This session will explore why dry-off is one of the most critical – and often underestimated – moments in a cow’s production cycle. As today’s high-producing cows enter dry-off with more milk than ever, the risk of udder pressure, leakage, mastitis and stress increases – directly impacting health, welfare and performance in the next lactation. This session highlights how a smarter, biology-aligned approach to dry-off can set up cows for success. Learn how StopLac provides a modern, non-antibiotic solution that safely reduces milk production before dry-off, improves cow comfort, lowers mastitis risk and supports stronger intake, health and milk yield after calving – turning dry-off from a routine task into a true profit opportunity.

With more than 20 years of experience in the dairy and beef industries, Andre Rigo has worked as a field veterinarian and consultant, leading multidisciplinary projects and teams across multiple countries. Throughout his career, Rigo has served as a key interface among academia, research and development, and commercial teams – translating science into practical solutions, fostering knowledge transfer and developing new talent. As head of Global Technical Services, Rigo leads and continuously elevates AHV’s technical service organization worldwide. In this role, he sets the global technical strategy, empowers regional teams and ensures consistent delivery of high-value technical support that enhances customer experience for producers and industry professionals across all markets.

Max Hawkins will discuss weather and disease in the 2025 crop and how it compares to previous years. He will explain how the wet conditions and warmer temperatures we experienced impacted plant health and why continued monitoring and management are critical for your operation. Also, he will discuss what we have seen so far and what’s on the radar for mycotoxins. Plus, he’ll share what you can do to defend against the damaging effects of challenged feedstuffs.

Max Hawkins works with the Alltech Technology Group, providing risk assessment and technical support in the mycotoxin area at all levels on a global basis. He brings years of experience in mycotoxin management, livestock production, nutrition, breeding and genetics, covering all livestock species. His past employers include Western Illinois University, University of Tennessee, Morehead State University, California Polytechnic State University, National Swine Registry, Continental Grain Company, Hubbard Feeds and Micron Bio-Systems. Hawkins works with risk assessment of feedstuffs and feeds, reducing mycotoxin risk throughout the growing season, harvest, storage and feed out. He places emphasis on understanding the livestock signals associated with a mycotoxin risk from the production-impacting, health-threatening risks to the economic losses from lower risk levels of mycotoxins. In addition to his duties with the Alltech Technology Group, he provides support to the Alltech Feed Division and evaluates mycotoxin risk for several integrated livestock companies.

Replacements are the future of every dairy operation and they have never been more valuable. With prices elevated, settling for “good enough” leaves value on the table. In this session, Lucas Mitchell will share practical calf management tactics and research-proven nutrition strategies to mitigate stress and disease, optimize growth and raise the bar on replacement quality so today’s calves become tomorrow’s high-return heifers.

Lucas Mitchell is a dairy technical services manager for Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition, where he leverages more than five years of applied dairy technical service and training experience. He partners with producers to improve youngstock nutrition and management, focusing on practical solutions for real-world challenges. He combines academic expertise – a bachelor’s degree in food science from Purdue University and a PhD in animal science from Penn State University – with hands-on experience rooted in his upbringing around dairy.

The transition period remains the final frontier of dairy cow management. One of the overlooked contributors to transition period issues is the role of trace minerals. Parturition can decrease trace mineral levels by 30% and recovery can stretch out past six weeks through oral supplementation. This presentation will explore the impact that trace minerals have on fresh cow health and how strategic supplementation can help settle the final frontier.

Craig Louder graduated from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. He joined High Desert Veterinary Services in Jerome, Idaho, where he practiced for nine years, becoming a partner in 2017. In 2018, he began consulting part time for MULTIMIN USA and transitioned to a full-time role as a technical services veterinarian with Axiota Animal Health in September 2021.

Dairy margins and profitability will continue to be volatile in the future. We’ll highlight some of the more important data and reports to follow, the risk management tools at your disposal and the different methodologies and strategies to consider to actively manage your dairy’s commodity price risks and profit margins.

Mark Newman has been an account executive on CIH’s dairy desk since 2019. He helps dairy producers across the country manage their risk, identify opportunities and develop comprehensive margin management strategies in this volatile economic climate. Newman attended the University of Iowa where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics and master’s degree in finance. He also holds a series 3 license (National Commodities Futures Examination).

This presentation will provide employers with a practical overview of recent and upcoming developments in U.S. immigration law that impact the workplace. The session will focus on employer compliance obligations, including proper completion and maintenance of Form I-9, evolving work authorization requirements, and best practices for avoiding discrimination while verifying employment eligibility. It will also address worksite enforcement trends, including audits, investigations, and government inspections, and offer guidance on how employers can prepare for and respond to enforcement actions. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to reduce risk, strengthen internal processes, and ensure ongoing compliance in a rapidly changing immigration landscape.

Amanda J. Bahena is a shareholder at Woods Fuller Shultz & Smith P.C., where she focuses on immigration law. She advises employers nationwide on hiring and retaining foreign-born talent, employment‑based visas, and Form I‑9 compliance, and frequently provides training to help organizations navigate today’s evolving regulatory landscape.

In addition to her employer-focused work, Amanda represents individuals in family-based immigration, student visas, waivers, adjustment of status, and immigration court proceedings. This broad experience gives her a comprehensive understanding of both organizational and individual immigration challenges.

Amanda’s background also includes estate planning, corporate law, real estate, and family law, allowing her to deliver practical and well‑rounded legal guidance. She holds degrees from Iowa State University, the University of Warwick, and the University of Iowa College of Law.

