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The 2017 Pennsylvania Dairy Summit, scheduled for February 8 and 9, promises a fast-paced program for dairy farmers that offers a mix of presentations featuring innovative management styles and motivating industry insight with networking opportunities. The Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania and Center forDairy Excellence host the premier dairy event annually for dairy farmers of all production methods. Keynote and breakout speaker Dr. Lowell Catlett, Regents Professor in agricultural economics, agricultural business and extension economics, will speak on international dairy markets and why now is the best time to be in agriculture. Internationally known as an expert in commodities futures markets, Dr. Catlett delivers an entertaining presentation incorporating his knowledge of technologies and their implications on the way we will live and work. He has counseled the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Interior, Defense, Labor, Education, and Energy, as well as consulted with the World Bank and many Fortune 500 companies. General session speakers also include Dick Wittman, owner of Wittman Consulting, and Thomas Thibodeau, Distinguished Professor with Viterbo University. Wittman, a crop, timber and cattle rancher in Culdesac, Idaho, will lead a discussion on professional development for the family business. Thibodeau, professor of Servant Leadership, will present principals to become a leader in the dairy industry. The Producer Showcase featuring Jeff Burnett, of Burnett Enterprises in Carpenter, Wyoming, will share the lessons and experiences from the partnership with his brother, Jay and their wives, Kim and Lisa. Burnett will showcase the operation, specifically referencing recent changes to the feed center and calf management, as well as highlight working with family and their experiences managing a 3,000+ cow dairy through a banking crisis. Breakout session topics include:
- GMO – Understanding What it is and How it will Influence Your Business
- Animal Care – Why is this Important and What are the Next Steps for the Industry
- Organic Dairy Farming
- Antibiotic Regulations & Animal Health
- Prospects for Immigration Reform & Implications for Farm Managers
- Current Events Open Discussion