LIVERPOOL, N.Y. — The Northeast Dairy Management Conference is a dynamic conference for all progressive dairy producers in the Northeast that provides the latest information on current trends and topics in the dairy industry. Presented by Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY and the Northeast Dairy Producers Association, the next conference will be held on March 9 and 10, 2022 at the Ramada by Wyndham in Liverpool, NY.
During the two-day conference, informative sessions designed to re-energize businesses will be offered. Engaging keynote speakers from within and outside of the dairy industry will present diverse topics addressing personal and business-wide strategies to improve productivity and adapt and thrive in times of change. In addition to gaining invaluable information for your dairy operations, this conference creates a valuable opportunity to network with other farmers and industry professionals from throughout the Northeast and beyond.
Additional conference highlights include sponsored pre-conference presentations, panel discussions, NEDPA annual meeting, exhibitor trade show, Popp Award Presentations, and networking dinner.
Full event information is available at cals.cornell.edu/pro-dairy. For more information, contact Heather Darrow, PRO-DAIRY Conference Coordinator at hh96@cornell.edu.
Pre-Conference Session Speakers
Chris Creek of Precision Planting, Beth Dahl of Denkavit USA, Jeff Fetter of Scolaro Fetter Grizanti & McGough, P.C., Chris Laughton of Farm Credit East, Stuart Marshall of GEA Farm Technologies, Tim Moag of Freed Maxick, and Tim Veazey of Lincoln Financial Advisors.
Breakout Session Speakers
Corwin Holtz of Holtz-Nelson Dairy Consulting, Jason Karszes of Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY, John Lehr of Farm Credit East, Dr. Mike Lormore of Zoetis, Mary Kate MacKenzie of Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY, Barry Putnam of Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY, Dr. Richard Stup of Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development, and Dr. Chris Wolf of Cornell University Dyson School.
Keynote Sessions
Setting the Tempo for Success
Paul Vitale, Matt Birk and Company
The momentum an individual brings into any environment sets a tempo that affects the end result. During this dynamic presentation, Paul shares concepts that demonstrate the necessity for controlling one’s approach and energy regardless of the surrounding variables and circumstances. Through strategic positioning of actions, reactions, and attitude, each member of a team is directly responsible for the success of the unit as a whole. Research indicates that no matter the industry or employment position, individuals control the outcome of success through the tempos set. Paul developed the proven methods shared during this empowering training to embolden participants to take command of their influential personas in order to improve their environments.
Lean Implementation in a Small Business: Key Points & Lessons Learned
Dr. Abbot McGinnis, University of Kentucky Lean Systems Program
In this session, the major key points and lessons learned primarily from the business owner’s perspective will be presented, along with a general outline of the strategy and major lean implementation activities taken in cooperation with the owner-operator of two Chick-fil-A restaurants in Lexington, KY.
Over the 10+-year period the McGinnus’ program has been working with this owner/operator, these two stores have developed a variety of important innovations which have been adapted corporate-wide, including the development of the new straight-line flow store design which is becoming the standard upgrade for many existing stores nation-wide.
Adapting and Changing in an Ever-Changing World
Holly Green, The Human Factor
Stay positive, focused and productive when things seem out of control. Uncertainty is uncomfortable for adult humans! It causes stress, anxiety, and a lack of focus. Thankfully, we are amazing creatures that can adapt and thrive even in tough situations. Learn the ‘secrets’ to using your brain well in difficult times and during periods of constant change.
You’ll get techniques and tips you can use to prompt your own brain and the brains of others so that you continue to be successful. We’ll explore the factors of resiliency – why do some people bounce back quickly while others stew in misery. What are the prompts you can use to set yourself up to stay focused and productive? What determines your own attitude and how can you shape the attitude of others? How can you spring back, bend, and adapt to achieve?
Professionalizing HR on Farms: Why and What This Means
Dr. Richard Stup, Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development
Tight labor markets, employee well-being concerns, increased government oversight, modern employee expectations, and recognition of the workforce as a competitive advantage are all driving a new emphasis on professional human resource management for farm employers. What advantages does professionalizing give to growing farms? This session will explore the steps can you take to achieve a high level of professionalism as an employer.
How to Get 5 Generations Working Together in the 12 Places They Come Apart
Haydn Shaw, People Drive Results
You have questions and Haydn Shaw has answers: Why can’t organizations find workers? How do we attract and keep younger generations in the dairy business? What are the management impact of generational differences? How do we resolve conflict between different generations? How to make family businesses work across generations?
–Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY
Northeast Dairy Producers Association