Active in the legal community, Amanda is involved with the American Immigration Lawyers Association and serves on the State Bar of South Dakota Immigration Law Committee. She was also appointed to the American State Bank Board of Directors.
Known for her clear communication and practical approach, Amanda is committed to helping employers understand the legal landscape and confidently manage their workforce needs.

This panel features four young dairy leaders who are in the thick of it: managing big career decisions, juggling work and personal life, building confidence and learning how to work alongside different generations on farms and in agribusiness.

Peggy Coffeen from Uplevel Dairy will facilitate the conversation with key takeaways on:

Insights and confidence from young leaders who have learned through real-world challenges and are willing to share what they wish they’d known sooner

Practical strategies for navigating early-career transitions, including changing roles, switching employers or stepping into leadership

Tools for balancing work and life, especially when managing the demands of young families, on-farm responsibilities and career growth

Communication approaches for working effectively across generations

Let’s make writing a biosecurity plan feel less like a “mountain” and more like a “molehill.” This session will help the audience identify risks specific to their herd and create workable, farm-specific practices. Using real dairy farm examples, the presenters will highlight common challenges, practical solutions and how to prioritize seeing results. Participants will leave with the knowledge and resources to build biosecurity plans for daily use that can be scaled up if a highly contagious disease threatens their dairy herd.

Danelle Bickett-Weddle is a veterinarian with more than 25 years of experience promoting livestock health through action. Bickett-Weddle with Preventalytics, a company she founded, supports livestock producers and decision-makers interested in business continuity. Her clients include the National Milk Producers Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American Sheep Industry Association and several state departments of agriculture, working Secure Food Supply outreach and education. She was a practicing veterinarian in South Dakota and a nutritionist for Land O’Lakes/Farmland Feed in the Upper Midwest prior to her academic career at Iowa State University. Her first-hand experience in agriculture, training in public health and board certification in veterinary preventive medicine, and common-sense approaches allow her to successfully connect with audiences and clients. While her formal education occurred in South Dakota and Iowa, her informal education is ongoing.

Miquela Hanselman joined the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) in 2019 as its director of regulatory affairs, leading NMPF’s regulatory-focused efforts on nutrition and public health, including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. She also oversees NMPF’s efforts for the National Conference of Interstate Milk Shipments, multi-sector Tuberculosis Working Group and NMPF’s internship program. Furthermore, she is the program lead for Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Biosecurity, focused on protecting the health of dairy farmers’ herds and employees. Hanselman received her bachelor’s degree in animal science and master’s degree in public health, with a concentration in food systems from Cornell University. Growing up on a dairy farm in Upstate New York, which is still operating today, she is thankful for the opportunities that being a part of the dairy industry has given her.

In this session, dairy producers William Walleser of Wall-Stone Holsteins LLC and Ryan Lepeska of Lepeska Dairy Farms, along with Andy Johnson, DVM, will share their firsthand experiences using DeLaval’s Flow-Responsive Milking on rotary and robotic systems. Join us to learn how this technology has elevated milking routines and helped on-farm performance.

Andy Johnson, “The Udder Doctor,” is a Green Bay, Wis.-based veterinarian specializing in milk quality, parlor performance and cow comfort. Prior to retiring from full-time work, he served as the herd health and wellness veterinarian for Grande Cheese Company. He has consulted worldwide, working in 30 countries and 46 states on dairies ranging from 20 to more than 20,000 cows. A former president of the National Mastitis Council (NMC) and Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, Johnson helped develop the U.S. standards for airflow protocols in milking systems. His career achievements include the American Association of Bovine Practitioners Practitioner of the Year award, Wisconsin Veterinarian of the Year, Quality Veterinarian of the Year and NMC Award of Excellence.

Ryan Lepeska, Stitzer, Wis., owns and operates Lepeska Dairy Farms, a 190-cow herd, with his father and sister. His commitment to agricultural technology and efficiency is evident in his early adoption of robotic milking systems, having installed three DeLaval robots in 2008 and upgrading to the advanced DeLaval V300 system in 2020. Under his stewardship, Lepeska Dairy Farms has achieved remarkable productivity, with the herd averaging 2.9 milkings, 95 pounds of milk per cow per day and a somatic cell count of 100,000. This impressive business reflects their expertise in herd management, nutrition and strategic integration of traditional farming practices with modern agricultural technology.

William Walleser farms in partnership with his parents at his family’s dairy, Wall-Stone Holsteins LLC, in De Soto, Wis. The farm milks 1,500 cows and farms 2,200 acres. Walleser oversees the cropping program, nutrient management, permitting, construction projects and is active in herd management and farm finances. He is actively involved in building the long-term strength of the operation through herd genetic development and on-farm infrastructure development. Walleser participates in local farm programs, including Vernon County Farm Bureau and Dairy Farmers of America Young Cooperators.

From market swings to regulatory shifts, the dairy industry is ever changing and some of these changes pose a major challenge for your business. This panel discussion will explore dynamics that may be poised to bring the biggest challenges to dairy farmers in 2026, as well as ways to reduce uncertainty on your farm. This comprehensive risk management overview spans milk and beef price outlook, changes in the insurance landscape and labor and workforce issues.

Ann Woeppel has spent 17 years as a field representative with Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). In this role, she acts as a liaison for DFA farmer-owners, sharing cooperative news and industry updates, and helping with quality and regulatory matters. In addition to her DFA role, Woeppel is a FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) trainer and an evaluator for DFA’s Central Area, where she offers guidance and feedback to co-evaluators and the farmer-owners she supports. She grew up on a dairy farm in Northeast Iowa and earned her bachelor’s degree in dairy science from Iowa State University.

