eLearning HUB
Want help with marketing strategies, processing challenges, or other technical assistance? Here’s a space to come together with colleagues and other experts in the field.
PCC offers educational programming to dairy processors across six states, with a focus on innovative, value-added products and processes that strengthen farms and the industry.

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PCC FAQ for Potential Grantees – Round 3 Funding
Our “Cowkeeper” Dr. Susan Pheasant held a Zoom session for potential Round 3 grantees on August 10. To watch the recording, click here and use the password: ?9oJt*^9
PCC Events
Upcoming Events
PCC Webinars
PCC-DBII Office Hours for Dairy Business Grant Applications
Watch Zoom Video
Passcode: 05hH+nCr
Sales Go-To-Market Strategy Series: Best Practices for Launching and Growing Your Higher Value Dairy Product
Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. PT via Zoom (Aug. 24 – Sept. 29, 2023)
Register here.
Click here for flyer.
- PRODUCT: Learn how your products fit into today’s marketplace, as well as how to conduct competitive and SWOT analyses. Spotlight on TMK Creamery.
- PEOPLE: Explore the idea of “people power” and how it can help you achieve your goals, as well as how AI (artificial intelligence) technology can enhance and support sales. Spotlight on Columbia Community Creamery.
- PROCESS: Find out how to get your products from Point A to Point B via the logistical options of omnichannel distribution. Spotlight on Ruby Jewel Company.
- PRICING: Figure out what you should charge for your products, how much distribution will cost, and what is your consumer demand. Spotlight on Alexandre Family Farms.
- PLACEMENT: Determine what to sell where. As you know, it’s all about location, location, location! Spotlight on WonderCow.
- PROMOTION: Develop a promotional strategy, explore the difference between trade promotions and brand promotions, and learn why a dairy brand needs both. Spotlight on Foggy Bottoms Boys.
- Video Available Oct 1
Sustainable Solutions for Dairy Packaging and Distribution: Unraveling Misconceptions and Optimizing Consumer Engagement
Register here.
Click here for flyer.
Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. PT via Zoom (Oct. 19 – Nov. 16, 2023)
- Oct. 19 – WHICH PACK TO PICK? Examine the reasons behind why different materials are used to package dairy products. Analyze the intersection between materials and shelf life. Evaluate why some less commonly used sustainable packaging materials may make a strong comeback in the near future.
- Oct. 26 – “PLASTIC” CHEESE: Explore the misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding pasteurized process cheese and the various packaging materials and formats used.
- NOV 9 – HUMAN FACTORS IN DESIGN: Whether or not your consumer sees your brand so they have the opportunity to purchase, and how they understand your product, is critical. Learn a few design strategies that leverage core human behaviors.
- NOV 16 – KNOW YOUR CLAIMS: Dissect the claims and terminology commonly used on dairy food packaging. Evaluate the consumer and legal impacts between gimmicks and certified claims.
PCC Partner Workshops, Courses & Events
Frozen Desserts Innovation from Gelato to Novelties
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. September 26, 2023
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Info and register here.
- The Frozen Desserts Innovation Short Course explores the science, technique and product development fundamentals for innovation in frozen desserts, featuring hands-on practical demonstrations, lectures, Q&A and ample opportunities to network with instructors and industry guests. The course is open to entry and mid-level personnel in the industry, entrepreneurs, industry suppliers, food science, ag business and engineering students. No prerequisites required.
Cheesemaking Practical Short Course
7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Oct. 11-12, 2023
TMK Creamery in Canby, OR (via Oregon State Unviersity)
Info and register here.
Click here for flyer.
- A two-day opportunity to learn from industry experts about cheese making including hands-on cheese making. Course fee is $679.00 per person including lunch both days. Day one dives into the basics components necessary to make cheese and day two goes deeper into the different aspects of cheese making to help you create the best possible safe product.
4th Annual Ice Cream Tech Conference
Presented by the OSU Food Innovation Center
November 1-2, 2023
Food Innovation Center
1207 NW Naito Parkway, Portland OR 97209
A two-day short course focused on bench-top formulation and pilot scale production of ice cream, featuring hands-on ice cream formulation. Course fee is $599.00 per person including lunch both days. Limited early bird tickets with a discount of $100 are available. This short course is presented by the Oregon State University Food Innovation Center and the Oregon State University Arbuthnot Dairy Center.
Day one begins with an overview on the science of ice cream and fundamentals of ice cream production. We will dive into hands-on activities focusing on ice cream base formulation, variegate formulation, comparing production on bench-top & pilot scale batch freezers, and the effects of mix & variegate composition on final ice cream quality.
Seating is limited to 20 participants to accommodate the hands-on ice cream production during the course. Parking is available at the Food Innovation Center for the event.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/4th-annual-ice-cream-tech-conference-tickets-687549086827
Coffee, Tea, and Creamers: The Science and Art of Milk in Beverages
January 16-17, 2024
Chapman University
Info here.
- Experts will share the tricks and tips of formulating coffee and tea beverages with milk, and processing ready-to-drink refrigerated, aseptic and shelf-stable products. The course features hands-on activities and demonstrations, extensive Q&A time with formulation experts and will benefit entrepreneurs, students, and industry professionals in R&D, production, marketing, and QA in the food processing, food service and distribution sectors.
Dairy Foods Manufacturing Continuing Education Series
Online
Oregon State University
Info here.
- The Dairy Foods Manufacturing Continuing Education Series provides technical, scientific and regulatory knowledge of dairy processing and dairy products to learners aspiring to or currently working in dairy manufacturing plants. There are no prerequisites, and courses are 100% virtual so you can work through them at your own pace (each module is 1-2 hours). Designed by industry experts, participants can work toward full certificates, micro certificates and learning via specific modules.
Workshops via the Washington State Creamery
Info here.
Dairy Industry Learning Opportunities
Let’s Keep Your Business Going from the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance
Covers important topics like risk management, business development strategies, setting up manufacturing processes and much more. (Complete a form to view free onboarding sessions for dairy employees.)
- So Your Business is Up and Running – What’s Next?
Learn about the history, size and scope, diversity and inclusivity, and goals and mission of the dairy industry – and enjoy some day-one encouragement from your new industry peers! - Developing Business Strategies
Learn about the components of a growth strategy, as well as a step-by-step process with
examples of small business growth strategies will also help you create your own. - Keeping Your Business Safe
Understand the basic building blocks of an insurance program and how to use risk management principles that provide the coverage you need to protect your growing dairy operation. - Manufacturing Processes
Learn about the overview and goals of a manufacturing process and how to use objectives and tools to improve productivity, including how to integrate regulatory plus staffing requirements. - Fine Tuning Your Marketing Strategy
Understand consumer buying trends and how designations (i.e. organic) and finer-tuned value statements — including mission, sourcing, shelf life/packaging — to better impact your marketing. - Social Media Marketing
Learn its role, benefits and requirements, including how to develop effective strategy and community. Developing Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) for your strategy. - Developing E-Commerce
Creating your e-commerce road map, while extending your brand, maximizing Search Engine Optimization, and deciding what models are right for you - Developing an Export Program
Learn the steps in the export planning process and how to develop your plan. Who are the important players, their roles, and how to choose what’s best!
Resources
- Resources for cheesemakers in Spanish via US Dairy
- Milk fact sheets, brochures, infographics, etc. via California Milk Advisory Board
- Dairy info flyer for educators via Washington State Department of Agriculture
- Dairy’s inclusion in “myplate” via the USDA
- Dairy nutrition resources via the Washington Dairy Farmers
- Nutrition, sustainability, safety, recipes, etc. via the Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council
- Dairy activities and information for kids and teachers via the Nevada Dairy Farmers
- Dairy resources for health professionals via the Dairy Council of Arizona