Category: dairy

The 24^th annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC) focuses on highly technical, practical, and strategic topics to help producers improve their bottom line and make their dairy thrive. The 2026 GLRDC will take place Feb. 5-6, 2026, at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

The conference features an integrated floor plan for educational sessions, sponsor displays, and meals to enhance networking opportunities for attendees. With extended break times, mealtimes, and the evening reception all incorporated into the exhibit area, this year’s conference allows ample networking between producers, expert speakers, and industry representatives.

The free Spanish herdsperson session featuring herd health, reproductive management, and teamwork, leadership and communication will take place on Friday, Feb. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Every year brings new challenges for dairy producers, and our goal as an industry and committee is to provide opportunities that help them grow, learn, and succeed,” said Brian Troyer, GLRDC chair. “GLRDC offers a chance for producers to access timely insights, connect with experts and peers, and gain the tools they need to strengthen their operations and thrive in an ever-changing industry.”

In addition to the enhanced networking opportunities, the conference features a variety of breakout sessions led by leading industry experts, designed to foster meaningful discussion among attendees. Throughout the two-day conference, producers can learn about the following topics:

• Adam Lock and Alycia Bales will share research on improving feed efficiency and milk components, while Claira Seely highlights how precision technologies can enhance transition-cow health and early detection strategies.
• Greg Bethard, Sarina Sharp, and Matt Tranel will provide insights into market trends, feed-crop outlooks, and economic factors affecting dairy operations.
• Sessions with Dörte Döpfer, Dr. Trevor DeVries, and Jason Reid will cover cow welfare, robotic-milking efficiency, and team building for effective farm management.
• Producers and industry representatives will share insights on real-world guidance for planning and modernizing dairy facilities to support long-term operational success.
• Additional sessions will cover heat-stress mitigation with Geoff Dahl, forage optimization with Dr. Isaac Salfer, and reproduction automation tools with Dr. Julio Giordano, as well as fresh-cow housing strategies from Dr. Barry Bradford.
• The conference concludes with Mike Hutjens sharing tools and strategies to improve milk-solids efficiency, forage utilization, and overall profitability.

“GLRDC thrives because of the incredible backing from our industry partners,” said Troyer. “Through their sponsorships, exhibits, and collaboration, we’re able to provide producers with the tools, insights, and connections they need to succeed today while also supporting the future growth and sustainability of the dairy industry.”

Adult, student, and farm registration options are available. Producers should have their state producer number available to register at a discounted rate. Registration closes on Feb. 1, 2026. On-site registration is subject to availability. For more information, including a detailed copy of the agenda and to register online, visit www.glrdc.org. To register by phone, call 989-666-3773.

Due to the overwhelming success of last year’s redesigned program, the 22^nd annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC) will follow a similar format, integrating expert sessions into the exhibit and sponsor hall, along with targeted sessions for herdspersons offered in both English and Spanish. Renowned experts will share a variety of technical and strategic information to help producers improve their bottom line and help ensure they are producing milk decades from now. The 2024 GLRDC will take place Feb. 8-9, 2024, at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Dairy producers and the dairy industry are facing ever changing challenges. As a result, dairy producers must continue expanding their knowledge and enhancing their networks and GLRDC is ripe with opportunities for dairy producers to engage in this vital learning and networking.

With extended break times, mealtimes and an evening reception all incorporated into the exhibit area, this year’s conference allows ample networking between producers, expert speakers and industry representatives.

