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Lunchtime Series for New and Beginning Producers

As a new and/or beginning dairy manager, you have different educational needs and outlooks than long-standing  producers in the industry.  Have you ever thought – “I wish I could talk with someone who was dealing with the same issues that I am?”  OR “How do I grow my equity given the ups and downs of the dairy industry?  OR “How can I gain the respect of long-term employees or other dairy producers in my community when I am just starting out?”

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to talk with other new and beginning producers and get current information customized to your situations and needs?  Is your time squeezed so that travel to meetings is limited?


About the program:

The Lunchtime Series for New and Beginning Producers is for the dairy producer who is new to the industry, recently completed a management transition and is a new owner, or simply less experienced. It provides new producers the opportunity to:

  • network with peers
  • get questions answered
  • learn new skills and strategies

The series is offered only on the web and via phone conference. Sit down with your computer and phone and listen to others in your same situation or topic experts that the group chooses and learn about what you need for success in your business.

This training is offered in real-time via the worldwide web. You will need a computer with high-speed internet connection to access the website that we will be using for the training. When you pre-register, we will email or fax you the URL for the training site, as well as the phone number you will need to call into in order to access the audio portion of the real-time web training.


Program schedule:

All programs will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Program dates are:
  • April 23, 2008
            Discussion topic: "Best decision I've made so far in 2008!"
  • June 25, 2008
            Discussion topic: Risk Management Strategies - Maximize your income over feed costs.   Presented by Virginia Ishler, nutrient management specialist, Penn State Dairy Alliance
  • July 30, 2008
  • August 27, 2008
  • September 24, 2008
  • October 29, 2008
  • November 26, 2008
  • December 17, 2008
The series begins April 23 with an introduction to others in various regions of Pennsylvania and some brief introductory topics. Future session topics will be determined by the group. Potential topics include:
  • Strategies for building equity as a new dairy business owner
  • Pennsylvania resources available for new dairy business owners
  • Ways to help prevent inter-generational miscommunications
  • Better financial management
  • Better production management

Program registration:

This project is partially funded with a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Center for Dairy Excellence. There is no charge to attend, but pre-registration is required by noon the Monday before each session so that we can provide you with the key information for participation. Call the Dairy Alliance office at 888-373-7232 for more information or to register for the program.


Program materials:

April 23 Session: Introduction

June 25 Session: Risk Management Strategies