STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The 2018 Pennsylvania Dairy Summit highlights a well-diverse program for dairy farmers, including a mix of presentations, discussions and breakout sessions that bring insight to management styles and a changing industry.
This year’s Dairy Summit is Feb. 21 and 22, at the Penn Stater Conference Center. The Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania and Center for Dairy Excellence host this event annually for dairy farmers of all production methods.
Speakers
- Keynote and breakout speaker Ron Hanson, Harlan Agribusiness professor emeritus, will speak on overcoming family challenges in relation to farm succession as well as planning for success within the next generation.
- Investigative reporter Nina Tiecholz, who authored The Big Fat Surprise, will discuss her thoughts on fats with the ground-breaking claim that more, not less, dietary fat — including saturated fat — is what leads to better health, wellness, and fitness.
- Ron St. John, founder of Alliance Dairies in Trenton, Florida, will share his insights and experience in growing a dairy business by bringing in and transitioning to non-family partners and his tips for successfully turning it all over to the next generation.
- Walt Coleman III, National Football League referee and family operator of Hiland Dairy in Little Rock, will share his experiences and observations about the game of football and life, focusing on leading through adversity.
Breakout sessions
This year’s summit will include four breakout tracks: Around the Table, At the Desk, With the Cows and In the Field.
Some of the breakout session topics featured this year include, balancing farm, family and personal life; building a financial plan; maintaining and growing a productive and satisfied workforce; calving and reproductive performance; and manure systems management.
Registration
Registration and information is at padairysummit.org. Contact the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit Business Office at 814-355-2467 or email info@padairysummit.org.