Ali Bowman supports dairy farmers by connecting them with industry and legal experts, and providing practical resources to help them understand and navigate the evolving farm workforce landscape. Raised on a small dairy in Stillwater, Okla., Bowman has deep roots in the dairy industry and holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Oklahoma State University.

Rachel Scharplaz works with DFA farmer-owners to help them understand their milk price and outlook, evaluate the suite of price risk management tools available to them and execute strategies aligned to their goals. Over the past six years, she has partnered with producers to turn complex market information into clear, actionable decisions that strengthen farm resilience. Raised on a beef cattle operation in Western Kansas, she is passionate about animal agriculture and enjoys working with dairy farmers to meet their diverse risk management needs, including growth in cattle price risk management following the expansion of beef-on-dairy breeding.

Jacci Wood has more than six years of experience in insurance and a master’s degree in agricultural education. She is licensed in property and casualty, life and health insurance, and is certified in dairy cattle nutrition, diet formulation and dairy herd management. In addition, Wood holds agribusiness and farm insurance specialist certification, plus specific insurance carrier certifications.

Dairy farmers and processors operate in a marketplace where sustainability expectations are becoming harder to predict. Customer demands shift rapidly. Retailers and brands face pressure from consumers, investors and regulators. And processors are expected to report improved environmental outcomes even as rules, standards and reporting frameworks continue to evolve.

EmPower+ is a new farmer-led, whole-farm program designed to bring clarity and credibility to this uncertainty by supporting on-farm innovation and practical decision-making. Through decision-support scenario planning, EmPower+ uses existing on-farm data to help farmers and processors test management choices before investing capital, specifically to understand how those decisions can improve greenhouse gas emissions and water quality outcomes. In this session, panelists will discuss how EmPower+ provides support for consistent data and how scenario planning can strengthen farm-level decisions and supply-chain reporting, reduce complexity and ensure that farmer-led efficiency gains are recognized across the value chain.

Jennifer Block is director of value chain partnerships, where she leads collaborative initiatives to advance farmer-led sustainability, innovation and market opportunities. Block brings more than 20 years of experience in corporate social responsibility, communications and global policy development across global energy and agriculture sectors.

Milk markets are as volatile as ever, coming off a year with expanded cheese production capacity and record export volumes. Now with the dairy cow herd at its highest level in more than 30 years, how will the markets balance strong milk supply against increased competition in the export market, plus evolving U.S. consumer trends? Get an update on the programs available for dairy producers today – Dairy Margin Coverage, Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) Insurance, Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) – Dairy Insurance, futures, options and more. But hedging doesn’t need to be complicated; this session will keep risk management simple, straightforward and arm you with what you need to know to implement a successful program on your dairy.

Katie Burgess developed a passion for the industry while growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm and joined the Ever.Ag team in 2012. She works with clients across the dairy supply chain, including producers, cooperatives, processors, retailers, restaurants and multi-national end-users. As a trained economist and commodity broker, she keeps customers updated on dairy supply and demand fundamentals and helps them manage price volatility via hedging programs. Burgess holds a master’s degree in agricultural and applied economics and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business management, both from the University of Wisconsin.

The long-term bull trend in cattle markets has impacted the dairy industry in a way that few would have anticipated just five years ago. The advent of beef x dairy has not only been the driving force for added revenue at the dairy, but in recent times has been the saving grace of profitability – in spite of softer milk prices. From historical cycle patterns to shifting industry dynamics and mass uncertainty around the longevity of current values, approach 2026 and beyond with confidence that record calf prices can be a sustainable piece of your operation for the foreseeable future. Complementing this strength in cattle values, another added positive amid softer milk has been reasonable feed values, among some of the lowest the industry has experienced in five years. Join us for an insightful discussion on how 2026 feed markets are shaping up alongside cattle trends to impact your bottom line in the year ahead.

Come to this learning session to discover how dairy producers are confidently managing record beef revenue with the new unborn calf and cull cow Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) tool, while also navigating feed market volatility for balanced risk management. With a tilt toward prolonging current calf and cull cow values for as long as possible – and hedging against potential upsides in feed costs – risk management on what is often viewed as a byproduct of the dairy isn’t an area to overlook. What we have today in beef would be the equivalent of receiving more than $30 milk for prolonged periods of time. Pairing that with strategic feed positions can further solidify profitability. The tools are in the arsenal; figure out how to deploy LRP with confidence while managing the topside risk present in current feed values.

Brandon Weigel grew up on his family’s grain and livestock farm in Southwest Wisconsin, where he is actively involved to this day. He started in the commodity risk management world with Ever.Ag during college. Weigel now focuses his time working one-on-one alongside grain, dairy and livestock producers to holistically manage their market risk in grain, feed and cattle. He helps producers navigate markets, understand how to implement the tools available to them and tailor individualized risk management plans with the goal of sustaining consistent long-term profitability and success within each operation.

What does the year ahead hold for dairy producers? Our panel connects macroeconomic trends to on-farm decisions, offering a clear view of how corn on soybean balance sheets, milk prices and credit conditions influence profitability. With insights from two leading economists and a lender, this session will deliver the critical information you need to make informed decisions and stay competitive in 2026.

Matt Erickson is a senior analyst focusing on macroeconomics and the grain, oilseed and swine sectors. He previously was agriculture economic and policy advisor for AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit Services of America and Frontier Farm Credit. He also served as chief economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and an economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation and U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition to his work as an analyst on commodity markets and farm policy, Erickson remains actively involved in his family farm near Lafayette, Ind. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural economics from Purdue University.

