FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Youth Leadership Derby—Not Just Cheering from the Sidelines  

FOND DU LAC, WIS. – October 9, 2009 –Youth ages 15 to 18 will be smack dab in the middle of “Wow, I never knew this about dairying and the dairy industry” every step of the way at Youth Leadership Derby, Nov. 7-8, Milton, Wis. Sponsored by the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, this high-energy event is designed for youth from dairying families as well as for non-dairy and non-farm youth interested in exploring aspects and opportunities within the dairy industry.  

Day 1 Youth Leadership Derby events include tours of NASCO, a management-team-focused 1,400-cow dairy and a best-of-the-best 35-head dairy as well as three hands-on learning labs and a “create your own dairy” television commercial. Learning labs will cover the A-to-Z of growing seed, what happens to milk beyond the farm and a passenger’s tour of a cow’s stomach.  

After an overnight lock-in, Day 2 will be devoted to three winners circle workshops and a “Setting Your Sights on Victory Lane” keynote address. In addition to learning about embryo transfer and how to sort high-quality embryos from flushes, youth participating in the workshops will hone their communication skills and explore career paths.  

“The concluding keynote address by former National FFA office Barrett Keene will energize youth as this guy has a passion for life,” states Eric Hillan, Ladysmith, Wis. dairy producer and vice president of PDPW. “Barrett will have youth identifying with him, laughing and learning along the way.  

“The only downside to Youth Leadership Derby is that it is limited to the first 100. I wish every high school student could attend and come to know the opportunities available within the dairy industry. This industry isn’t your granddad’s dairy industry.”  

To register for Youth Leadership Derby or to learn more about specific tours, learning labs, workshops and competitions, visit www.pdpw.org.  

Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin is a dairy-producer founded organization that provides educational programs and services to fellow dairy producers. PDPW’s mission is “to share ideas, solutions, resources, and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.”

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