Some stories begin at birth. Lorilee Schultz’s dairy story began in seventh grade, when her summers included packing her bags and heading to her grandparents’ farm, about an hour away. This dairy farm became the place where her values took root, shaped by early mornings, long days, and a family mentor whose quiet grit defined what leadership could look like without ever needing the spotlight.  

Beyond summers, Lorilee spent the rest of the year on her parent’s livestock farm, where there was a bit of everything: beef cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, even a donkey. But, no Holstein dairy cows. “My grandparents farm was just the place that I wanted to spend all my free time.” Every summer, she would head to the dairy farm for the season, and it would become her classroom; a place where lessons were not taught through lectures, but through example. Lorilee said, “I have to give my mom a lot of credit. I think she instilled in me to pursue the things that I’m passionate about without fear.” Dairy farming was becoming one of those things.  

The International Year of the Woman Farmer: Taking Root and Growing Legacy

In 2026, the world is recognizing the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) – a powerful opportunity to elevate the voices, leadership, and impact of women across agriculture. Join DGN for a special Enhance webinar kicking off this historic year and introducing “Taking Root and Growing Legacy”, DGN’s storytelling initiative honoring women in dairy here in the United States. This session will explore what IYWF is, how it came to be, and why it matters – not only for today’s dairy industry, but highlighting where we came from and the future we are building. We’ll share how DGN is participating in this global celebration, including our storytelling campaign, partnership opportunities, and plans to amplify women’s voices throughout the year. Attendees will also learn how to nominate a woman to be considered for a feature, discover the marketing and storytelling tools DGN is providing (including our new IYWF website hub and online toolkit) and walk away with actionable ways to participate, share stories, and celebrate women in dairy. Whether you’re a producer, industry professional, or advocate, this webinar will equip you to take part in a year that honors legacy, leadership, and the power of women shaping dairy’s future.

Happening Live on Friday, January 23rd, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. CST (1:00 p.m. EST | 11:00 a.m. MST | 10:00 a.m. PST)

Presented by: Mary Knigge, VP, Dairy Farmers of America, Laura Daniels, Owner, Hitch Pin Consulting and Founder, Dairy Girl Network, Amanda Kohls, Executive Officer, Dairy Girl Network and Chelsie Voorhees, Communications Coordinator, Dairy Girl Network

Webinar recording will be available for all registered!

These webinars are open to all – DGN members, non-members, men and women!

Meet the Speakers:

Mary Knigge, VP, Dairy Farmers of America

Mary Knigge grew up on her family dairy and cash crop farm in Omro, WI and now works with Dairy Farmers of America in Washington D.C. Mary spends her time talking with legislators and government officials about the many issues impacting the industry, partnering with other industry partners and being an advocate for dairy farmers. She loves that her real-world experience of being a farm kid now translates to advancing dairy policy and improving things in the countryside. She also enjoys traveling the country talking to farmers about what’s happening in D.C., unwrapping the policy impacting their business and encouraging them to be engaged in the process. Mary and her family enjoy seeing new places, spending time outdoors and musical theater.   

Laura Daniels, Owner, Hitch Pin Consulting and Founder, Dairy Girl Network

Laura Daniels is a farmer, coach, consultant and agriculture advocate. For 15 years she served as the General Manager of her dairy, Heartwood Farm, in charge of day-to-day operations. Now, she advises fellow farmers and business owners in the areas of team building and strategic planning with Hitch Pin Consulting. Laura also founded Dairy Girl Network in 2013 to help fellow dairywomen across the United States connect and succeed.

Amanda Kohls, Executive Officer, Dairy Girl Network

Amanda Kohls (Borkowski) is the Executive Officer of Dairy Girl Network, a national nonprofit dedicated to connecting, inspiring, and empowering women across the dairy industry. Since joining the organization in 2017, she has advanced through multiple roles and now provides strategic oversight of operations, partnerships, communications, and educational programming. Amanda leads national initiatives focused on leadership development, professional growth, and mental well-being, while cultivating strong industry partnerships that support DGN’s mission and long-term impact. Even though she was not raised on a farm, her background is diverse, giving her a well-rounded perspective across both production agriculture and industry services.

