Registration opens for 2027 Central Plains Dairy Expo
Registration is officially open for the 2027 Central Plains Dairy Expo (CPDE), returning March 23-25, to the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Dairy producers and industry professionals are encouraged to register online now for their CPDE name badge and make plans to be part of one of the region’s largest dairy gatherings. Your CPDE name badge is your admission to all 2.5 days of Expo activities, including exhibits, educational sessions, networking opportunities and special events.
For dairy producers, registration and admission are free.
“CPDE brings the dairy community together in one place to see what’s new, have important conversations and come away with ideas they can take back to their operations,” said Central Plains Dairy Association Member Services Director Renee Brod. “Registration is open, so now is the time to get March 23-25 on your calendar, register for your name badge and start making plans to join us in Sioux Falls.”
Pre-registering makes arriving at Expo faster and easier. Attendees who register in advance can print their name badge at an on-site registration kiosk and head directly into Expo activities.
A producer name badge provides free admission for the entire 2.5-day event. Allied industry attendees may purchase a $40 name badge for access to CPDE 2027 activities.
The 2027 Expo kicks off Tuesday evening, March 23, with the CPDE Welcome Reception, followed by two full days of exhibits, education and networking on Wednesday and Thursday.
With hundreds of dairy-focused companies, new products and technologies, educational opportunities and industry professionals gathering under one roof, CPDE gives producers the opportunity to explore what’s ahead for their farms and the dairy industry.
Don’t wait until March to make your plans. Register for your CPDE name badge now, invite your team and join the dairy community in Sioux Falls for CPDE 2027.
Horizontal silo safety: One decision can make the differences
By Jorge Delgado, Alltech People+
On a dairy farm, many of the tasks that must be performed every day become routine. For those who have done them hundreds of times, these tasks – feeding animals, operating machinery, removing plastic, moving tires or taking a silage sample – may seem like simple activities. But experience does not eliminate risk.
Around a horizontal silo, seemingly small decisions – such as getting too close to the silo face, walking near the edge or parking a vehicle in a hazardous area – can have serious consequences. That’s why, as this article explains, one of the most central messages about horizontal silo safety is both simple and powerful.
Seguridad en silos horizontales: Una decisión puede marcar la diferencia
Por Jorge Delgado, Alltech People+
En una granja lechera, muchas tareas diarias se vuelven rutinarias. Para quienes las han hecho cientos de veces, alimentar a los animales, operar maquinaria, retirar plástico, mover llantas o tomar una muestra de ensilaje puede parecer sencillo. Pero la experiencia no elimina el riesgo.
En un silo horizontal, decisiones que parecen pequeñas, como acercarse demasiado al frente, caminar junto al borde o estacionar un vehículo en una zona peligrosa, pueden tener graves consecuencias. Por eso, uno de los mensajes centrales de este artículo sobre seguridad es sencillo y contundente.
Minnesotan Lucas Sjostrom joined an elite group – the National Dairy Shrine’s Emerging Dairy Leaders. A new category of annual recognition from National Dairy Shrine (NDS), the award winners are dairy industry professionals, 40 years old or younger, who have demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities and accomplishments within the dairy industry and their local community, state or region. Bo Harstine, Allison Ryan and Emily Yeiser Stepp are the other 2026 NDS Emerging Dairy Leaders.
“Part of the National Dairy Shrine mission is to inspire young people to do great things in their careers,” said Mike Opperman, Dairy Shrine executive director. “With the new Emerging Leader award, we recognize those people who have made significant contributions early in their careers. While it’s important to recognize these accomplishments, we also hope it can inspire other young people to set goals and accomplish great things as they embark on their dairy industry careers.”
Sjostrom is an account manager at Specialty Herd Solutions, but he has covered a tremendous amount of ground in his young dairy career. By the age of 39, Sjostrom has been involved in trade missions with Russian investors, several prestigious industry publications, Federal Milk Marketing Order hearings, the Midwest Dairy organization and Minnesota Milk. His career’s work has bridged the gap between on-farm production and high-level industry advocacy.
One of his primary achievements has been the successful diversification and expansion of Redhead Creamery, where he currently resides as head distiller. Here, Sjostrom’s leadership ensured the long-term sustainability of his own family farm, while also modeling practices and strategies for value-added dairy and agriculture nationwide. Through all his work and experiences, Sjostrom has made significant impacts not only in production, but also processing and policy.
DCRC webinar highlights strategies to optimize fertility
“Timing of Artificial Insemination to Optimize Fertility” headlines the Oct. 7 Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) webinar. The free webinar starts at 12 p.m. Central time (USA/Canada). Paul Fricke, University of Wisconsin, will serve as the instructor for this one-hour webinar.
