Program & Speakers

Whether you’re at the peak of your career in the dairy industry, or just getting started, our speakers will help you embrace your purpose and use your passion to propel yourself – and your farm – forward. View this year’s speakers and sessions below. If you’re looking for specific days and times that sessions will be held, click here to view a timed schedule for the Dairy Summit.

Keynote Sessions:

Owning Your Future Is Not DNA-Driven with Michael Hoffman

Success is not genetic. You’ll never find ‘success’ in your DNA. Full of energy and storytelling, Michael plans to define what success actually means – and how it involves owning your choices, shifting your culture, contributing your best daily, and finding your true north in a business where change is a constant factor. 

World Without Cows: A Deeper Dive Behind the Scenes with Michelle Michael, Brandon Whitworth and Dr. Holder Vaughn

This year, a feature-length documentary called World Without Cows will have its Pennsylvania debut on the Dairy Summit stage. The documentary explores the complexity behind a seemingly simple question: Are we better off in a world without cows? Through interviews with farmers, ranchers, scientists and others on the front lines of agriculture and science, award-winning journalists Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth take viewers on a global journey to deepen their understanding of everything cows contribute and what the world might look like without them.

Watch the PA Premiere of the Film:  Enjoy a private screening of the film on Wednesday evening (you’ll get TWO tickets included with your Summit registration), and then join us for this keynote session for a deeper dive. Hear directly from the filmographers and scientists who will dive into their journey traveling to 40 locations around the world for this project. Click here to watch the trailer and find more information.

Forging Ahead with Innovation: A Producer Showcase with Brody Stapel of Wisconsin

When brothers Brody and Jory returned to their family’s farm, Farm Stapels in Howards Grove, WI, they were filled with enthusiasm and energy and had one thing in mind: opportunity. Opportunity to raise their families on a farm, opportunity to work for themselves and bring about their own success, and opportunity to be part of our country’s food security. In 2025, exactly 430 days after returning home from a conference that inspired them to start bottling their own milk, they dug the foundation of their new creamery. As the 2024 Young Dairy Farmer of the Year, Brody Stapel will share how they have been forging ahead with innovation, rolling up their sleeves, and making their dreams a reality.  

Controlling Your Own Destiny: A Business Showcase with Painterland Sisters and Taylor Chip Cookie

“How can we connect more people directly with American farmers?”

“How can we perfect our chocolate chip cookie recipe and use real butter?

In this Business Showcase, hear how the Painterland Sisters and Taylor Chip Cookie’s stories began – two Pennsylvania-grown, independent businesses who got their start with a strong passion for real dairy products. With both businesses being included on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List, learn how these business owners and entrepreneurs are controlling their own destiny in the midst of rapid growth, navigating a competitive marketplace, expanding dairy’s footprint, and staying true to their Pennsylvania roots.

Inspiring Pathways to Profitability: A Producer Panel with Jim Hertzler, Donny Bartch and Matt & Megan Fry, facilitated by Rob Goodling

There are a lot of factors that drive profitability on a dairy farm, so how can you rise to the top and stay there? The path to profitability is different for every single dairy farm family. Hear from three dairy producers from different sized dairies who will share their own unique approach to profitability and how they have remained focused on their goals for the farm, the family, and the business. Jim Hertzler is from Summit Level Dairy, a 100-cow dairy farm in Berks County, Pa. Donny Bartch is from Merrimart Farms, a 300-cow dairy farm in Perry County, Pa. Matt and Megan Fry are from Fair Hill Farms, a 500-cow organic dairy farm in Maryland.

The Road Ahead: FMMO Reform & Dairy Pricing with Sara Dorland

What’s next for dairy pricing? What does the road ahead like? As we head into 2026, a year likely to bring global expansion and a temporary milk surplus, staying grounded in your long-term purpose becomes even more critical. Markets will ebb and flow, but your True North should be your goals and values that reinforce and guide your decisions. As managing partner with Ceres Risk Management, Sara Dorland will share her insight on FMMO reform, milk markets, and potential impacts on producers’ milk checks.

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Breakout Sessions:

Four tracks to help you find your True North! New this year, enjoy an entire track of peer-to-peer discussion groups. Talk with fellow farmers and exchange ideas with a facilitator to guide the conversation. 

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Contact

Have questions? Email info@padairysummit.org for more information about the event.

Phone
814-355-2467

Our Office Location
Dairy Summit Business Office
174 Crestview Drive
Bellefonte, PA 16823