For Immediate Release - September 28, 2007

Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania November Educational Meeting in Gettysburg

The impact of economic forces, as well as societal changes, has lead many farmers within the dairy industry to look at new operational structures to maintain their productivity and success.  “Partnerships and Outside Investors” will be the topic of a professional development meeting being held by the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania (PDMP) on Thursday, November 8, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at Elizabethtown College. Following the presentation Donald Risser will host a tour of Meadow-Vista Farms near Bainbridge.

Speaker Dr. Don Niles is co-owner and manager of Dairy Dreams, a successful farm in Casco, Wisconsin.  A veterinarian and former Technical Service Specialist with Monsanto, Niles left his position in California to build his own dairy with his friend and former client John Pagel.  The partnership has become recognized as a model for other dairy producers.  Niles is also an active consultant and will offer advice on how to make the best use of consulting services in day-to-day operations.

The November meeting will also feature the announcement of the results from PDMP’s nationally recognized Corn Silage Research Project, now in its sixth year.  The 2007 trials included 124 hybrids and 20 seed brands.  PDMP members have access to a special website where they can input data on their operation and determine how they can apply results from the research for improved efficiency and economy.

Producers from operations of all sizes have attested to the value of PDMP’s professional development sessions for their educational content and networking opportunity.  More than 130 producers and suppliers attended PDMP’s June professional development meeting.

The registration fee is only $15 for any individual from a PDMP member farm or business. To help non-members understand the value of these exceptional meetings, PDMP extends an open invitation for any dairy producer to attend one professional development meeting at the member rate. The standard non-member fee is $50 per person.

To get more information and to register online, visit PDMP’s website, www.pdmp.org and click on the events button.  The website also contains information on the 2008 PA Dairy Summit scheduled for February 6 and 7 at the Lancaster Host Resort, Lancaster, PA.