To register for this webinar, go to: https://bit.ly/DCRCwebinarOct7. If you are a DCRC member and cannot attend the live program, you may access the webinar at www.dcrcouncil.org after Oct. 21.
This webinar will overview the effect on pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) of interval from induction of ovulation to timed artificial insemination (TAI) for cows submitted to a fertility program and the interval from the onset of estrous alert to artificial insemination for cows inseminated to estrous alert. Lactating dairy cows inseminated too early relative to a synchronized ovulation or too early or too late relative to the onset of estrous alert had fewer P/AI than cows inseminated from 13 to 23 hours. Further, optimal timing of AI relative to a synchronized ovulation or the onset of estrous alert in lactating dairy cows did not differ between conventional and sex-sorted semen.
Fricke was raised on his family’s row crop and dairy farm located near Papillion, Neb., where his father continues to farm today. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1988 from the University of Nebraska, Fricke went on to complete a master’s degree in 1992 and a PhD in 1996 in reproductive physiology from the department of animal sciences at North Dakota State University. He joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998. His current position includes both research and extension responsibilities in dairy cattle reproduction. Fricke’s research program focuses on understanding the biology underlying the many reproductive problems of dairy cattle.
Veterinarians may earn one Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) credit for attending this DCRC webinar. To learn more about this opportunity, contact JoDee Sattler at: jodee@dcrcouncil.org.
DCHA’s October 14 webinar focuses on calf diagnostics
Join Dairy Calf & Heifer Association (DCHA) for its Oct. 14 webinar – “Diagnostics are not just another expense” – set to start at 11 a.m. Central time. Gregg Hanzlicek, Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory associate director, will lead this free, one-hour educational offering.
To register for the webinar, go to: https://bit.ly/Medgene101426. Your webinar registration confirmation e-mail will include a web link to join the webinar.
This webinar re-enforces the idea that diagnostics are completed every day by calf care-givers when they observe calves and their environment. In most cases, only after those real-time diagnostics are completed are samples collected and laboratory diagnostics completed. There are multiple variables that need to be considered before sampling, including sample population, number of samples and test selection. Histories and examples of test results from calf disease outbreaks will highlight the value that laboratory diagnostic testing can provide.
Hanzlicek is a Kansas native and attended Kansas State University (KSU). He earned his bachelor’s in dairy science and spent seven years as a dairy herdsman/middle manager before going to veterinary school at Mississippi State University. After graduating with his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, Hanzlicek spent 16 years as a bovine practitioner in the Midwest, primarily serving dairy and cow-calf clients. Next, he pursued a PhD in epidemiology at KSU. After completing his PhD, Hanzlicek joined the KSU Diagnostic Laboratory. Presently, he is primarily responsible for the outreach program and field disease investigation unit.
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians may earn one Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) credit for attending this DCHA webinar. To learn more about this opportunity, contact JoDee Sattler at: jodee@calfandheifer.org.
DCHA’s Oct. 14 webinar is sponsored by Medgene. DCHA does not support one product or company over another, and any mention is not an endorsement by DCHA.
If you are a DCHA member and cannot attend the live program, you may access the webinar through DCHA’s online Member Center after Oct. 28. To access the webinar recording, DCHA members need to visit https://calfandheifer.org/login and enter their username and password.
Siouxland Ag Lenders Seminar set for October 29
The October 29 Siouxland Ag Lenders Seminar runs from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., at the Terrace View Event Center in Sioux Center, Iowa. The pre-registration fee for the first person from a business is $100 and $75 for each additional person. Students may register for $30. The registration fee includes materials, lunch and refreshments. Click here to register.
Agenda
8:30-9:00 a.m.
Registration and Refreshments
9:00-9:45 a.m.
Water Quality Rights and Regulations
Dan Anderson, Iowa State University
9:45-10:45 a.m.
Rewriting the Rules: Policy, Markets and the Decisions Reshaping Agriculture
Susan Stroud, No Bull Agriculture
10:45-11:45 a.m.
Land Markets, Machinery and the Economy
R.D. Schrader, Schrader Real Estate and Auction Company, Inc.
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Lunch
12:30-1:15 p.m.
Farm Bill Discussion and Review
Guang Tian, Iowa State University
1:15-2:15 p.m.
Dairy Market Outlook and Risk Management Review
Will Babler, Pinion Risk Management
2:15-3:00 p.m.
Non-traditional Ag Partners
Eric Weuve, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
3:00-3:30 p.m.
Review of Iowa Dairy Producer Survey
Fred Hall, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
3:30 p.m.
Adjourn
For more information, contact Fred Hall at: 712-737-4230 or fredhall@isstate.edu.
