|
|
|
|
Celebrating ‘everything dairy’ during CPDE’s Silver Anniversary
 The 2026 Central Plains Dairy Expo (CPDE) marked a milestone as it reached its 25 th anniversary, March 17-19, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Since its inception, CPDE has served as a premier gathering for the dairy industry, offering timely education, access to innovative products and services, and opportunities to strengthen connections across the dairy community. Built on a firm foundation, the 2026 Expo offered expanded programming, new experiences and an educational lineup designed to serve dairy operations of all sizes, shapes and stages.
More than 3,500 dairy enthusiasts gathered for the 2026 CPDE. Attendees represented 40 states and 16 countries. The dairy-focused trade show included nearly 300 exhibitors that shared the latest in dairy equipment, technologies, services, products and communications – within 50,000 square feet of exhibit space. In addition, Five Star Sponsors provided nearly 80 educational sessions, with 10 presented in Spanish.
Besides celebrating with CPDE 25 th Anniversary cupcakes, this year’s Expo provided numerous dairy foods, including 880 pounds of cheese, 7,800 cheese slices, 56 pounds of butter, 69 gallons of ice cream, 2,000 ice cream novelties, 2,500 grilled cheese sandwiches, 3,100 cartons of milk and 506 servings of pancakes. “Many thanks to our amazing sponsors for providing these tasty, wholesome and nutritious snacks,” said Central Plains Dairy Association (CPDA) Member Services Director Renee Brod.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make CPDE a success,” Brod said. “From our exhibitors and speakers to the  producers who traveled to be here, the energy and engagement throughout the event reflect the strength of our dairy community. CPDE’s dairy-only focus creates a strategic environment where producers can maximize their time – comparing solutions designed specifically for dairy, having direct conversations with experts and bringing home practical ideas they can put to work immediately. That collaboration and shared passion are what continue to make this Expo valuable year after year.”
“Seeing the strong engagement around calf development, cow health and feeding automation reinforces how committed Central Plains producers are to continuous improvement,” said Kristy Mach, CPDA executive director. “For 25 years, CPDE has evolved alongside the industry – highlighting the tools, research and technologies that help dairies grow stronger and more efficient. This year’s discussions demonstrated that our producers are not standing still; they’re actively shaping the next chapter of dairy in our region.”
The 2026 CPDE kicked off with country music legends Blackhawk. The performance set the tone for a celebratory Expo that honored the past while looking ahead to the future of dairy.
Wednesday’s Ag Prayer Breakfast featured Coach Joe Kennedy, who is known for his unwavering commitment to faith. Before coaching his first game, Kennedy made a promise to God that he would offer a prayer of gratitude at the conclusion of each game – giving thanks for the effort of his players and the opportunity to impact young lives through football.
“The strength of this Expo lies in the engagement we receive from our sponsors and the involvement of our dedicated dairy producers and exhibitors,” said Brod. “I encourage you to support all businesses in the CPDE Membership Directory and to advocate for the Central Plains dairy industry.”
Make plans to attend the 2027 Central Plains Dairy Expo, set for March 23-25, at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.
‘Fore’ the future of dairy: CPDF’s ‘Grazing on the Greens’
Hit the greens and support dairy’s future by participating in the 2026 Central Plains Dairy Foundation (CPDF) Golf Tournament – Grazing on the Greens – scheduled for July 29, at Rocky Run Golf Course in Dell Rapids, S.D. Registration starts at 10 a.m. Central time and golfers tee off at 11:30 a.m. To register, go to: https://www.centralplainsdairy.com/golf-outing. Golfers of all skill levels are welcome to participate in this fun-filled day that features 18 holes of golf, innovative contests, networking opportunities and a dinner/awards ceremony.
 Proceeds from this fund-raising event go to CPDF, which supports tomorrow’s dairy leaders today through an endowment fund. CPDF provides scholarships and educational grant programming, initiatives that promote diversity, resiliency and sustainability in the dairy industry, and grants for innovative programs, communications and community development. For the past eight years, more than $230,000 has been awarded annually in college scholarships and grants from CPDF.
“Higher education helps the dairy industry build on its strong traditions by driving innovation, improving efficiency and supporting a more sustainable future,” said Kristy Mach, Central Plains Dairy Association (CPDA) executive director. “CPDF is proud to award $21,000 in scholarships to deserving students who will help strengthen the Central Plains dairy industry’s future.” Help the foundation to continue supporting dairy students of all ages.
