JUNEAU, Wis. — A live auction at the 2024 Business Conference presented by Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) will give attendees the opportunity to bid on three unique prize packages, all benefiting Dairy’s Foundation. The live auction will be held at 6:30 during the Evening Reception in the Hall of Ideas and Equipment Show at the Kalahari Resorts, Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Auction proceeds will support education and leadership development programs in the dairy industry. As the only public-held national foundation supporting dairy education and initiatives across the entire dairy industry food chain, Dairy’s Foundation provides financial support for programs that nurture the next generation of dairy leaders, develop the skills of current dairy farmers and strengthen the bond of trust between consumers and producers.
The live auction packages include:
- Orlando Vacation Home Rental. Luxury, comfort and adventure await in a six-night rental of “Dreams Happen,” a nine-bedroom retreat that can sleep up to 26 people in Orlando, Florida. Bedroom suites are tailored for every taste and age, including luxury king-size bedrooms, and Marvel-themed bunk bedroom, Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter themed rooms. It also features a screened-in outdoor pool and spa, indoor theater room, game room and fully-equipped kitchen, as well as access to water park and other amenities as part of Orlando’s Champion’s Gate Resort. Donated by PDP Board of Directors.
- Michael Hoffman Training Session. Bidders can take their dairy farm or business team to the next level with a personalized day training facilitated by Michael Hoffman. Author and owner of Igniting Performance, Inc., Hoffman brings a combination of high energy and focus to build stronger teams, improve communications and strengthen businesses. Training session will be tailored to winning bidder’s priorities, which could include employee recruitment and retention, succession planning, customer service and more. The buyer will cover cost of travel and meals. Donated by Michael Hoffman. Organized by PDP Staff.
- IVF Session. Bidders will have the opportunity to purchase the right to control the next IVF session(s) from Lars-Acres Hayk Feather-ET and is guaranteed a minimum of 8 embryos. This package will also include all the aspirating and lab costs. Feather has a TPI of 3127 and traces back to the world famous Markwell Bstar E Raven-ET. Donated by Larson Acres and Sunshine Genetics. Organized by Dairy’s Foundation Board of Directors.
“We appreciate the generous donations for the live and silent auction packages and are excited about the expanded bidding options through the live event and online bidding,” said Brian Forrest, dairy farmer from Stratford, Wis., and chair of Dairy’s Foundation board of directors. “Proceeds will be invested back into the dairy community through educational and leadership programs across the country.”
Another new opportunity for 2024 is an online bidding option for Dairy’s Foundation Silent Auction at the Business Conference. The silent auction with dozens of top-quality gift baskets, travel experiences and more, has always been a highlight of the conference and now features expanded bidding opportunities.
Online bidding is currently open www.DairyFoundation.org and will remain open through 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14. Items can be viewed and in-person bidding will also be available during the 2024 Business Conference on March 13-14.
There is something for everyone on the 2024 silent auction. Travel and experience packages range from sporting events and crafting weekends to hunting expeditions and spa packages. Top bidders can take home wine and cheese gift baskets, as well as artwork, farm toys, jewelry and more.
The Foundation was established in 2002 as the charitable arm of Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP) and has supported hundreds of programs and thousands of dairy producers since its formation.
As the industry has evolved, so has Dairy’s Foundation. A new logo and branding introduced in 2024 more clearly communicates the Foundation’s commitment to supporting programs across the country and shows the importance of lifelong learning, with care for animals, people and natural resources at its center.
Dairy’s Foundation, a national public-held foundation was established by Professional Dairy Producers in 2002 as a way to raise funds and awards grants for educational programs. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 entity. Our mission is to share ideas, resources and experiences about important issues surrounding the dairy industry through educational opportunities for dairy producers and the public.
— Dairy’s Foundation
