By Blake Jackson
Decisions made on dairy farms can influence animal health, welfare, and the quality and value of beef products. The 2026 Dairy Wellbeing Workshop, hosted by Professional Dairy Producers (PDP), will give dairy producers and their teams an opportunity to better understand these connections through hands-on learning and expert presentations.
The workshop will be offered in two identical sessions on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, and Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Registration will open at 8 a.m., with the program scheduled to end at 3:45 p.m. Spanish translation will be available throughout both sessions.
A key part of the program will be a guided tour of the American Foods Group beef processing facility. Participants will follow the journey of a cull dairy cow from the farm through the harvest floor and into the cooler. Industry experts will lead discussions about the factors that influence cull cow carcass value, including why certain animals may receive reduced values or be condemned.
“This is one of the most eye-opening programs a dairy producer can attend. Touring the beef processing plant while animals and carcasses are actively being routed through the stations is a powerful experience," said Cassandra Strupp, Richfield, Wisconsin, dairy producer.
"In combination with the educational sessions that occur after the tour, this is a workshop that will forever change the way attendees consider how they care for their animals,” Strupp added.
The educational program will feature Dr. Simon Peek, BVSc, PhD, DACVIM, MRCVS, a clinical professor of large animal internal medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Peek presentation, “Prevent the Down Cow: Protocols to Improve Outcomes,” will cover what happens physiologically when cows become unable to stand, why rapid intervention matters and how farms can establish effective response procedures.
Dr. Jennifer Walker, DVM, PhD, co-founder and chief animal welfare officer at Kinder Ground, will present “Recognize Pain: Better Decisions for Better Care.” Her session will address recognizing pain related to calving, lameness and injuries, as well as practical approaches to pain management.
Advance registration is required. Producers can register through www.pdpw.org or contact the organization at 800-947-7379 for additional information.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vwalakte
Categories: Wisconsin, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle