Professional Dairy Producer FondationThe Professional Dairy Producers Foundation (PDPF) awarded grants to educational programs that meet the needs of our dairy producers and communities.

The Foundation will continue support for three programs run by Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW): Youth Leadership Derby, Dairy Mentor Program, and the Agriculture Community Engagement On-Farm Twilight Meetings, as well as food safety and animal well-being initiatives. The Foundation will also sponsor in part the National Dairy Leaders Coalition, a national network of dairy and community leaders to meet and discuss issues that affect our country.

The Dairyland Initiative was awarded funds to continue enhancing their web-based resource providing educational material, networking, virtual tours, and contacts to ensure that dairy producers have all the necessary information they need to construct animal friendly facilities.

The Fond du Lac County Fair received funding for interactive educational exhibits that will increase and enhance public awareness of dairy farming.

The New York Animal Agriculture Coalition was awarded funds for a new educational exhibit that will build trust with the nearly one million consumers who attend the New York State Fair.

North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, Inc. received support for expansion of their new Dairy Challenge Academy, allowing two- and four-year college students to evaluate dairy profitability through on-farm experiences without a competitive component.

The Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Foundation received funding to continue their successful program that partners veterinarians and dairy producers to ensure the safety of our milk and meat products.

"No matter where your farm is located, consumers expect a high-quality, abundant supply of fresh milk," says Logan Bower, dairy producer from Pennsylvania and chair of the Foundation Board. "Milk is our common brand, and these programs build our brand through education."

The Professional Dairy Producers Foundation awards grants to non-profit organizations who share the Foundation's passion and vision for education in dairy communities. Grant dollars are available to those organizations with unique ideas in the following two focus areas: 1) Building producer professionalism, or 2) Maintaining public trust.

The next granting period begins now, with grant applications due December 1, 2013. Organizations may apply for grants of up to $5,000. The maximum amount given to any one organization will be $5,000. For grant criteria and an application package, visit www.dairyfoundation.org.

The Professional Dairy Producers Foundation was established by Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin in 2002 as a way to raise funds and awards grants for educational programs. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity. For more information on programs funded and ways to donate, visit www.dairyfoundation.org.
Return to Industry Buzz.


7.3.2013