Ben Laine is Terrain’s senior dairy analyst. His previous experience includes work as a dairy analyst for Rabobank, a senior economist covering the dairy industry at CoBank and a commodity hedging manager and economist at Agri-Mark dairy farmer cooperative. While at Agri-Mark, he developed a tool for dairy producers to manage their milk price risk. Laine has also developed trading and risk management programs for commercial dairy commodity businesses, produced price forecasts and provided economic outlooks. His research has spanned the dairy supply chain, consumer trends, methane reduction and export markets. Laine earned his master’s degree in resource economics at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

Tim Van Hofwegen is an agribusiness lending vice president with more than 25 years of experience at Farm Credit. Raised on a dairy farm in Arizona, he combines agricultural insight with financial expertise to support agribusiness success.

This presentation will focus on the changes that occur in the fresh cow due to stress hormones and ways in which we can mitigate these effects to improve health and production. A special emphasis will be placed on the recent research trial conducted by Jose Santos, University of Florida, in three California dairy farms demonstrating the game-changing potential that FerAppease has as a novel fresh cow intervention.

Tom Smith currently serves as the director of technical services for FERA Diagnostics and Biologicals. Smith has been involved in the cattle industry his whole life, growing up on his family’s seedstock operation. He studied dairy science at Cornell University before staying four more years to attend veterinary school, where shortly before graduating, he co-founded FERA Diagnostics and Biologicals with Rodrigo Bicalho. Smith worked in large animal practice as a cattle veterinarian for several years, founding his own successful large animal clinic, which his wife still runs. He focused on herd consultations for beef and dairy cattle, and advanced reproductive techniques in private practice, before deciding in 2022 to dedicate his full attention to FERA. Smith has spent the past three years traveling the country training veterinarians and helping producers mitigate stress in their production systems.

Growers and producers across regions are navigating an evolving set of in field challenges—from stand establishment and traffic stress to pest pressure and weather variability. In this session, a forage specialist, a hay grower, and a dairy producer share practical management approaches that strengthen alfalfa’s role in the ration and on the farm. We’ll explore field management strategies, how to optimize quality and yield in your alfalfa production, and the links to soil health and integrated pest management. Expect real world examples, actionable takeaways, and time for Q&A so you can bring home ideas that fit your operation—whether you’re focused on agronomy, forage quality, or dairy performance.

Erika Rodbell is a forage research agronomist at Forage Genetics International (FGI). Rodbell is responsible for using applied research experience in sustainable agriculture and pest management to provide education and training around alfalfa pest management to agronomy retailers and producers. She earned her bachelor’s degree in conservation biology from St. Lawrence University, her master’s degree in entomology and sustainable agriculture from Iowa State University, and her PhD from Montana State University-Bozeman, where she researched pyrethroid resistance in the alfalfa weevil across the Intermountain West.

Sara Bauder has been with South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension since August of 2016. She initially worked as an agronomy field specialist and most recently serves as forage field specialist. Bauder primarily focuses on warm and cool season annual forage production (cover crops), alfalfa production and alternative forages. She promotes maintaining healthy soils and regenerative agriculture management. Much of Bauder’s time is spent working with producers, speaking at or hosting events, and writing articles. Previously, she worked as a soil fertility research assistant at SDSU in Brookings. Bauder’s love for agriculture comes from her time growing up on a farm near Baltic, S.D., which she now owns and manages in partnership with her sister. Bauder earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education and a master’s degree in plant science – both from SDSU.

Dan Funke is a forage producer in Northeastern Iowa.

MoDak Dairy is a dairy, beef and cropping operation located near Goodwin, S.D. Greg and his brother Jim are fourth-generation farmers and Greg’s son Jacob, the fifth-generation, own and operate the business, along with all the families involved in making the operation a success. The farm has been in the Moes family for 130 years. MoDak Dairy milks 2,500 Holstein cows three times a day, farms 4,000 acres of corn, alfalfa and sorghum, and raises beef-on-dairy from birth to finish weights. In 2021, MoDak Dairy built and finished a new calf and heifer facility. At that time, MoDak switched to Akaushi crossed with Holstein breeding. In 2022, MoDak Dairy went from Limousin to Angus and Akaushi crossed breeding. Currently, MoDak Dairy has 3,000 head on feed from birth to finish.

Learn how to improve milk, labor performance and feed efficiency using management discipline – not capital investment – by tightening communication, expectations and daily execution.

Mario Solis brings more than 24 years of hands-on dairy industry experience, including the past nine years with Form-A-Feed. He holds a degree in animal science from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey in Mexico. Solis has worked in every phase of dairy operations – from entry-level positions to management – gaining deep experience in start-ups, expansions, staffing, training and team development. His background includes managing large Midwest dairies and serving as a milk quality specialist, overseeing 16,000 cows. His career has taken him across the United States and around the world, helping dairies improve performance through practical, people-focused management. Solis has a strong understanding of cows, people, equipment and how they interact, enabling him to drive measurable results and elevate dairy operations of all sizes.

You’ve poured years – maybe generations – into your farm. The land, the operation, the family name… it all matters. But one hard truth catches many families off guard. Most farms don’t make it past the third generation – not because the farm failed, but because the plan was never written down. This session is a practical, encouraging conversation about how to pass the farm on with clarity and peace – so the farming heir(s) can keep operating, non-farming children feel respected and treated fairly, and Mom and Dad can retire with confidence. Sorenson creates a safe, straightforward space to talk about the planning steps that keep the farm operating and the family connected. He’ll break down the big questions into clear decisions, so you can move forward with confidence – without losing what matters most. If you want to protect your legacy, reduce confusion and keep relationships strong while building a plan that works in the real world, this presentation is for you.

