By Blake Jackson
Registration is now open for the 16th annual Dairy Financial and Risk Management Conference, themed “Leveling Up Pennsylvania Dairy.” Set for Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the PA Farm Show Complex (McClay Street Entrance) in Harrisburg, Pa., the event aims to help participants manage risk, adapt to market changes, and make sound financial decisions.
The one-day conference will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include four expert-led sessions:
“Cream of the Crop” by Pauly Paul of Complete Management Consulting LLC will explore what distinguishes top-performing dairies and how struggling operations can improve.
“Leveling Up and Rising Above” will feature a producer panel including Dee Shafer (Shafdon Farms), Dale Brown (Jobo Holsteins), and Mark Mosemann (Misty Mountain Farm), facilitated by Dr. Robert Fry. They will share how they overcame financial hardships to build successful, resilient operations.
“Tariffs, Trade Policy, and the Impact on Global Dairy Markets” with Tony Rice of the U.S. Dairy Export Council will offer insights into trade issues affecting dairy exports and industry stability.
“Finding Support: Accessing Grant Funding,” led by Jayne Sebright, will outline available financial resources like NRCS, DCED, and REAP that can support dairy development projects.
“For the Pennsylvania dairy industry, there’s always another way to level up and find room to grow – not necessarily in cow numbers, but in management practices and business acumen. We’re looking forward to hearing from dynamic speakers and three dairy producers who have firsthand experience rising above financial risks and turning things around,” said Valerie Mason-Faith, Risk Education Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence.
“Our speakers will challenge you to consider how to help your dairy clients navigate rock bottom years, how high-performing dairies can level up, and discuss how tariffs and trade policy impact global dairy markets.”
The registration fee is $260 per person, with a discounted rate of $210 for Center for Dairy Excellence Allies for Advancement members. For more details or to register, visit the conference website or call Valerie Mason-Faith at 717-346-0849.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jesp62
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Education