DAIRY NEWS – As conversations about sustainability and emission-reduction targets continue in corporate boardrooms and government halls around the world, the expectations for the dairy industry to be responsible and proactive will continue to grow stronger. It is critical for dairy producers to understand their operation’s current numbers, and their opportunities to make positive changes and capture value for those changes.
For dairy producers and industry professionals with questions about the carbon marketplace and potential impacts on their business and the industry, Carbon Conference 3.0, presented by Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP), will afford a place to learn and interact with experts in carbon market development, dairy processing, agricultural data and on-farm practices. The conference will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Sheraton Hotel in Madison, Wis., beginning at 9:30 a.m. and concluding at 4:30 p.m. Participants can register online; walk-ins are also welcome.
“The topic of carbon – and its impacts on sustainability – is not going away. It’s up to individual producers to educate themselves and understand the tools available to them,” said Brady Weiland, dairy producer from Columbus, Wis., and treasurer of the PDP board of directors. “The Carbon Conference will also allow attendees a platform to learn from fellow producers and experts in the industry.”
The conference will feature a full slate of presenters with deep expertise in the carbon arena, including:
- Jenny Bockhahn and Kevin Ogorzalek, co-owners of Concord Agriculture Partners, have pioneered carbon-inset systems tailored to the dairy industry. Their expertise in Scope 3 data reporting and sustainable frameworks empowers producers to monetize sustainability while strengthening connections across the supply chain.
- John Goeser, animal nutrition director at Rock River Laboratory and agribusiness consultant at Cows Agree Consulting, works within data-driven projects to assess enteric methane reduction potential and impacts associated with feed management practices. John Jacobs of Green Valley Dairy will join Goeser to share dairy producer insights.
- Jeff Montsma and Jacqueline Stroud represent Agropur, a leading dairy processor committed to advancing sustainability throughout their value chain. They’ll bring firsthand insights on how processors collaborate with farmers to meet customer demands for reduced emissions while driving value.
- Hansel New is AVP, Sustainability Strategy and Programs at Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a farmer-owned cooperative and one of the world’s leading dairy food companies. In this role, he leads DFA’s sustainability strategy, supports commercial operations and farmer-owners in conservation activities.
- Dr. Paul Rapnicki, veterinarian and director of Producer Services at Grande Cheese Company, provides a unique perspective on balancing agricultural practices with dairy industry sustainability goals. His leadership helps bridge the gap between farmers and customers, ensuring low-carbon milk solutions benefit the entire dairy industry.
- Patrick Wood, founder of Ag Methane Advisors, specializes in helping livestock producers turn greenhouse gas reductions into revenue. With 18 years of experience, he’s a leading expert on environmental commodities and sustainability strategies for agriculture.
To learn more and register for the program, visit www.pdpw.org or contact PDP at 800-947-7379. Carbon Conference 3.0 is accredited for up to 4.75 Dairy AdvanCE continuing education credits and up to 4.5 SUS CCA credits.
Follow along digitally in advance of and during the event by following PDP on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) is the nation’s largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind, focusing on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.
Comments