Craig Sorenson is the founder of Financial Wealth Solutions and a lifelong advocate for agricultural families and business owners. Raised on a South Dakota farm, Sorenson brings more than 40 years of experience helping clients protect their land, businesses and legacies through disciplined financial planning and trusted advice. A graduate of South Dakota State University, Sorenson holds his Series 6, 65, 24 and 26 licenses, along with life, accident and health, long-term care and disability licenses – helping families plan confidently for generations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all over the news, but how does a dairy farmer get to take advantage of it? Where does it save time, reduce stress and help your team do better work without adding complexity? Join us for an interactive, hands-on session where we’ll explore real ways dairy farmers can use AI tools to make daily life easier, from communication and protocols to training and data-driven decisions. You’ll see live examples, try prompts that work in the real world and leave with templates you can use immediately. We’ll walk you through how to build your own “Agent” to support your operation and analyze your farm data. We’ll explore ways that it can help develop employee training materials in multiple languages, including quizzes, visual aids and quick-reference guides that actually stick. If you’re curious about AI but want something practical, this session is for you.

Andrew Beckel has transformed how dairy farmers across the United States manage colostrum and care for newborn calves. In 2010, he founded Golden Calf Company in Bloomer, Wis., becoming a passionate advocate for neonatal calf care. He firmly believes in U.S. manufacturing – producing everything from colostrum pasteurizers to bags and tube feeders. Known for his hands-on approach, Beckel goes the extra mile to help farmers enhance their management protocols.

Dagmar Beckel Machyckova is the general manager of Golden Calf Company, a U.S. manufacturer of innovative dairy colostrum solutions based in Bloomer Wis. Beckel Machyckova is a passionate promoter of technology for dairy farm maternity areas. Her innovative spirit has led to groundbreaking products like the Auto Fill Colostrum Station, which is the first in the industry to provide an objective source for colostrum quality and connecting the dam to calf. Beckel Machyckova’s professional interests lie in data-driven innovation, lean manufacturing and organizational systems.

Cow flow can make an automated milking system feel effortless – or turn it into a daily game of “go find the cows.” Join Gorter’s and Lely for an interactive producer-led session focused on alternative cow traffic (cow flow) designs in an automated milking setup. Hear directly from producer Anton Borst, who has hands-on experience with three different cow flow designs and has lived through the real-world tradeoffs: what changed in cow movement, how much fetching was needed, where bottlenecks formed and which layout made chores smoother (or harder) for the team. We’ll break down the most common cow flow options – from more open, voluntary traffic to more guided or controlled layouts – and discuss how each approach can influence labor demands, daily routines, robot visits and cow behavior (including dominance, hesitation and stall/robot “hangups”). Come ready with your questions, barn layout challenges and goals. This session is built for practical takeaways you can apply back home.

Coming Soon!

Step into the barn of tomorrow! Join us for a dynamic and interactive panel discussion where four successful producers will share firsthand experiences with automated feeding technology – how it works, what it looks like in action and why it’s rapidly gaining traction in dairy and beef operations. Automated feeding systems like the Lely Vector combine “feed kitchen” and a mobile mixing feeding robot to mix and deliver precisely blended rations throughout the day – without the constant presence of a tractor or feed wagon. These systems scan feed levels, mix customized rations and push fresh feed to animals 24/7, ensuring feed is always within reach and tailored to the needs of specific groups. During the panel discussion, producers will describe what this technology looks like on the ground – from the robot’s routes through the barn to how daily feeding tasks are transformed when automation takes over. Whether you’re curious about automated feeding or considering making the leap, this panel will deliver real insights, metrics and stories you won’t want to miss.

Coming Soon!

Are there ways of producing more digestible fiber/forage in our systems while reducing our cost per pound of feed fed? Look at some ideas to use alternative practices and forages to achieve that goal. Making a large pile of fiber at a low cost and adjusting the energy of the total mixed ration (TMR) with local inputs will be an advantage. While we look at some transition in harvested product to make that pile of fiber, can we also take some harvest pressure off of the crew in the fall to have a better balance of time and energy?

Jeff Jackson grew up on a livestock/row-crop operation in Northwest Iowa with corn, soybeans, oats, alfalfa, cattle, hogs, sheep and horses. South Dakota State University was the next destination where he earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and master’s degree in plant science before going back to the country. Starting his ag career as an applicator/feed guy/agronomist/jack-of-all-trades at the local co-op opened many doors and enhanced his academic career. An opportunity in 2005 led Jackson to CROPLAN as a seed district sales manager. Working in a heavy dairy area of I-29 in eastern South Dakota directed him to his current position in 2010 with CROPLAN Seed as an alfalfa and forage specialist and national product manager for forage sorghum. He continues to focus on alfalfa, corn silage, triticale, grain sorghum/MILO and forage sorghum technical support and training opportunities for industry professionals and growers.

A disaster of some type is bound to happen in your operations. A natural, workforce or man-made catastrophe can dramatically impact the financial viability of your operation’s future. Having a quality Emergency Action Plan in place prior to a disaster and a well-constructed Emergency Response Plan in place after the event can go a long way to minimizing the disaster’s impact. Cameron Rudolph of Liberty Mutual/State Auto and Allen Schlenker of Marsh McLennan Agency will discuss the importance of establishing an Emergency Action Plan and Emergency Response Plan, their differences and how these can impact both the severity and recovery time from a disaster.

