Learn Strategies at 2025 Dairy Finance and Risk Conference

By Blake Jackson

The 2025 Dairy Financial and Risk Management Conference will take place on Wednesday, September 10, at the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa. Running from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the conference will feature producer insights, expert analysis, and practical strategies designed to help dairies strengthen their financial outlook.

A highlight of the event will be a producer panel discussion titled “Leveling Up Pennsylvania Dairy.” Panelists include Dee Shafer of Shafdon Farms, Dale Brown of Jobo Holsteins, and Mark Mosemann of Misty Mountain Farm.

Each will share personal experiences of moving from periods of significant financial risk to achieving greater stability and growth. Dr. Robert Fry, veterinarian and long-time dairy consultant in the Mid-Atlantic region, will moderate the discussion.

“For dairy farms who are operating from a point of very high risk, how have they turned things around to move toward growth? What steps did they take to rise above financial risks and eventually become financially strong and thriving? Who helped them along the way? Our panelists plan to answer these questions and more in this honest and enlightening discussion,” said Valerie Mason-Faith, Risk Education Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence. “Whether you’re guiding your dairy clients or managing a dairy farm yourself, this year’s conference is filled with sessions like this to help you level up. We hope to see you there.”

The conference program will also include sessions on navigating challenging financial years, exploring strategies used by high-performing dairies, and examining how tariffs and trade policies influence global dairy markets.

Panelist Dee Shafer, co-owner of Shafdon Farms in Maryland, operates alongside her husband and his parents, managing 400 Holstein cows and 360 heifers.

Dale Brown, a partner at Jobo Holsteins in Gettysburg, oversees nutrition, labour, and milking operations. Mark Mosemann, based in Fulton County, works with his family on a 500-cow, 900-acre dairy, where he serves as general farm manager.

Moderator Dr. Robert Fry, a veterinarian and consultant, has decades of experience supporting dairy producers and today manages a robotic Jersey herd in Maryland with his wife, Judy.

Discounted registration is available for dairy producers. To register or view the full program, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/financial-conference or call 717-346-0849.

Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic