Sioux Falls, SD (February 2, 2026) – Education takes center stage at the 2026 Central Plains Dairy Expo (CPDE) as the event marks its 25th anniversary with one of the most comprehensive and practical speaker lineups in its history. Designed to meet the needs of today’s dairy producers, CPDE 2026 will feature more than 50 expert-led sessions focused on herd health, nutrition, technology, risk management, sustainability and leadership.
The CPDE educational program brings together respected industry experts, veterinarians, nutritionists, researchers, economists and producer voices from across the country. Sessions are designed to address real-world challenges and opportunities facing today’s dairy operations, delivering practical, actionable insights producers can apply immediately on their farms. All educational sessions are free to attend and producer registration for CPDE is complimentary. Attendees simply need a name badge for admission, which can be obtained by registering in advance at www.centralplainsdairy.com.
Key educational focus areas for CPDE 2026 include:
Herd health, transition cow and calf management
Multiple sessions will address critical stages of dairy production, including transition cow success, calf health and disease prevention. Topics range from managing hypocalcemia and bovine respiratory disease to innovative approaches for improving fresh cow health, stress reduction and reproductive efficiency. Speakers from leading animal health organizations will share the latest research and on-farm strategies to support herd longevity and productivity.
Nutrition, forages and feed efficiency
Attendees will gain insights into maximizing forage quality, feed efficiency and return on investment. Sessions will explore the advantages of alfalfa, feed freshness, carbohydrate strategies for calves, nitrogen efficiency, mycotoxin management and practical forage decision-making to support milk production and profitability.
Technology, automation and data-driven decisions
As technology continues to reshape dairy operations, CPDE 2026 will feature sessions highlighting automation, artificial intelligence, data management and milking parlor innovations. Educational offerings include hands-on discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) applications for dairy managers, automated feeding and milking systems, transition cow monitoring tools and selecting technology that delivers real value on farm.
Risk management, business strategy and biosecurity
With volatility impacting today’s dairy landscape, CPDE 2026 offers timely education on commodity price risk management, insurance strategies and business planning. A special focus will be placed on farm biosecurity, with expert-led sessions outlining where to start and how to build enhanced biosecurity plans to protect herd health and operational continuity.
Leadership development and workforce conversations
CPDE 2026 will also host important conversations about the future of the dairy industry. The “Dairy’s Rising Leaders: Conversations We Need to Have” panel will bring together emerging leaders to discuss workforce development, leadership pathways and evolving needs of the industry.
To better serve a diverse audience, CPDE 2026 will once again offer Spanish-language educational sessions, ensuring access to high-quality information for all members of the dairy workforce.
“The Central Plains Dairy Expo has always been committed to education that matters,” said a CPDE representative. “Our 2026 speaker series reflects the depth, innovation and collaboration within the dairy industry, offering producers practical tools to navigate today’s challenges and build for the future.”
The full speaker lineup is available at www.centralplainsdairy.com, along with registration information and event updates.