Allen Schlenker is a business insurance risk management consultant for Marsh McLennan Agency, based in Sioux Falls, S.D. He specializes in agri-business-related exposures, with an acute focus on dairy operations. He also works with many agricultural co-ops, grain elevators, feed mills and agronomy centers. Schlenker covers a territory that runs from Southern Kansas up through the Dakotas, and includes Iowa and Minnesota. He spent summers on his grandmother’s and uncle’s farms learning about the various aspects of agriculture, farming in general and the value of a hard day’s work. Schlenker’s goal within the agricultural world is to educate his customers and prospects on current and emerging risk trends, and let them make informed decisions on how they can best manage their business insurance risk exposures.

Cameron Rudolph brings more than 30 years of experience in many facets of the insurance industry, including management positions within loss control, risk management, agency and brokerage production, and sales management. He currently supports agency partners in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Raised in North Dakota, Rudolph’s lifelong passion for farming and the equine community has shaped his career and continues to guide his work. In addition to his current role, he runs cow-calf operations in North Dakota and Arizona, and a full equine training facility. A dedicated educator, Rudolph teaches the Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS) designation program, which is open to insurance professionals and farm and ranch risk managers. He has been instrumental in developing a farm and ranch focus in PaceSetter, a year-long training program for new insurance agents specializing in agricultural risks.

Sand is the best bedding for cow comfort, but hauling, storing and purchasing new sand adds up fast. What if you could cut those bedding costs while also reducing wear and tear on your equipment? In this session, we’ll dig into the numbers and the day-to-day realities of system management and operations. We’ll dive into the financials from a top-level view and then break it down into what operations look like after one year, five years and 10 years of owning a system.

Key discussion topics include:

•     System overview: Options ranging from 500-cow to 7,000-cow dairies

•     Costs: Initial investment and ongoing operational expenses

•     Maintenance: What to expect from year to year, including upkeep and labor considerations

•     ROI: How the investment pays back over time

We’ll also hear directly from producers who own and operate sand separation systems. Whether you’re running a smaller herd or managing thousands of cows, this session will give you a clear picture of how sand-manure separation can impact your bottom line and daily operations.

Renee Schrift is the director of global sales for McLanahan Corporation. Since joining the company in January 2001, Schrift has worked to expand McLanahan’s customer base and dealer network, and she continues to serve as a resource for dairy producers. She now leads the Agricultural Systems Business Unit, further developing the brand’s global growth. Schrift attended The Pennsylvania State University, where she attained a bachelor’s degree in dairy and animal science.

More than 80% of livestock disease involves the lungs and digestive track. When there is a problem in the chest or abdomen, we often forget to look upstream. Problems in the head can lead to problems downstream. This presentation will review common problems that impact the ears, nose and throat of dairy calves. Troubleshoot common practices that contribute to ear, nose and throat problems in dairy calves. Recognize diseases that impact the head of calves. Understand teeth function and development of calves.

Jeremy Schefers is a technical services veterinarian with Merck Animal Health. Prior to Merck Animal Health, he was a food animal diagnostic pathologist at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and a calf research and technical specialist with Actus Nutrition. His professional interest includes infectious diseases of cattle.

The first part of the presentation will introduce the concept of targeted reproductive management. During the literature review, we will explore multiple strategies, including the strategic use of CoSynch protocols guided by estrous intensity measured through activity monitoring systems, as well as approaches that use fertility protocols for first service but prioritize breeding on observed estrus, rather than relying solely on timed artificial insemination (TAI). The second part of the presentation will focus on an evaluation of 49 farms that currently use activity monitoring systems but differ in how they manage first-service breedings. Some rely primarily on estrous detection, whereas others use TAI. We will discuss the benefits, challenges and opportunities associated with each strategy.

Douglas Duhatschek is a veterinarian from Brazil with a PhD in animal science from Texas A&M University, specializing in dairy nutrition. He has worked in academia (Texas A&M University, Cornell University and Kansas State University) and industry (Boehringer Ingelheim and Select Sires Brazil). His experience includes providing research, extension and technical consulting support to dairy farmers. His knowledge spans nutrition, management, health and reproduction, with a focus on improving efficiency and profitability in dairy operations. His passion for the dairy industry is best highlighted by his dedication toward education and training programs for dairy workers and students.

This presentation will address the cost of coccidiosis. For U.S. dairy producers, the cost of coccidiosis is estimated at $100 million. Coccidiosis impacts calf weight gain, feed efficiency, morbidity and mortality.  In this session, Quigley will discuss effective control of coccidiosis in calves.

Jim Quigley is managing director of Calf Notes Consulting, LLC, an advisory and consulting firm. His primary role is to lead the company and its activities, including consulting with dairy farms and calf ranches and businesses that support the dairy industry. He provides educational content through his website and custom consulting services to clients all over the world. Also, Quigley serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Florida. Previously, he was the technical lead for Cargill Animal Nutrition in the area of young animal nutrition. Quigley also served as vice president and director of calf operations for APC, Inc. Additionally, he has worked for Diamond V Mills and the University of Tennessee. Quigley received his PhD from Virginia Tech in 1985 and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of New Hampshire.

This presentation will talk about the benefits of molasses-based liquid feeds on improving transition cow performance. When fed properly to transition cows, liquid feeds improve feed intake and milk production. Research and on-farm case studies will be presented on novel products, including liquid DCAD (dietary cation-anion difference) and liquid phosphorus binder products to mitigate milk fever. Overall, the audience will learn about the advantages of cost-effective liquid approaches to reduce transition issues and enhance cow performance.

Kai Yuan serves as the senior research and technical advisor of Quality Liquid Feeds Inc. He received his master’s degree in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2011 and a PhD in dairy nutritional physiology from Kansas State University in 2014. He published more than 15 peer-reviewed journal articles and won numerous national awards. Yuan has been with Quality Liquid Feeds for more than 10 years. He provides on-farm nutritional support to dairy nutritionists and producers throughout the nation.