Applications open for Holstein Foundation’s inaugural Dairy Data Academy
Applications are now being accepted for the Holstein Foundation’s inaugural Dairy Data Academy, a four-day immersive program designed to introduce a select group of young people to data, technologies and science shaping the dairy industry’s future. Selected participants will receive a largely all-expenses-paid experience, with travel, lodging, meals and program activities covered by the Holstein Foundation.
Scheduled for Aug. 2-5, in Bowling Green, Ky., Dairy Data Academy combines hands-on experiences at the WKU SmartHolstein Lab with interactive classroom learning. Participants will explore how information, emerging technologies and innovation are being used to support decision-making on today’s dairy farms, while building practical skills through collaborative and experiential learning.
As dairy farms increasingly rely on advanced technologies and data-driven decision-making, the industry needs individuals who can connect agriculture, technology and analytics to solve complex challenges. Dairy Data Academy was created to help participants develop critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills, while exploring educational pathways and careers that combine agriculture, data and technology.
“Participants will move beyond simply learning about technology and data,” said Holstein Foundation Programs Director Jodi Hoynoski. “They’ll have the opportunity to explore how information is collected, analyzed and transformed into real-world decisions. Along the way, participants will gain practical experience with data analysis, visualization and problem-solving, while working alongside peers who share their curiosity and interest in innovation.”
Applications are open to U.S. citizens and residents, no younger than 16 and no older than 21 years old, as of Aug. 2, 2027, and who meet one of the following criteria:
• Be a high school junior or senior as of the fall 2027 academic term
• Be enrolled in an accredited two-year, four-year or vocational post-secondary program as of the Fall 2027 academic term
• Hold a high school diploma (or equivalent) and be currently employed on a dairy farm
Students and young professionals interested in agriculture, technology, data science, analytics, computer science or related disciplines are encouraged to apply. No prior dairy or agricultural experience is required.
Applications will be accepted through Dec. 1. Approximately 30 participants will be selected for the inaugural Dairy Data Academy cohort based on their demonstrated interest in the program, communication skills, initiative, curiosity and potential to contribute to a collaborative learning environment.
Upon notification of acceptance on or before Feb. 1, participants will be required to submit a non-refundable $100 registration deposit within 30 days to confirm their participation.
The 10th Jersey Youth Academy will be held July 11-16, 2027. The application period for the class is open until Dec. 1.
Jersey Youth Academy provides a unique educational experience that motivates youth of high school and college age to prepare for and succeed in their adult careers in some aspect of the dairy industry, but specifically working with Jersey cattle and/or Jersey products.
The program is designed around three broad objectives for participants:
Learn why and how the Jersey breed has grown and prospered, and what the future holds for the Jersey business
Meet leaders from the Jersey community and from across the support industry, to gain unique insights about the dairy business with a specific focus on the Jersey cow
Learn about the range of career opportunities that involve the Jersey breed and Jersey products, and begin the journey that will take them to success working in the Jersey dairy business.
The program is conducted every two years, with participants chosen from a national pool of applicants. Selection is based on merit, motivation and preparation for the program as reflected in experiences, accomplishments and goal statement. All program costs, including round-trip transportation for participants, are paid by the Academy.
Applications will be accepted from Jersey youth who are juniors and seniors in high school or enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year vocational school, college or university. Applicants under the age of 22 who have completed a high school degree or equivalent and are currently employed in dairy herd management will also be considered.
Applications are accepted only from legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia. A youth can participate in Jersey Youth Academy only once.
NMC names SDSU student an NMC Scholar
NMC: The Global Milk Quality Organization selected Anna Rebeca Rodriguez Medina, South Dakota State University, as a 2027 NMC Scholar. The NMC Scholars program strives to support the development of future udder health, milking management and milk quality specialists. She earned a trip to attend the 2027 NMC Annual Meeting, Jan. 25-28, in Jacksonville, Fla., along with Steven Kakooza, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Knoxville, Tenn.; Yindi Xiong, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alb.; Iris de Munck, Wageningen University, Gelderland, Netherlands; Shiow Han, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; and Muusa Takala, University of Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland.
Rodriguez Medina earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Currently, she is contributing to a biosecurity/highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) research project by developing HPAI educational materials for Hispanic dairy workers. Her graduate research focuses on udder health and milk quality, including the bacteriological quality of colostrum, chronic mastitis and antibiotic resistance in mastitis-associated pathogens. Rodriguez Medina wants to bridge the gap between research and the milking parlor – translating udder health science into protocols that improve animal well-being and milk quality.
Maristela Rovai, SDSU associate professor and South Dakota extension dairy specialist, serves as Rodriguez Medina’s, research supervisor and master’s degree advisor. Rovai describes her graduate student as intellectually curious, meticulous and well organized, and she works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary research team. “She pairs solid veterinary training with a clear commitment to milk quality and udder health, learns quickly and takes genuine ownership of her projects,” Rovai remarked.