Chelsie Voorhees, Communications Coordinator, Dairy Girl Network

Chelsie Voorhees was raised on a six-generation row crop farm in Kansas, and her passion for agriculture began at a young age and has shaped her career ever since. She graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Agricultural Communications and Journalism and quickly found her niche in digital strategy and content creation. Chelsie brings a strong background in storytelling, content development, and digital media — all rooted in her deep love for agriculture and empowering women. She’s passionate about creating meaningful content that connects, informs, and uplifts, and she’s excited to use those skills to help amplify the voices of women in dairy.

Treat someone special in your life to the gift of advanced education, growth, leadership and success. DGN has many great programs that are perfect for the giving season – and they are all virtual, so it’s even easier to gift your friend that lives across the country! Scroll below to find the perfect gift for your loved one, colleague or family member:

---

Give the gift of education through our 2026 DGN Forward TogetHER conference ($329 in-person/$179 virtual On-Demand)

Gift access to our Forward TogetHER national conference! DGN is thrilled to offer both in-person and On-Demand virtual access to the 2026 Forward TogetHER National Conference, taking place October 27–29, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky. This signature DGN event brings together dairywomen – producers, professionals, and industry partners – to learn, grow, and recharge. Whether you join us on-site in Lexington or tune in virtually on your own schedule, you’ll gain practical tools, meaningful connections, and encouragement for your journey in dairy. Gift a Forward TogetHER in-person or On Demand registration HERE for you or your loved one!

---

Give the gift of continuing education and constant learning through a subscription to our Enhance webinars ($60)

DGN hosts webinars all year long to advance knowledge on everything from crops, finances, calf care, mental health, personal development, cow care and more! Why not gift a WHOLE YEAR of webinars? For only $60, you can do that for a loved one HERE.

---

Give the gift of owning your worth ($25)

Give the gift of owning your worth! Gift a registration to the recordings of our Sharing Wisdom event “Own Your Worth: Confidence, Clarity & Career Growth?” to enjoy a dynamic, virtual educational seminar designed to empower you to recognize, communicate, and own your worth. Whether you’re refining your resume, preparing for a hard conversation or stepping into leadership, these recordings will offer tools and confidence to help you move forward. With insights from both industry experts and on-farm leaders, this event offers value for professionals across the dairy community – from the office to the parlor and everywhere in between. Gift this session to yourself or a dairywoman in your life HERE.

---

Give the gift of DGN swag ($20-$65)

Give the gift of your favorite Dairy Girl Network sweater, pun-ny tshirt, cozy vest, cute hat and more! Who doesn’t love a comfy sweater for at home, a hat for the barn, a tshirt to wear for a casual day in the office or a vest for those brisk mornings feeding calves? Gift some DGN swag HERE.

---

Give the gift of Dairy Girl Network to other dairywomen through a donation ($??)

This option is perfect to thank an individual in your life by making a donation in their honor. Every donation will provide support to DGN, it’s staff and the overall organization to continue programs such as our Connect networking events, #StrongerTogetHER initiative, Exchange online community, Include initiative, future courses, and so much more. Give the gift of support and growth of the network for all women in dairy HERE!

Becoming an Employer of Choice: Continuing the Conversation

Happening Live on Friday, November 21st, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. CST (1:00 p.m. EST | 11:00 a.m. MST | 10:00 a.m. PST)

Presented by: Elsie Leach, Motiva Dairy Consulting, Dr. Chris Booth, DVM, Dairy Doctors Veterinary Services and Booth Leadership and moderated by Laura Daniels, Owner, Hitch Pin Consulting and Founder, Dairy Girl Network

This webinar is co-hosted with NMPF’s National Young Cooperators Program

Webinar recording will be available for all registered!

These webinars are open to all – DGN members, non-members, men and women!

This webinar is sponsored by:

Meet the Speakers:

Panelist: Elsie Leach, Motiva Dairy Consulting

Elsie Leach from Motiva Dairy Consulting, has been serving the dairy industry in the USA for the past 15 years. In 2015, she started Motiva Dairy Consulting to help dairy operations in building efficient systems, fine-tuning processes, training, and coaching. In 2018, Motiva Dairy Consulting launched a series of leadership programs, many specifically designed for Spanish-speaking managers. These programs have already impacted the journey of over 600 dairy managers from exceptional dairy operations across the U.S. Today, Motiva Dairy Consulting is proud to have developed the first and only English course specifically designed for dairy farm employees. Prior to founding Motiva, Elsie has held various roles with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the United States Department of Agriculture. Elsie received both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Animal Science with emphasis in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Puerto Rico; and is currently working on a Doctorate in Business Administration, with emphasis in Organizational Leadership Development. Elsie lives with her husband and 2 boys in Wisconsin, USA.

