This event is designed for dairy producers, industry professionals and on-farm employees. Hosted by the Penn State Extension dairy team and planned by a committee of dedicated dairy producers and industry leaders, the conference will provide learning and networking opportunities for all women in the dairy industry, organizers note.

Sessions will cover health and well-being, antibiotic stewardship, personnel management, financial performance, succession planning and value-added dairy.

The conference will feature Maria Pippidis as the main speaker. An extension educator with the University of Delaware, her work focuses on farm family resilience, farm stress and financial resilience. Pippidis will discuss resiliency as it pertains to women, farm life and family life, emphasizing the importance of communication in helping to achieve a necessary balance in life.

Speakers will share thoughts and suggestions for handling difficult conversations related to the farm and family, with the goal of helping participants build stronger relationships with employees and family members.

Sponsors for this event include the Center for Dairy Excellence, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Horizon Farm Credit, Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, American Dairy Association North East, Dairy Farmers of America and Maryland Virginia Milk.

Participants must register by 7:59 p.m. Oct. 26. The registration fee is $78, with a special promotion available for groups. When registering three individuals, the fourth person’s registration is free. All four registrants must register together and at the same time to receive the promotion.