Create a premises map for your biosecurity plan
If you’re a cattle farmer or rancher, building a premises map is essential to your everyday biosecurity plan. This is especially important in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak, such as foot-and-mouth disease. Use this tool to create a premises map for your biosecurity plan.
Beef-on-dairy calves bring new mineral questions to the feedlot
By Taylor Leach, Dairy Herd Management
Beef-on-dairy calves are bringing a different set of management considerations to the feedlot as producers look for ways to capture more growth and carcass value. Growth-enhancing technologies such as implants and beta agonists can help push performance but trace mineral nutrition can influence how well cattle respond.
Research from Iowa State University is showing zinc and copper deserve a closer look when growth-enhancing technologies are part of the program. The findings were generated in native beef cattle rather than beef-on-dairy calves, but they raise important questions for a growing segment of the beef industry.
A different calf enters the feedlot
Dathan Smerchek, assistant professor of animal science at Iowa State University, has studied how trace mineral nutrition interacts with implants and beta agonists. His work suggests beef-on-dairy cattle may have some unique considerations, particularly when it comes to copper status and the amount of zinc available for growth and immune function.
Beef-on-dairy calves can arrive at the feedlot with a different mineral history than traditional beef calves.
Copper is one of the biggest concerns.
While unintentional, dairies may supplement copper above National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommendations. Calves can also receive copper from multiple sources before entering the feedlot, including placental transfer, milk replacer and starter feed.
Stress, mental health conditions and suicide greatly impact agricultural communities, where economic, social and environmental forces challenge the health and safety of farmers. Farm suicide rates in the United States are estimated to be up to 3.5 times higher than for the general population. As agriculture faces a period of significant stress and uncertainty, Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health (UMASH), University of Minnesota Extension, Minnesota Department of Agriculture and other partners are concerned about the well-being of farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
Farm Suicide Prevention Campaign (Minnesota Department of Agriculture) is a collaborative multi-partner effort to share information, resources and suicide prevention training in agricultural communities throughout Minnesota.
On a dairy farm, many of the tasks that must be performed every day become routine. For those who have done them hundreds of times, these tasks – feeding animals, operating machinery, removing plastic, moving tires or taking a silage sample – may seem like simple activities. But experience does not eliminate risk.
“Part of the National Dairy Shrine mission is to inspire young people to do great things in their careers,” said Mike Opperman, Dairy Shrine executive director. “With the new Emerging Leader award, we recognize those people who have made significant contributions early in their careers. While it’s important to recognize these accomplishments, we also hope it can inspire other young people to set goals and accomplish great things as they embark on their dairy industry careers.”
amount of ground in his young dairy career. By the age of 39, Sjostrom has been involved in trade missions with Russian investors, several prestigious industry publications, Federal Milk Marketing Order hearings, the Midwest Dairy organization and Minnesota Milk. His career’s work has bridged the gap between on-farm production and high-level industry advocacy.
This webinar will overview the effect on pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) of interval from induction of ovulation to timed artificial insemination (TAI) for cows submitted to a fertility program and the interval from the onset of estrous alert to artificial insemination for cows inseminated to estrous alert. Lactating dairy cows inseminated too early relative to a synchronized ovulation or too early or too late relative to the onset of estrous alert had fewer P/AI than cows inseminated from 13 to 23 hours. Further, optimal timing of AI relative to a synchronized ovulation or the onset of estrous alert in lactating dairy cows did not differ between conventional and sex-sorted semen. 
when they observe calves and their environment. In most cases, only after those real-time diagnostics are completed are samples collected and laboratory diagnostics completed. There are multiple variables that need to be considered before sampling, including sample population, number of samples and test selection. Histories and examples of test results from calf disease outbreaks will highlight the value that laboratory diagnostic testing can provide.
Scheduled for Aug. 2-5, in Bowling Green, Ky., Dairy Data Academy combines hands-on experiences at the WKU SmartHolstein Lab with interactive classroom learning. Participants will explore how information, emerging technologies and innovation are being used to support decision-making on today’s dairy farms, while building practical skills through collaborative and experiential learning.
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Currently, she is contributing to a biosecurity/highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) research project by developing HPAI educational materials for Hispanic dairy workers. Her graduate research focuses on udder health and milk quality, including the bacteriological quality of colostrum, chronic mastitis and antibiotic resistance in mastitis-associated pathogens. Rodriguez Medina wants to bridge the gap between research and the milking parlor – translating udder health science into protocols that improve animal well-being and milk quality.
Beef-on-dairy calves are bringing a different set of management considerations to the feedlot as producers look for ways to capture more growth and carcass value. Growth-enhancing technologies such as implants and beta agonists can help push performance but trace mineral nutrition can influence how well cattle respond.