Panelist: Dr. Chris Booth, DVM, Dairy Doctors Veterinary Services and Booth Leadership

Dr. Chris Booth, DVM is a dairy veterinarian and owner of Dairy Doctors Veterinary Services located in Plymouth, Wisconsin. His eight veterinarian practice serves clients ranging from 30-8000 cows in a 6 county area in east central Wisconsin. Chris enjoys helping client businesses succeed by providing employee trainings, protocol development and implementation, records analysis, team meetings and embryo transfer services. He is also co-owner of Booth Leadership, LLC with his wife Courtney. Booth Leadership assists businesses in igniting the power of their people by connecting and inspiring growth in their leaders personally and professionally through leadership coaching, training and team facilitation. The Booth family operates Booth-Haven Holsteins which focuses on breeding and developing high type red and white and black and white Holsteins that they exhibit at multiple shows each year. Outside of his work activities, Chris enjoys hunting, golf and coaching youth sports.

Moderator: Laura Daniels, Owner, Hitch Pin Consulting and Founder, Dairy Girl Network

Laura Daniels is a farmer, coach, consultant and agriculture advocate. For 15 years she served as the General Manager of her dairy, Heartwood Farm, in charge of day-to-day operations. Now, she advises fellow farmers and business owners in the areas of team building and strategic planning with Hitch Pin Consulting. Laura also founded Dairy Girl Network in 2013 to help fellow dairywomen across the United States connect and succeed.

---

Thank you to Zoetis for providing the web hosting and recording!

Bienvenido! Welcome to Spanish on la Granja (on the farm)! 

DGN’s Spanish on la Granja courses are virtual courses tailored to aiding in Spanish speaking on the dairy farm! Registration is OPEN for our Level 1 and Level 2 Spanish on La Granja courses for Fall/Winter 2025.

Spanish on la Granja (on the Farm) Level 1:

DGN’s Spanish on la Granja Level 1 is a virtual 6-week short course, introducing Spanish on the dairy farm. This course closely mirrors a first year Spanish course, but with focus on dairy usage. A full understanding of the present tense and many vocabulary words will be presented.

What’s included in the Level 1 short course?

• A 6-week condensed course (total of 12 lessons)
• Start Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 and ending on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (No class on U.S. Thanksgiving holiday)
• Two weekly one-hour live, but recorded video lessons (No class on the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday)
• The instructor will be available for up to 15 minutes after each class for questions, extra practice or help with homework.
• Recorded lessons for viewing
• Access to resources for reinforcement
• Certificate for course completion based on class participation and/or completion of final exam

*For ultimate success, students are encouraged to attend live classes. “Live” one-hour classes will be Tuesdays and Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. EST / 5:00 p.m. CST / 3:00 p.m. PST.

The cost of this 6-week program is $325 plus 3.5% processing fee.

---

Spanish on la Granja (on the Farm) Level 2:

The Level 2 Spanish on la Granja course is a virtual, 6-week course that leaves off where level 1 finished and takes the learner through a dairy-focused look at the past tense, combined tenses, a large amount of dairy vocabulary, daily Dairy Spanish usage, and ends with a taste of the subjunctive mood. This will combine elements of a 2nd and 3rd year Spanish course, but will move faster and adapt more advanced elements of grammar to real farm life. 

What’s included in the level 2 short course?

• A 6-week condensed course (total of 12 lessons)
• Two weekly one-hour live, but recorded video lessons
• Start Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 and ending on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. (No class on U.S. Thanksgiving holiday)
• The instructor will be available for up to 15 minutes after each class for questions, extra practice or help with homework.
• Recorded lessons for viewing
• Access to resources for reinforcement
• Certificate for course completion based on class participation and/or completion of final exam

*For ultimate success, students are encouraged to attend live classes. “Live” one-hour classes will be Tuesdays and Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. EST / 6:30 p.m. CST / 4:30 p.m. PST.

The cost of this 6-week program is $325 plus 3.5% processing fee.

