on the great honor of leading DGN for 10 years, celebrating its growth and achievements. As she prepares to pass the torch, she offers a heartfelt message of hope and optimism, believing that the next decade holds incredible potential for both the organization and the broader future of dairy. She will leave you inspired and remind you that you are capable of creating the life you can’t stop thinking about.
Breakouts:
Thrive Amidst the Chaos
Presented by Laurie Chan, Executive Coach, Chan Management Consulting.
Sponsored by Michael Best
Are you feeling weighed down by the whirlwind of responsibilities and demands life throws your way? We often find ourselves balancing numerous roles, leaving us depleted and overwhelmed, with little time to prioritize our own well-being. Think of it like this: when you buy a new gadget, it comes with a user manual to help you navigate and maximize its potential. But in the grand adventure of life, we don’t come pre-equipped with a manual—we have to create it ourselves. Join us in this unique session as we embark on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering the keys to your unique gifts and charting a course toward daily success. By the end of our session, you’ll walk away with practical tools to thrive amidst the chaos and stresses of life. Gain the confidence to not just survive, but to thrive in the journey, continually evolving into the best version of yourself.
From Workforce to Winning Team: Leveraging Technology for Success
Presented by Manuel Soares, CEO, Milc Group
Sponsored by Milc Group
This presentation asks the question, does your farm technology empower your employees? Or do you trust your workforce to fully utilize the technology you have available? Are you willing to invest in your employees to learn how to make the most out of your technology? Then paint a picture of what it would look like if you did. To conclude the session, attendees will learn key takeaways to make it happen.
Building a Culture of Safety
Presented by Megan Schossow, Outreach Director and Center Coordinator, Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH), and panelists, Jennifer Fernandes Hanf, VP of Product, Milc Group, and Chase Pagel, dairy farmer and Safety Consultant
Sponsored by UMASH
Creating and maintaining healthy, effective teams is crucial for the success of any dairy business. Integrating safety and health into daily workflows is essential, regardless of the resources available. In this session, we will explore the most hazardous tasks in dairy farming and provide actionable insights to improve safety and health practices. A panel of experts will share their knowledge on tools and strategies that foster a resilient and thriving dairy community. Attendees will leave with practical insights and a toolkit of researched and evaluated safety and training resources ready to be implemented on their farms.
The 2024 Election is Over, Now What?
Presented by Mary Knigge, Vice President Government Relations at Dairy Farmers of America
Sponsored by Dairy Farmers of America
Dive in to dairy policy discussions with a dairy girl turned DC lobbyist/insider. The presidential election will take place on November 5th, if you were in a battle ground state, hooray for no more political ads! But now what? There are lots of other policies and regulations in Washington D.C. that greatly impact the dairy business. This session will explore what’s happening on issues like the farm bill, Federal Order reform, the Dietary Guidelines among others and take your questions. Join this fun session to see how you can get engaged.
Leading the Herd: Essential Management Skills for Dairywomen
Presented by Sarah Daugherty, Workforce Development Specialist at Paramount Calves, and Sandy Larson, Owner, Larson Acres Inc.
Sponsored by BouMatic
Join us for an empowering session tailored specifically for dairywomen in leadership roles on the farm or in a dairy business. This workshop will delve into the core management objectives essential for effective herd and employee management. From optimizing herd health to enhancing productivity, you’ll gain valuable insights and strategies to lead your dairy operation with confidence and success. Whether you’re new to the role or looking to refine your skills, this session will provide the tools you need to thrive as a herd manager.
Synergy in Practice
Presented by Dr. Jen Roberts, Professional Services Veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim
What is a Veterinary Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR)? How can a strong VCPR with your dairy’s veterinary team contribute to the profitability and sustainability of your farm? In this session, we will explore the components of a VCPR from both the veterinarian’s and the dairy farmer’s perspectives. This foundational relationship with your farm’s veterinarian is essential for the health and well-being of your herd, and its strength depends on mutual trust and respect between veterinarian and dairy farmer. Both clients and veterinarians have a responsibility to establish clear expectations for this relationship and communicate needs and goals to achieve dairy success.
Starting Strong: Building a Career in the Dairy Industry
Presented by Rebecca Pfeffer, Brand Manager, Maola; Dr. Carlyn Peterson, Dairy Technical Manager, Selko USA; Katie Schmitt, Outreach Specialist, Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding; and Kristen Metcalf, Co-Owner at Glacier Edge Dairy
Sponsored by the National Dairy FARM Program
Starting strong is key to success in the competitive dairy industry. In this session, you’ll gain practical insights from industry leaders on how to craft a strong personal brand, effectively communicate your story, and build lasting connections. The session covers essential topics like navigating early career challenges, developing valuable networks, and elevating your influence in the dairy sector. Whether you’re a farmer, advocate, or professional, this session will equip you with the tools and strategies to thrive and contribute to the industry’s future success.
Gut Check: The Key to Unlocking Peak Dairy Cow Performance
Presented by Dr. Kirby Krogstad, Assistant Professor, Ohio State University
Sponsored by Udder Tech
This session will highlight recent dairy nutrition research uncovering how nutrition and management interact with the rumen and gut health of dairy cattle. We will also discuss practical strategies to protect the dairy digestive system and promote peak production.
Misc:
DGN Awards Presentation
Honoring Retiring DGN Founding Board Members