Clinical hypocalcemia (milk fever) and subclinical hypocalcemia of dairy cows are well recognized health challenges. Two major advances in prevention of hypocalcemia are the advent of anionic diets and more recently the Ca/Phos binder diets. The pros and cons of each diet strategy, along with common problems observed with farms trying to implement these diets, will be discussed. Oral calcium boluses are often used by themselves or in conjunction with diet strategies to reduce hypocalcemia. A new approach has been developed, utilizing a plant source of the bioactive form of vitamin D in a bolus to reduce hypocalcemia and this product will be introduced.

Jesse Goff worked at the National Animal Disease Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), on farm animal metabolic diseases, including milk fever and hypocalcemia of dairy cows, rickets and other bone diseases, and protein and energy metabolism related to ketosis and immune function. Goff also studied the immune system of cattle and demonstrated that mastitis, retained placenta and metritis are associated with excessive immune suppression in the transition period. After 28 years with USDA, Goff worked for West Central Farmer’s Co-op to produce the anionic product called Soychlor. In 2008, Goff began research and teaching at the Iowa State Veterinary College, where he taught physiology, nutrition and transition cow health. Goff retired to his own barn lab where he developed products related to vitamins D and E for swine, and a Solanum glaucophyllum bolus to reduce hypocalcemia in dairy cows.

What if you could see what’s happening inside the cow before and after freshening? The transition period is a critical window where small changes can drive long-term outcomes. What occurs in the days before and after calving often sets the trajectory for the entire lactation, yet early warning signs for potential issues are often missed. In this session, the presenters will take a closer look at the 21-day transition window to show how continuous internal cow monitoring brings hidden health challenges to the surface sooner and replaces guesswork with clarity. Learn how early detection and faster decision-making can protect cow health and uncover hidden profit potential.

Julie Veldhuis brings a lifetime of dairy experience and a passion for data-driven herd management. Raised in a multigenerational dairy family, she has dairied in California, New Mexico, Idaho and Wisconsin, giving her a broad perspective on today’s dairy challenges. Veldhuis has held leadership roles with the United Dairyman of Idaho, National Dairy Board, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Dairy Girl Network. At smaXtec, she works with herd managers, nutritionists and veterinarians to improve herd health and performance with continuous internal health monitoring.

Brian Sanford brings deep-rooted dairy experience and a passion for herd health innovation. With dairy farming on both sides of his family, Sanford spent 16 years in the nutrition and forage sector helping producers improve forage quality and feeding strategies. Since joining smaXtec in 2022, he has worked with dairy herds across the United States, helping producers use early detection and internal health monitoring to improve herd health, reduce involuntary culling and enhance milk quality.

Gender-sorted semen has drastically improved over time. So, what’s next? How do we continue to improve innovation with sexed semen? This presentation will explore the advancements and future directions in gender-sorted (sexed) semen technology. It highlights improvements in sorting processes and teases innovations like fresh semen applications. Hear about fresh sexed semen research trials – with both dairy and beef-on-dairy applications. Most importantly, learn about the economic benefits of improved fertility and the potential for fresh sexed semen to outperform traditional frozen options in dairy and beef systems.

Eric Zwiefelhofer is originally from northwestern Wisconsin where he grew up on a dairy farm. He earned his bachelor’s degree in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 2015. He then continued his education at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada where he earned his PhD in veterinary biomedical sciences in 2020. His PhD research focused on ovarian synchronization prior to embryo collection and fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI) in cattle. After his PhD, Zwiefelhofer completed a postdoc, developing protocols for oocyte collection, embryo transfer and fixed-TAI in bison. He joined the STgenetics team in 2022.

Boosting the fat and protein content in milk isn’t just a nutritional upgrade; it’s a strategic move that strengthens both herd performance and long-term farm sustainability. When producers focus on the small, consistent habits, protocols and culture that add up to 8 pounds of fat and protein – from fine-tuning feed rations to improving how feed is mixed and delivered – they build a foundation that pays off day after day. These incremental gains mirror other forms of disciplined success; for example, the rider making an 8-second ride and the player who sinks the 8 ball under pressure. Both rely on preparation, awareness and smart choices. In the same way, making thoughtful decisions about the diet and consistently monitoring performance turns small improvements into meaningful, measurable progress.

Keith Sather is the owner and creator of KS Dairy Consulting and Supervisor Systems. A 1984 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in animal science, Sather began his career with nine years in the feed industry before founding KS Dairy Consulting, where he focused on dairy nutrition and responsible management practices. Shortly after establishing Supervisor Systems, he developed Feed Supervisor, Hoof Supervisor and Truck Supervisor – tools that have become widely used across the industry. Today, Sather works with dairy producers, consultants and hoof trimmers around the world, driven by a deep commitment to excellence and innovation.

This presentation will include a review of how progressive producers are using the tools, such as embryo transfer (ET), in vitro fertilization (IVF), sexed semen, cloning and gene editing (GE), in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) toolbox today, and what you could see in the future.

Diane Broek is the sales and marketing manager for Trans Ova Genetics (TOG) Advanced Technologies. She has been with the company since its beginning in 1980 after graduating from Northwestern College with degrees in biology, chemistry and animal science. She will complete her MBA in May 2026. Broek has worn a variety of hats at TOG, including embryologist, lab manager, Midwest area sales manager and general manager for Bovance – a cloning joint venture. She has worked with livestock in ET, IVF, cloning and GE, and is an expert on animal cloning for dairy and beef cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. Also, Broek serves as an ambassador for TOG – giving 50 to 100 tours per year at the TOG facility and discussing ART.

