YDLI Day 3
(By Lindsey Worden, Holstein Association USA)
Day three of YDLI has come and gone…only one day left! It’s hard to believe that the conference has gone by this quickly. Class members were in for a real treat on Friday with some of YDLI’s favorite sessions on the agenda.
Do you ever feel like life is just flying past you at an incredible rate, and you don’t have that much time for yourself? Pat Katz’s morning workshop focused on life balance, and the importance of taking time to pause each day and recharge your batteries – for your own good, and the good of people you interact with on a daily basis. She challenged participants to give themselves “permission to pause”, and offered up several great tips on little things people can do to lighten up their day. With the demands of today’s fast paced society, many people were able to relate to the session and the take-home message.
Next came one of YDLI’s most highly anticipated workshops – media training with David Pelzer and Joan Horbiak. It is important for dairy producers to be able to speak up for their livelihood and make their voice heard in the media. Some may feel overwhelmed by having to speak up, but with the proper tools, they can be excellent spokespeople for the industry. If dairymen don’t tell their own story, you can bet that the opposing viewpoint will tell the story for them! These are just a few of the lessons that class members learned today. The session began with a mock riot, demonstrating some common issues that the industry faces – biosecurity, animal welfare, high consumer prices, and environmental issues. Some basic media tactics were reviewed, and then everyone was given hands-on practice at defending the industry that they love. Joan Horbiak challenged people with tough questions that are commonly asked, with volunteers demonstrating their skills on camera and in front of their classmates. Participants learned important key messages,and, by the end of the workshop, realized that every negative question they’re asked is an opportunity to tell a positive story.
Later in the afternoon, Donna Manring provided a unique perspective on how the dairy industry can work together with nutritional professionals to reinforce the fact that milk is a wholesome, nutritious product for consumers. There is a great deal of information (and misinformation!) available when walking in the dairy aisle at the supermarket, but with proper education, producers can help dispel consumer concerns as to the health benefits of consuming milk and other dairy products.
The highlight of the evening was maybe one of the funniest YDLI sessions ever – a hypnosis show by Dr. Al Snyder. Around fifteen YDLIers were hypnotized by Dr. Snyder, and hilarity ensued. Audience members laughed until they cried, and participants in the show “came to” feeling refreshed, and likely with some hilarious memories (and pictures to prove it!). Throughout the evening, we were treated a look into the life of a CIA agent, witnessed an amazing demonstration of the Irish jig, and even got a special performance by “Alan Jackson”! It was an excellent way to end a long, yet exciting, day of learning.
The final day of YDLI will start to prepare class members to apply their new leadership and communication skills in the real world. Jolene Brown will give a workshop on “piloting your leadership journey”. Everyone is in for a real treat mid-morning with the key industry issues panel discussion, which promises a lively debate on milk labeling and other current events affecting the industry. In the afternoon, participants will “take flight” and dig deeper into the minds of consumers to see what affects their purchasing decisions, and gain first hand insight into their perceptions of the dairy industry through interviews with actual consumers.. Plans will be made for Phases II and III, and Phase I will wrap up with the grand “Fiesta Finale”!
Check back soon for a wrap-up of Saturday’s events and Phase I of this class of YDLI!
Recognize any familiar faces? Rioters challenge industry advocates to stand up for what they believe in!
Can’t believe how warm it is! Trent Olson, Charlie Knigge, Ashley Yager, Kelly Sheehan, and Megan Pierce enjoy some New Mexican sunshine during the morning break.
Joan Horbiak challenges Michael Lax to be an ag advocate and defend the dairy industry.
“Secret Agent” Dawn Mausser tries to be sneaky while spying on Dr. Snyder and “Alan Jackson” (Eric Sonnek)
Everyone’s down for the count! Must have been quite a fiesta….and an entertaining show!