Shelly Mayer Email and Phone Number

I’m the executive director for Professional Dairy Producers. We are an education organization led by dairy producers that seeks to help all dairy farmers achieve business success through professional development.Watching dairy professionals improve their business skills through education is incredibly rewarding. I work for our nine-member board and manage daily operations. As a 4-H leader, my passion is working with dairy kids on county, state and national levels. I also co-own, manage and operate a dairy.Milk is a fabulous, healthful commodity. The most amazing aspect of our dairies, though, begins with our youth. Our Mentorship Program is a prime example of how we foster understanding of dairy operations and our industry for those who are just starting out. Through this program, college students attending four-year universities, technical schools and Short Course can gain a new perspective and learn more about dairying. Nothing beats this hands-on learning, which has already connected more than 300 students with professional producers.Youth Leadership Derby is another way we help kids learn more about the dairy industry – kids who live on farms and those who have never seen one.We believe in lifelong learning. During our 2013-14 series of educational events, we will facilitate more than 60 days of educational outreach for fellow dairy producers. Our members come from 18 states and represent every type and size of dairy operation. Although diverse in their business practices, they share the common bonds of milk and a commitment to continuing education.I’m proud of the way we provide leadership on issues important to our neighbors and communities. We work with elected officials to proactively collaborate and communicate about issues of mutual interest, and provide leadership on topics important to the industry.Keywords: professional development business strategist, dairy, Meyer (sp), Business Conference, Managers Academy, PDPW, PDPF