In December, Midwest Dairy hosted a two-day Winter Dairy Workshop at the La Crescent Area Event Center, bringing together 25 dairy farmers for learning, discussion, and connection focused on strengthening the future of dairy. The workshop provided a space for farmers to share ideas, build relationships, and gain practical tools they can use on their own operations.
Focused on Trust, Demand, and Farmer Support
The workshop opened with an overview of Midwest Dairy’s work to build trust in dairy, grow demand for dairy foods, and support research that benefits farmers. Participants also received updates on upcoming promotions and initiatives planned for 2026, giving them insight into how checkoff efforts will continue working on their behalf.
Hands-On Crisis and Communication Training
A key highlight of the first day was a session focused on issues management and crisis communications. Farmers explored how misinformation can spread and why being prepared matters for both individual farms and the broader industry.
Building on that discussion, Midwest Dairy led a hands-on Crisis Management Workshop where participants worked through a realistic scenario together. Farmers used Midwest Dairy’s crisis evaluation system to rate situations as:
- Red (major threat)
- Yellow (elevated threat)
- Green (minor threat)
This interactive exercise helped farmers better understand how crises are assessed while strengthening their own decision-making and communication skills on the farm. The format kept the session engaging and practical, turning a serious topic into an approachable learning experience.
Policy Insights and Peer Connection
The day also included an update on state and federal policy issues impacting dairy farmers, helping participants stay informed on topics affecting their operations and communities. Farmers wrapped up the evening with a group dinner and informal networking, creating time to exchange ideas and build stronger relationships with peers from across the region.
Seeing Dairy Demand in Action
On the second day, attendees toured the Kwik Trip Bottling Plant in La Crosse, Wisconsin, getting a behind-the-scenes look at dairy processing and distribution. The tour offered valuable perspective on how partnerships with retailers and processors help turn milk into products consumers buy every day, connecting farm production to marketplace demand.
Strengthening the Dairy Community
Overall, the Winter Dairy Workshop equipped participating farmers with practical tools, updated knowledge, and stronger connections. Events like this help ensure farmers are prepared for today’s challenges while staying connected to the broader dairy community working to support them.