The Dairy Girl Network (DGN) Board of Directors includes elected representatives serving as dairy farmers and industry professionals. The DGN Board of Directors oversees the overall execution of the organization’s mission.

The Board of Directors is made up of up to 12 voting members. Terms are set for three years and each individual can serve three terms. Board member responsibilities include attendance at one in-person meeting per year, as well as conference calls once a month, and active conversations as part of board committees. Periodically the board will hold additional meetings or planning sessions.

There is currently two Board of Director positions open for two dairy producers.

Applications close on October 9, 2025, at 11:59 pm PST.

Declaration of Nomination

In our true DGN style, we ask that you nominate a fellow dairywoman for one of our open Board positions. Individuals can nominate another member. Self-nominations can also be made.

We ask that you remember that there is a monthly requirement of the nominees’ time and energy commitment that should not be underestimated. Nominees are urged to consider personal priorities for the next year as well as the ways to contribute to the development of our organization.

To apply:

• Submit your Board Nomination via this nomination form.
• If you have any questions, please contact, Renee Norman-Kenny at reneek@dairygirlnetwork.com. Please use DGN Board Nomination in the subject line.

Bringing the Farm to the Classroom with Adopt A Cow

Presented by: Brittany Snyder, Dairy Education Programs Manager, Dairy Excellence Foundation. Brittany will also lead a panel with two Adopt A Cow host farmers, Katelin Benkoski, Credit Analyst, AgSouth Farm Credit, and dairy farmer and Natalie Berning, Owner, Berning Acres.

Happening Live on Friday, June 27th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. CST (12:00 p.m. EST | 10:00 a.m. MST | 9:00 a.m. PST) **Please note the new time**

Webinar recording will be available for all registered!

In celebration of June Dairy Month, join us for an inspiring and informative webinar that highlights how the Adopt A Cow program fuels trust, education, and passion for dairy among the next generation. With over 1.7 million students participating annually across all 50 states, this free classroom program (powered by The Dairy Excellence Foundation and supported by 14 dairy checkoff organizations and private partners) connects youth with real dairy farms and real calves. This session will also feature a live panel of host farmers who will share their firsthand experiences of welcoming classrooms virtually into the barn. Together, we’ll explore how Adopt A Cow and other programs like this are helping shape informed, confident future consumers, and why this matters now more than ever.

These webinars are open to all – DGN members, non-members, men and women!

Meet the Speaker:

Brittany Snyder is a faith-driven dairy advocate with a lifelong passion for cows, rooted in her upbringing on a small family dairy farm.  For the past seven years, Brittany has thrived as the Dairy Education Programs Manager at the Dairy Excellence Foundation, where her love for teaching and dairy shines through in the transformative Discover Dairy and Adopt A Cow programs. She inspires the next generation to embrace and trust the dairy industry with her infectious enthusiasm. When not leading as the beloved “cow lady,” Brittany enjoys crafting, baking cookies, line dancing, and running, infusing her vibrant energy into everything she does. 

Meet the Panelists:

Katelin Benkoski is a Credit Analyst for AgSouth Farm Credit, ACA in Madison, Georgia. Her family also owns and operates a dairy farm where they host groups for agritourism and are a host farm for the Adopt A Cow program. Katelin is involved with the 4H and FFA where she supports and coaches youth in dairy related areas.

Natalie Berning grew up in Dubuque, Iowa and until meeting her husband, she had very little farm experiences. Today, with her husband and five children, they own and operate Berning Acres, a 500-cow dairy farm outside of Galena, IL. Over the last four years, Natalie has launched their farm into Agri-Tourism as well and Berning Acres welcomed well over 1,500 guests to their farm in 2024.

Dairy Girl Network recognizes the need for conversations and on-going awareness to behavioral health. During the month of May, DGN will bring forth two webinars in the form of a mini-series in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Register for access to both webinars! For this mini-series, registration is FREE and open all; DGN members, non-members, men and women are welcome.

Register today for access to both free webinars:

👉 Webinar #1: Doing it Again and Again: What is Authentic Resilience?
🗣 Presented by: Lauren Van Ewyk, CEO, National Farmer Mental Health Alliance
🗓 Happening Live on Friday, May 16th, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. CST
ℹ️ Resilience is championed in all facets of life, but is it really the golden ticket that people are telling us it is? Too often farmers are called upon to be resilient time and time again, which has resulted in exhaustion, depression and a lack of vulnerability due to overuse and overdependence. Join Lauren as we explore what authentic resilience looks like and how to develop the skills needed to thrive.

👉 Webinar #2: Raising More than Cows and Crops: Care for Your Farm Family
🗣 Presented by: Josie M. Rudolphi, PhD, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
🗓 Happening Live on Friday, May 23rd, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. CST
ℹ️ Farmers experience poor mental health, but much of the focus for research and outreach has focused on adults. Farm youth are also at risk of poor mental health, and important associations between parents’ mental health and youth mental health have been observed. This presentation will describe findings from farm family research and provide recommendations for caring of your farm family.

Sponsored by: Diamond V

Event Summary: Join us for “Own Your Worth: Confidence, Clarity & Career Growth” a dynamic virtual Sharing Wisdom educational seminar designed to empower you to recognize, communicate, and own your worth. This event kicks off with an inspiring keynote address to get you in the mindset to dive deep, followed by three engaging breakout sessions led by industry experts. The seminar will conclude with a thoughtful closing keynote that ties everything together into actionable strategies. Whether you’re refining your resume, preparing for a hard conversation or stepping into leadership, this seminar will offer tools and confidence to help you move forward. With insights from both industry experts and on-farm leaders, this event offers value for professionals across the dairy community – from the office to the parlor and everywhere in between. If you want to better understand your value, elevate your voice, and grow with intention, this event is for you.

We are so excited to welcome a variety of speakers to this year’s Sharing Wisdom. To kick off us off, Lindsey Worden of Holstein Association USA will open the session sharing her story of her journey of growth at Holstein, how she identified opportunities to spend her time on and knowing if her next steps were the right fit. After the opening keynote, we have three breakout sessions where you can chat in small groups with representative experts in that field. You can choose between:

Owning Your Story, Amplifying Your Voice
You bring a lot to the table, but are you showcasing it in a way that gets noticed? You have a story worth telling and it’s time the industry hears it! This breakout will connect you with leaders in the field who will help you confidently market yourself throughout your career journey. From articulating your strengths in interviews and reviews to building a standout LinkedIn profile, you’ll learn how to tell your story in a way that reflects your value. Discover how to position yourself professionally and highlight your strengths, values, and the impact you’re here to make. Whether you’re carving a new path, aiming for a promotion, or simply ready to own your next move, this session will give you the tools to present your best self. Panelists: Dolores Sauter, Miller Resource Group and Connie Kuber, Sealpro Silage Barrier Films.

Helping Others Own Their Growth
Great leadership starts with knowing the impact you have on those around you. This breakout will explore how managers and leaders can create environments where employees feel supported, motivated and empowered to grow. From building a healthy workplace culture to offering meaningful feedback and career development, you’ll hear real-world strategies from leaders who are helping their teams thrive. Whether you manage a few people or an entire operation, this session will help you own your role in shaping your team’s success. Panelists: Michelle Shambeau, Ebert Enterprises and Jennifer Fernandes-Hanf, Milc Group.

Communicating Your Value with Confidence
Speaking up for yourself isn’t always easy, but knowing your worth means being ready to have the hard conversations. This breakout will explore how to confidently communicate your value in moments that matter – like asking for a raise, negotiating a new role, or advocating for professional boundaries. You’ll hear real experiences and strategies for navigating difficult discussions while staying grounded in what you bring to the table. If you’ve ever hesitated to ask, this session will help you find your voice and own it. Panelists: Kristy Pagel, Leading Edge Consulting and Annie Link, Swisslane Farms.

To wrap up, we will all come back together for a closing keynote where Liz Griffith will present on maneuvering change, recognizing and honoring your limits and finding balance.

Not able to make it or want to participate in multiple breakouts? No problem! This entire event (including every breakout) will be recorded and your registration will get you access to everything!

The event cost is $25 and includes access to the recordings and a digital swag bag.

We are thrilled to announce the elevation of Amanda Borkowski to Executive Officer and Renée Norman-Kenny to Operations Officer – marking the first time these positions have been established at DGN!

Both Amanda and Renée have been dedicated members of our team for years, working tirelessly to push the mission of DGN forward. Their leadership, expertise and passion have played a crucial role in shaping the organization, and we are excited to see them step into these new roles to continue driving impact for dairywomen everywhere.