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Local farmers graduate from Cornerstone Dairy Academy
Academy has graduated 30 who have completed three pillars of learning
dairy academy grads
The 2019 PDPW Cornerstone graduates are pictured, in front, from left, Cole Hoyer, Eva Lynch, Eryn Opgenorth and Carolina Pinzon; second row, from left, Todd Speltz, Nick Luth, Jamie Fischer, Nikolas Blumer, Ashley Anderson and Dr. Zackary Janssen; and back row, from left, Alvaro Ramirez and Nicholas DeGraaf.

DAIRY NEWS — Twelve dairy farmers and allied industry professionals graduated from the PDPW Cornerstone Dairy Academy, presented by the Professional Dairy Producers recently after completion of three pillars of learning in the application-based professional development training program.

The Cornerstone Dairy Academy was designed to build the skills of dairy farmers and industry professionals who want to lead with purpose, character and integrity. 

The academy features three learning pillars focused on communication, emotional intelligence, professional etiquette, generational differences, integrity and ethical decision-making, Business IQ for Management and being a global thinker and servant leader.

The annual 2019 Cornerstone Dairy Academy began March 12 and was held in conjunction with the PDPW Business Conference held at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison March 13 and 14.

The 2019 Cornerstone Dairy Academy graduates who have completed the Influential Leaders, Visionary Leaders and Servant Leaders Pillars, include Nikolas Blumer, Landmark Services Cooperative, Albany; Dr. Zackary Janssen, DVM, ZJJ, Ltd., Brodhead; Ashley Anderson, ANIMART, Beaver Dam; Nicholas DeGraaf, DeGraaf Dairy, Richmond, Vermont; Jamie Fisher, CP Feeds, Valders; Cole Hoyer, ST Genetics, Brookings, South Dakota; Nick Luth, Foremost Farms, Baraboo; Eva Lynch, Rock River Laboratory, Inc., Watertown; Eryn Opgenorth, Rock River Laboratory, Inc., Oconomowoc; Carolina Pinzon, Forte Dairy Consulting, Middleton; Alvaro Ramirez, Lake Breeze Dairy LLC, Fond du Lac; and Todd Speltz, Ag Partners Coop, Rochester, Minnesota. 

Over six years, more than 400 attendees from 26 states and the UK have participated in the Cornerstone Dairy Academy and have celebrated 30 graduates — those who have successfully completed all three pillars.

To learn more about the Cornerstone Dairy Academy, visit www.PDPW.org or contact PDPW at 800-947-7379. 

Also consider following @dairyPDPW or use #PDPW2019 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see photos and videos from past academy programs.