Sponsorship opportunities, such as holes, pin prizes and dinner sponsors, are available for this year’s Grazing on the Greens. Go to: https://www.centralplainsdairy.com/golf-outing to learn more about how you can maximize Grazing on the Greens sponsorship opportunities.
The tournament fee is $175 per person, which includes a box lunch, dinner, green fees and a shared cart on the course. A foursome registration fee is $700 per group. The non-golfer fee is $85 per person and includes a box lunch and dinner, as well as the ability to network with all attendees.
As in the past, CPDF is offering its “Trophy Tote*” for $125. This game enhancement tool contains:
• 8 mulligans (two per player in a foursome)
• 10 yards of string
• 1 ticket to shake off a stroke on a team’s score (limit 1 per foursome)
• 1 FREE cow ball (limit 1 per foursome)
*Limit one Trophy Tote per foursome.
To learn more about Grazing on the Greens, go to: https://www.centralplainsdairy.com/golf-outing. This webpage also shares sponsorship opportunities. The Central Plains Dairy Expo has been a long-standing supporter of area dairy producers, processors and other ancillary supporters. Join us in this tradition of dairy advocacy and advancement.
For more information, contact Renee Brod, CPDA member services director, at: renee@centralplainsdairyexpo.com.
English
Leadership for Hispanic dairy managers: Building strong teams for success
Jorge Delgado, Alltech On-Farm Support, People+
In today’s dynamic and demanding dairy industry, leadership extends far beyond holding a managerial title. It is a critical competency that drives team cohesion, fosters productivity and helps navigate the complexities of daily operations. For Hispanic dairy managers, effective leadership involves not only managing resources and processes, but also bridging cultural differences, cultivating trust and inspiring a diverse workforce. Understanding and applying core leadership principles tailored to the unique challenges of dairy management can empower Hispanic leaders to build resilient, high-performing teams positioned for long-term success.
One of the major challenges in the dairy industry is that many leaders are not formally trained or prepared for leadership roles. Most leaders are selected based on language skills or length of time working on the dairy. While these qualities are important, they do not automatically translate into effective leadership. As a result, dairies may experience gaps in communication, lack of support and limited vision or direction. A clear mission and vision statement will help fill this gap by providing purpose, aligning teams and guiding leaders’ decisions and expectations. Unfortunately, many dairies don’t have one or the existing one is not empowered by the members of the organization, so this is the first step to develop a culture where managers can lead.
Read the full article here.
Spanish
Liderazgo para gerentes Hispanos en la industria
lechera: Construyendo equipos fuertes para tener éxitoo
Jorge Delgado, Alltech On-Farm Support, People+
En la actual y exigente industria lechera, el liderazgo va mucho más allá de ocupar un cargo gerencial. Es una aptitud clave que impulsa la cohesión de los equipos, fomenta la productividad y permite afrontar la complejidad de las operaciones diarias. Para los gerentes hispanos en lecherías, ejercer un liderazgo efectivo no solo implica administrar recursos y procesos, sino también cerrar brechas culturales, generar confianza e inspirar a una fuerza laboral diversa. Comprender y aplicar principios fundamentales de liderazgo, adaptados a los desafíos específicos del manejo de la lechería, permite a los líderes hispanos construir equipos resilientes y de alto desempeño, preparados para el éxito a largo plazo.
Uno de los principales desafíos en la industria lechera es que muchos líderes no cuentan con una formación formal ni están preparados para asumir roles de liderazgo. Con frecuencia, los líderes son seleccionados en función de sus habilidades lingüísticas o del tiempo que llevan trabajando en la lechería. Si bien estas cualidades son importantes, no se traducen automáticamente en un liderazgo efectivo. Como consecuencia, las lecherías pueden experimentar deficiencias en la comunicación, falta de apoyo y una visión o dirección limitadas. Una misión y una visión claramente definidas ayudan a cerrar esta brecha al proporcionar propósito, alinear a los equipos y guiar las decisiones y expectativas de los líderes. Lamentablemente, muchas lecherías no cuentan con una misión y visión establecidas, o las existentes no están integradas ni compartidas con los miembros de la organización. Por ello, este es el primer paso para desarrollar una cultura en la que los gerentes puedan liderar de manera efectiva.
