2024 Tentative Schedule

More than twenty years of serving the industry!

Since 2003, the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC) has been dedicated to helping dairy producers learn new ways of increasing their profitability by doing more with less. Thanks to help from generous industry supporters, the GLRDC has earned a reputation as a top educational conference. In 2021, more than 300 producers and dairy industry representatives attended the online event. This year, we’re building on that momentum by delivering another high-impact conference.

Wednesday, February 7

7:00 p.m.         Optional Industry Hosted Meetings

Thursday, February 8

9 a.m.              Registration opens

Pre-conference Sessions

TBD – Sponsored Opportunities

9:30 a.m.         Exhibitor Showcase Begins                   

10:45 a.m.        Cow Health Panel Discussion – Dr. Fox Host

      • Rafel Neves, Purdue University
      • Rochelle Benenke, DVM, Stoney Hills Veterinary Service PLC
      • Greg Crosley, DVM, Countryside Veterinary Service P.C.

12:15 p.m.       Lunch and Networking

1:30 p.m.         Dairy Market and Policy Outlook  

      • Marin Bozic, University of Minnesota

2:30 p.m.         Breakout Sessions

                   Leveraging Technology for Improved Crop Management Panel           

Precision farming technologies are becoming more diverse and useful in managing dairy cropping systems.  A farmer/consultant panel discussion will feature on-farm experiences from those utilizing these cutting edge tools.  Explore how growers are applying these resources to increase silage yields, improve crop input efficiency, make cropping system management decisions, and monitor/ enhance feed and forage quality.

Labor Management Practical Application

Host: Marin Western, Vita Plus

          • Luke Miller, Alltech
          • Esther Flores, Lakeview Farms
          • Juan Quezada, Milk Source, LLC

Nutrition in the Future

Host: Barry Bradford, Michigan State University

        • Dairy forages of the future
          • Gonzalo Ferreira, Virginia Tech
        • The evolution of feeding ruminal microbes to support the cow
          • Jeff Firkins, Ohio State University

3:45 p.m.         Break and Sponsor Networking

4:15 p.m.         Breakout Sessions 

Leveraging Technology for Improved Crop Management Panel            

Labor Management Practical Application

Host: Marin Western, Vita Plus

                • Luke Miller, Alltech
                • Esther Flores, Lakeview Farms
                • Juan Quezada, Milk Source, LLC

Nutrition in the Future

Host: Barry Bradford, Michigan State University

              • Dairy forages of the future
                • Gonzalo Ferreira, Virginia Tech
              • The evolution of feeding ruminal microbes to support the cow
                • Jeff Firkins, Ohio State University

5:30 p.m.         Reception and Networking

5:45 p.m.         Ignite Session: What’s Hot in Reproduction  

        • Paul Fricke, University of Wisconsin

6:30 p.m.         Ignite Session: The latest in Sustainability

        • Kaitlyn Briggs, DVM, MBA, Dairy Management Inc.

7:00 p.m.         Herdsperson Sessions

English – Host: Dr Fox

        • Cattle Movement
          • Luis Briones, Elanco
        • Communication
          • Esther Flores, Lakeview Farms
        • Maternity Care
          • Greg Crosley, DVM, Countryside Veterinary Service P.C.

Spanish – Host: Angel Abuelo

        • Communication
          • Esther Flores, Lakeview Farms
        • Maternity Care
          • Greg Crosley, DVM, Countryside Veterinary Service P.C.
        • Cattle Movement
          • Luis Briones, Elanco

7:00 p.m.         Michigan Dairy Industry Recognition Night Reception and Banquet Dinner

 

Friday, February 9, 2024

7:30 a.m.        Registration and Exhibitor Showcase Opens

8:00 a.m.         MSU Program and Research Updates

        • Are you normal?  Measuring antibiotic usage on Michigan dairy farms.
          • Pamela Ruegg, DVM, Michigan State University
        • What has been learned from manure events in Michigan?
          • Charles Gould, Michigan State University Extension
        • Updates on new MSU dairy plans
          • Barry Bradford, Michigan State University

9:00 a.m.         Farm Management Strategies for Profitability

        • Sarina Sharp, Daily Dairy Report
        • Jason Karszes, Cornell University

10:15 a.m.       Networking Break

10:45 a.m.        Reproduction

        •  Paul Fricke, University of Wisconsin

11:35 a.m.       Lunch and Networking

1:00 p.m.         Breakout Session

      • Factors Impacting Passive Immunity / Gut Health in Calves
        • Angel Abuelo, DVM, Michigan State University
      • Practical Health Monitoring Practices
        • Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph
      • Avoiding the Mistakes of a Dairy Farm Succession Planning Train Wreck
        • Ron Hanson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

1:50 p.m.         Networking Break

2:20 p.m.         Breakout Session

      • Factors Impacting Passive Immunity / Gut Health in Calves
        • Angel Abuelo, DVM, Michigan State University
      • Practical Health Monitoring Practices
        • Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph
      • Empowering Dairy Farm Families for Succession Planning Success
        • Ron Hanson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

 3:10 p.m.         Conference Ends