This presentation examines the often-overlooked impact of feed freshness on dairy performance and profitability. The session highlights how small, gradual declines in feed quality influence intake, production and ration efficiency, and it breaks down the underlying science in a straightforward, practical way. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of where hidden losses occur and what management practices help preserve feed value and protect milk output.

Ron Van Beek is the founder and CEO of Van Beek Natural Science, a leader in natural, science-based livestock and companion-animal nutrition and health. With decades of experience as a livestock nutritionist and entrepreneur, he has dedicated his career to developing innovative, natural approaches that improve animal health, feed value and performance.

Heifers are the future of your herd—and their value has never been higher. In this presentation, Bethany focuses on some of the common pitfalls in capturing positive returns in youngstock rearing. She will identify solutions to reduce mortality and drive performance through the entire growth journey: maternity management, pre-weaning performance, and post-weaned heifer health. Discover how to turn today’s calves into tomorrow’s high-producing cows.

Upon attending this breakout, participants will be able to:
– Recognize common areas of value loss in heifer rearing
– Name and apply best practices for pre-weaned calf care
– Identify culprits of poor post-weaned heifer performance

Bethany Dado-Senn is a calf and heifer technical specialist for Vita Plus Corp, partnering with dairy farmers across Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Dakota to raise healthy, productive calves. She is passionate about turning research into practical strategies that make an impact on the farm. Raised in northwestern Wisconsin, Dado-Senn still manages calves on her family’s 500-cow dairy. She earned her bachelor’s degree and PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree from the University of Florida, where she studied how heat stress impacts early-life calf development.

Smarter solutions that span your entire dairy are here. Join VAS to learn more about its newest tools, including FeedComp, an all-new feed management program. Designed to bring your entire feeding program to the palm of your hand, FeedComp’s simplicity and integrated herd and feed insights help you manage with clarity. Plus, see how new DairyComp features make daily workflows simpler, faster and more efficient.

Dylan Ash collaborates with dairy producers and industry professionals in Minnesota as a farm performance consultant for VAS. In this role, Ash helps producers enhance operational efficiency and empower them to make more informed, data-driven decisions using the VAS suite of products. He is a graduate of Dordt University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, broadening his network and expertise role within the dairy industry.

Sarah Heath is a farm performance consultant at VAS where she partners with dairy producers and industry professionals across Western and Central Wisconsin. Leveraging her extensive, hands-on experience in the dairy industry, Heath helps producers optimize performance on their dairy with VAS products and services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a dairy emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

The way calves are fed in the first six months of life has a lasting impact on how well they eat, grow and perform later as cows. While calf diets are often discussed in terms of milk and starter, the role of different carbohydrates, sugars, starch and fermentable fiber in rumen development is frequently overlooked. This presentation will explain how these carbohydrate sources ferment in the developing rumen and how they influence microbial activity, volatile fatty acid production and rumen tissue growth. Special attention will be given to the role of sugars, including those commonly supplied through liquid feeds and molasses, and how they support intake, fermentation and the transition onto starter feed. Participants will gain practical insight into how carbohydrate strategy can be used to promote rumen health, feed efficiency and long-term calf performance.

Grace Cun is a dairy technical nutrition manager with Westway Feed Products, supporting dairy producers and nutritionists across the Western United States. Her work focuses on improving diet formulation, mixing and rumen energy capture to help dairies extract more value from feed resources, with an emphasis on sugars, liquid feeds and fiber digesting technologies. Cun collaborates with producers, nutritionists and researchers to design on-farm trials, analyze performance data and build practical tools that guide real-world feeding decisions. She has a strong interest in early-life nutrition and how feeding young calves influences rumen development and long-term productivity. Cun’s work bridges research and commercial dairy systems to drive measurable, profitable outcomes.

Recent updates to CNCPS have created sensitivities for isoacid balances in the rumen of lactating dairy cattle. Long-standing research suggests that the supplementation of these isoacids improves microbial yield and subsequent fiber digestibility in the rumen. This talk will discuss the details of these updates, how they lead to a better prediction in dairy cattle performance and what options exist to solve potential isoacid imbalances.

Andrew LaPierre is a dairy technical specialist with Zinpro and contributes as a CNCPS consultant for Cornell University. LaPierre grew up on his family’s sixth-generation dairy farm in Chazy, N.Y., which is currently owned and operated by his parents and brother. He received his PhD at Cornell University where he studied the effects of amino acid balancing and varying energetic nutrients on dairy cattle productivity. Once completed, LaPierre took a post-doctoral position at Cornell University, working on research and development of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS). His primary focus was the development of CNCPS v7 for commercial application. He is currently one of three inventors of this technology and provides support for Cornell University as it looks to roll out this update. LaPierre’s professional interests involve nutritional modeling of rumen and post-absorptive metabolism in ruminants, nutrient excretion and stochastic determination of productivity.

The presenter will discuss a calf case study in detail. Together, attendees and the presenter will find an initial solution for the bovine respiratory disease (BRD) outbreak and then investigate a similar outbreak more than a year later after the initial solution appears to fail. Primary topics include calf BRD differential diagnosis, non-product-based solutions for BRD and product-based solutions for BRD.

Joe Armstrong is a member of the Zoetis Dairy Technical Service Team and focuses on helping dairy and beef operations with the practical application of evidence-based medicine and management. With Zoetis, he is responsible for providing technical support in Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and Northeast Iowa. Armstrong received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Minnesota-Morris in 2011. He graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. After veterinary school, Armstrong worked as a private practitioner with beef and dairy farms at Anderson Veterinary Service in Zumbrota, Minn. Then, he worked as the cattle production systems extension educator at the University of Minnesota.