Lee el artículo completo aquí
​​Purina Animal Nutrition offers $30,000 across 10 Scholarships
 Purina Animal Nutrition, along with the Land O’Lakes Foundation, opened its scholarship program designed to assist students with experience in agriculture and livestock production in pursuing their passions and furthering their education. Undergraduate students and current high school seniors in the United States who have experience raising and caring for small or large livestock, equine and/or poultry are eligible to apply for a $3,000 scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded based on applications that illustrate the impact animal agriculture has had on applicants’ lives, along with detailing academic achievements, leadership skills, community involvement and a clear vision for their future.
Scholarship applications will be accepted through 3 p.m. Central time on April 16, and awardees will be notified in June. Funds will be distributed for the fall 2026 semester directly to their current or anticipated educational institution. The scholarship is open to all high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited U.S. two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic semester/term, and undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school in the United States.
To learn more about and apply for a Purina Animal Nutrition Scholarship, visit https://www.purinamills.com/scholarship.
DCRC seeks Excellence in Dairy Reproduction award nominations
Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) seeks nominations for its Excellence in Dairy Reproduction Awards program. Dairy industry professionals, including veterinarians, extension agents, artificial insemination and pharmaceutical company representatives, dairy processors and co-op field staff, and consultants, who are DCRC members, may nominate dairy herds with reproduction excellence. This awards program recognizes outstanding dairy operations for reproductive efficiency and well-implemented procedures. Nominations are due April 30.
To nominate a herd, go to: www.dcrcouncil.org/awards/nominate-a-herd and complete the required information. From the nominations, judges evaluate reproductive performance criteria and narrow down the nominations to about 50 finalists. Dairies named as finalists submit herd management data and judges rank the finalists as Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze. To learn more about past winners, go to: www.dcrcouncil.org/awards/past-reproduction-award-winners.
The 24 herds earning Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze will be invited to attend the DCRC Annual Meeting, which is scheduled for Nov. 10-12, in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Watch the DCRC website – www.dcrcouncil.org – for program updates.
Midwest Dairy and VentureFuel team up to spotlight inventive dairy-based products
Midwest Dairy, in partnership with VentureFuel, announced the launch of their second annual Accelerator – a program designed to discover and support emerging startups that are redefining the future of dairy. Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through May 5, at 11:59 p.m. Central time.
Designed to accelerate the next generation of dairy-forward entrepreneurs, the program provides mentorship, industry connections and resources to help startups grow innovative businesses with real dairy at the core. The 10-week hybrid accelerator program will connect six early-stage, revenue-generating companies of products using Midwest dairy as a prominent ingredient with top dairy, food and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry leaders to fast-track growth through expert mentorship, tailored commercialization support and strategic guidance.
Participants will receive professionally created brand assets, including video commercials and sales materials, gain media exposure and connect with buyers, investors and innovation leaders. Startups will refine their pitch with 1:1 support and showcase their product at a final pitch event, on Sept. 16, in Minneapolis, where a panel of judges will award up to $30,000 worth of total value prizes, including one grand prize winner to receive a prize of $20,000, and a finalist to receive $10,000. To be eligible, companies must have a safe, working product prototype that has been reviewed under U.S. Department of Agriculture oversight.
“The future of dairy depends on our commitment to innovation and our recognition of the vital role entrepreneurs play in driving the industry forward. We are proud to partner with VentureFuel for another successful Accelerator Program and are excited to support the participating entrepreneurs who champion our industry by using real dairy in their product lines,” said Corey Scott, CEO of Midwest Dairy.
The Midwest Dairy Accelerator is seeking startups and CPG products across a wide range of categories, including, but not limited to:
- Beverages
- Cheeses (hard/soft)
- Frozen/Ice Cream
- Yogurts
- Butter and spreads
- Snacks
- Ready-to-eat or instant meals
- Dressings/sauces/condiments
- Confectionery
- Dry/powdered food products
Interested entrepreneurs are invited to RSVP for a virtual information session on April 28, at 9 a.m. Central time to learn more about the program, areas of interest and the application process.
“Building on the tremendous success of our first program together, we are so proud to continue our collaboration with Midwest Dairy to identify the most promising new opportunities for the dairy category and to accelerate the go-to-market success of these innovative founders creating new solutions for customer needs,” said Fred Schonenberg, CEO of VentureFuel.
Midwest Dairy’s commitment to innovation is fueling the continued evolution of dairy in the U.S., with research and pilot initiatives advancing economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The Midwest Dairy Accelerator extends this commitment by helping early-stage entrepreneurs meet rising consumer demand for dairy-based products that deliver on flavor, function and convenience. Building on several years of successful pitch events with The Hatchery and No More Empty Pots, the Accelerator transformed that momentum into a structured program designed for greater long-term impact.
For more information on the program, visit Midwest Dairy Accelerator | VentureFuel.
National Dairy Promotion and Research Board seeks scholarship applicants
Applications are open for college scholarships that are awarded by America’s dairy farmers and importers through the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. Eleven scholarships worth $2,500 each will be awarded, in addition to a $3,500 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship to one outstanding recipient. NDB funds, in part, Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), which manages the national dairy checkoff program.
Undergraduate students in their sophomore through senior year for the 2025-2026 academic school year and enrolled in college/university programs that emphasize dairy are eligible. Relevant majors may include communications/public relations, journalism, marketing, business, economics, nutrition, food science and agriculture education.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, an interest in a career in a dairy-related discipline and demonstrated leadership, initiative and integrity. Candidates must complete an application form, submit an official transcript of all college courses and write a short statement describing their career aspirations, dairy-related activities and work experiences.
Find the application at: dairycheckoff.com/about-us/scholarship. Completed applications must be received no later than May 15.
Meet Bucks Unlimited: 2025 Minnesota Milk Producer of the Year
Minnesota Milk Producers Association presented its 2025 Producer of the Year award to Dave and Ann Buck of Bucks Unlimited in Goodhue.
“Dairy farming isn’t just an occupation,” Ann said. “It’s a way of life. We felt that it’s been a great way of life for us and our family and raising our kids on the farm and now our grandkids.”
 Dave and Ann started Bucks Unlimited in 1991 with about 80 cows. Today, the family has more than 1,000 cows. “We are in the midst of a major expansion for us, installing a rotary parlor and adding 500 stalls,” Dave said, adding they will have around 1,500 by the end of this year.
Dave and Ann have transitioned most of the farm’s responsibility to their sons, Chris and DJ. They said this way of life fulfills them like none other.
“Being outside, being your own boss, every day is different and you have the freedom to bring your kids to work,” Chris said. “There are a lot of times (DJ’s) kids are riding with my kids in the tractor or vice versa.”
“Seeing the kids grow up on a farm, there’s really no better place,” DJ said. “We got to grow up on a farm and took it for granted, and now to get to see them do the same thing is a lot of fun.”
Read more.
📷credit: mnmilk.org
Maker of Babybel cheese announces major expansion in South Dakota
By Taylor Leach, Dairy Herd Managemen
Bel Group has broken ground on a $200 million expansion at its plant in Brookings, S.D., which will double production capacity for Mini Babybel cheese snacks and create about 150 new jobs.
According to the company, the project will increase production at the Brookings facility from about 1.6 million Babybel cheeses per day to more than 3 million once the expansion is complete.
Peter McGuinness, CEO of Bel Group’s North American division, says the investment is aimed at keeping pace with growing demand for convenient, protein-rich snacks in the United States, which accounts for roughly one-third of the company’s sales.
To read the complete Dairy Herd Management article, click here.
Checkoff launches online database to help farmers find grant opportunities
The Funding Opportunities Database, available through the Dairy Conservation Navigator, organizes federal, state and private funding programs into a single searchable platform tailored to dairy operations. The free resource is available at: https://www.dairyconservation.org/grants.
 For many farmers, identifying funding programs can be one of the most challenging steps in pursuing new projects. Agricultural grants are spread across multiple federal agencies, state initiatives and private organizations, each with different deadlines, priorities and application processes.
“Dairy farms operate as highly integrated systems,” said Bridgett Hilshey, senior director of environmental stewardship at Dairy Management Inc. (DMI). “Farmers are managing livestock, cropland, manure, water and energy use all at the same time. That creates many opportunities for improvement but also makes identifying the right funding sources more complicated.”
The database was developed to help streamline that process by bringing conservation and business-focused funding opportunities together in one place.
The tool allows farmers and advisors to search programs by state or county and filter opportunities by funding focus areas such as manure management, energy, cropland, water quality or business development. Users can also sort by project type, eligibility requirements and funding levels to help identify programs that best fit specific projects.
The platform also identifies programs that are currently open, opening soon or recently closed, helping farmers and advisors plan for future funding cycles.
“Improving access to funding is one of the most consistent needs we hear from farmers and the organizations that support them,” added DMI’s Jacqi Coleman, who leads partnership and education workstreams for U.S. dairy’s environmental sustainability initiatives. “This database helps remove some of that friction by making it easier to see what’s available and connect farmers with the resources that can help move projects forward.”
For information about how the dairy checkoff is driving sales and building trust, visit www.dairycheckoff.com.
Farmers and rural community members can access free mental health resources
By Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch
Farmers and those living in rural parts of the country are affected by mental health issues, and statistically, die by suicide at higher rates than other segments of the population.
The volatile nature of farming, as well as a lack of mental health care available in rural communities and a stigma around asking for help, contribute to the high rates of farmer mental health crises. That’s why the nonprofit organization Rural Minds said it launched a free, farmer mental health resilience program.
The program, which is available online, links to resources and information about mental health, and also provides farmers with access to a free, hour-long course from Cornell University. The course, which was designed for veterinary students, veterinarians and agribusiness professionals, provides an overview of mental health challenges in rural America and gives the virtual attendees “practical support strategies and resources.”
FARM Animal Care releases Version 4 highlights
 Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) released highlights from the Animal Care Version 4.0 Data. It summarizes the characteristics of participating herds, presents performance measures on the Animal Care Program standards under Version 4.0 and highlights key strengths and areas for improvement. Version 4.0 affirmed the program area’s commitment with clearer requirements, mandatory documentation, expanded animal-based measures and structured corrective action plans to improve consistency and accountability.
Read the full report.
Prepare to work safely around manure systems
The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety provided this checklist to help you to stay safe and healthy during manure management.
- Is entry to manure storage areas limited? Fencing, locked gates and warning signs can prevent unauthorized access.
 Remove livestock from manure areas before agitation or pumping. Only enter confined spaces if it is absolutely necessary and you have the proper training, qualifications and safety equipment.
- Is the storage well ventilated? Ensure maximum ventilation before and during pumping and while working nearby.
- Have you checked for fire hazards? Disconnect any electrical equipment or ignition sources. Do not smoke near manure storage units or while handling manure.
- Do you have a working gas monitoring system? Select monitors based on hazards. If the system alarms, all workers should move away, use a self-contained escape respirator, if necessary, and return only when measurements show no health risk.
- Do you have at least two people present during manure handling?
- Are all slow-moving vehicle signs on road transportation equipment in good condition? Are the signal and brake lights working correctly?
- Are all workers trained on safe manure handling and biosecurity? Applicators should take steps to prevent spills and be aware of the rules regarding setbacks and applying near sensitive areas.
- Does your safety plan address fatigue? Ensure adequate staffing and consider work hour maximums, rest minimums and rotating shifts frequently.
- Are you prepared for an emergency? Post all emergency contacts, addresses and plans. Ensure the proper personal protective equipment (self-contained breathing apparatus and harness with lifeline) are available. Designate safe exits and ensure fire extinguishers are full and up to date.
You and/or your employee(s) can download and print a pdf checklist to complete safety checks on your farm. Keep the completed forms for follow-up, future reference and inspections.
Download the PDF checklist.
DCRC offers graduate student travel scholarship
Graduate students: Apply for the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) Scholar program. The award winner will earn an expense-paid trip to attend the DCRC Annual Meeting, Nov. 10-12, in Columbus, Ohio, USA. The application deadline is April 30.
 Eligible candidates must be a DCRC member and graduate student enrolled full time at a college or university in a dairy, animal or veterinary science, microbiology or related program at the time of application deadline, with an area of interest that includes dairy cattle reproduction. To apply for the program, complete the DCRC Scholar application form, submit an interest statement that details your interest in dairy cattle reproduction, career goals and research project(s), and provide a letter of recommendation. Applicants may also share additional information, such as awards, honors and scholarships received.
The DCRC Scholar Selection Committee will evaluate the applications and choose the DCRC Scholar by May 31. To learn more about the program and/or apply, go to: http://bit.ly/DCRCscholar.
The Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council is focused on bringing together all sectors of the dairy industry – producers, consultants, academia and allied industry professionals – for improved reproductive performance. DCRC provides an unprecedented opportunity for all groups to work together to take dairy cattle reproduction to the next level.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
