“This was the first Dairy Summit I was ever at, and it felt like it was the perfect timing for us. Hearing one of the keynote speakers talk about his mentality for [working with family] was intriguing and challenging. He shared how change is possible, and once we are all pulling together on things rather than apart, so much more can be accomplished. That was a really good challenge because we are doing a farm transition. You have to be willing to work together. You can financially be so much further ahead when you do.
I also liked how at the main sessions, we were able to sit beside other farmers. I missed the breeding breakout session, but I ended up sitting right next to that speaker later during a main session. We talked for a little bit, and it helped me realize we’re all in this together. Nobody has it all figured out. It was encouraging.
As farmers, we shouldn’t always just be trying to put the next fire out. We should be trying to plan further ahead. That’s something I continue to think about [after the Dairy Summit]. It was nice just being able to focus on some of these topics a little more.”
—Kerry Zeiset, Lancaster County dairy farmer