Cornerstone Dairy Academy graduates include Pa., N.Y., Vt.

Group photo of participants from the Dairy Academy holding awards, standing and sitting in front of a branded banner. — Seated, left to right: Kyle Lerch, Samantha Bowe, Carlos Fernando Gutierrez and Ulises Garcia. Standing, same order: Jeronimo Flores Perez, Jose Eduardo Hernandez Rodriguez, Shane St. Cyr, Kirstin Joyal, Alyssa Berg, Andrew Connon, Kaitlyn Kesler, Ronna Wagner, Kristen Fischer, Matthew Fischer, Jake Halbersma, Darian Scheer and Joaquin Vazquez. Not pictured: Sarah Eck.

JUNEAU, Wis. – Upon successfully completing all three pillars of Cornerstone Dairy Academy, 18 dairy farmers and industry professionals were recently honored as the program’s graduates for 2026.

The application-based leadership-development program is designed to build the skills of dairy producers and industry professionals who want to expand their skills to lead with purpose, character and integrity.

Presented by the Professional Dairy Producers (PDP), the 2-day program is designed to enhance the skills of communication, visionary thinking, ethical leadership, servant-oriented leadership and professional etiquette. The presenters also equip attendees with tools to work through workplace challenges caused by generational differences and diversities in emotional intelligence.

“Cornerstone Dairy Academy graduates represent the best of the best in our dairy industry with a commitment to developing their leadership skills to benefit their farms and dairy businesses and the entire industry,” said Amber Keel, PDP program coordinator. “Completing all three pillars of training shows provides a strong foundation of communications and servant leadership skills for dairy farmers and industry professionals at any stage of their career.”

Hailing from five states, the 2026 Cornerstone Dairy Academy graduates have completed the Influential, Visionary and Servant Leadership pillars. Graduates included:

Andrew Connon, West Grove, Pa.
Shane St. Cyr, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Kirstin Joyal, Williston, Vt.
Alyssa Berg, Kewaunee, Wis.
Samantha Bowe, Mosinee, Wis.
Sarah Eck, Cambridge, Wis.
Jose E. H. Rodriguez, Bryant, Wis.
Matthew Fischer, Owen, Wis.
Kristen Fischer, Prairie du Chien, Wis.
Jeronimo Flores Perez, Bryant, Wis.
Ulises Garcia, Pine River, Wis.
Carlos (Fernando) Gutierrez, Bryant, Wis.
Jake Halbersma, Mosinee, Wis.
Kaitlyn Kesler, Hilbert, Wis.
Kyle Lerch, Shiocton, Wis.
Darian Scheer, Colby, Wis.
Joaquin Vazquez, Fond du Lac, Wis.
Ronna Wagner, Saint Johns, Mich.

The 2026 Cornerstone Dairy Academy began on Tuesday, March 3, and was held in conjunction with the PDP Business Conference at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis., on March 4-5.