In addition to the enhanced networking time, the conference features a mix of longer educational sessions and short presentations by leading industry experts designed to generate dialogue with conference attendees. Producers will have the opportunity to learn about the following topics throughout the two-day conference:

• a dairy market and policy outlook with Marin Bozic from the University of Minnesota
• an in-depth look at cow health examining the latest transition cow research and real-world examples from experienced veterinarians.
• practical tips and tactics on ways to leverage technology for improved crop management.
• new approaches to labor management and key factors of employee retention from human resource specialists from Milk Source, Lakeview Farms and Alltech.
• A look at nutrition now and into the future, focused on forages and the evolution of feeding ruminal microbes to support cow health through improved nutrition.
• the latest in reproduction with Paul Fricke from the University of Wisconsin
• a forward look at sustainability and how it will impact you
• an update from MSU on antibiotic usage, manure management and the new dairy
• an exploration into farm management and profitability with Sarina Sharp from Dairy Today and Jason Karszes from Cornell University
• the factors impacting passive immunity and gut health in calves
• how to incorporate precision monitoring to deploy prevention and treatment protocols earlier to improve cow health and save money
• strategies to avoid mistakes in dairy farm succession planning
• learn about opportunities for individual on-farm solar, without utilizing fields with our sponsored session by Solar by Alamo Valley Ag
• And so much more.

On Thursday evening, producers can also attend the free herdsperson sessions, offered in both English and Spanish, covering cattle movement, communication, maternity care and more.

In conjunction with GLRDC, the Michigan Holstein All-Breeds Convention Sale will be held on Friday evening, followed by the Michigan Jersey Cattle Club Annual Meeting and the Michigan Holstein Association Annual meeting on Saturday, Feb. 10.

Adult, student and farm registration options are available. Producers should have their state producer number available to register. Registration closes on Jan. 28, 2024 at midnight. On-site registration is subject to availability. For more information, including a detailed copy of the agenda and to register online, visit www.glrdc.org. To register by phone, call 989-666-3773.

Free Herdsperson Session will be held February 2, 2023  from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort  in  Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Join us at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference for a session geared toward herdspersons or others looking to improve day-to-day work on dairy farms. The session will be available in both English and Spanish. The reception includes food and drinks. The program will start at 6 p.m. Registration requested but not required by Jan. 29, 2023.

Register at: https://events.anr.msu.edu/glrdc/

Program Topics:
• Strategies to Maximize Herd Management Software
• Shawnna Finnerty, Uniform Agri
• Best Practices for Transition Cow Success
• Erin Horst, Elanco Animal Health
• Next Generation Technology Insights
• Kyle O’Brien, Michigan Dairy Tech
• Learning to Lead In Any Role and Using Data to Lead
• Dionardo Pizaña, Michigan State University Extension
• Jacob Pieper, Phibro Animal Health

CONFERENCIA REGIONAL DE LÁCTEOS DE GREAT LAKES

Sesión Gratuita para Pastores de Campo
2 de Febrero, 2023 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Casino y Centro Turístico de Soaring Eagle | Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

Redes de Recepción y Detalles del Programa

Únase a nosotros en la Conferencia Regional de Productos Lácteos de Great Lakes para una sesión dirigida a los pastores de campo u otras personas que buscan mejorar el trabajo diario en las granjas lecheras.
La sesión estará disponible en inglés y español. La recepción incluye alimentos y bebidas. El programa comenzará a las 6 p.m. Registro solicitado pero no requerido antes del 29 de enero de 2023. Regístrese en:
https://events.anr.msu.edu/glrdc/.

• Estrategias para Maximizar el Software de Gestión de Rebaños.
• Shawnna Finnerty, Uniform Agri
• Mejores Prácticas para el Éxito de las Vacas en Transición.
• Erin Horst, Elanco Animal Health
• Perspectivas Tecnológicas de la Próxima Generación
• Kyle O’Brien, Michigan Dairy Tech
• Aprendiendo a Liderar en Cualquier Rol y Usar Datos para Liderar
• Dionardo Pizaña, Extensión de Michigan State University
• Jacob Pieper, Phibro Animal Health

The 21^st annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC), featuring a new format, will offer a variety of topics and enhanced networking opportunities to help dairy producers thrive. Experts will share a variety of technical and strategic information to help producers improve their bottom line. The conference will take place Feb. 2-3, 2023, at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

The physical, economic, and social environment dairy producers are operating in is ever changing. This year’s GLRDC is designed to help producers expand their knowledge in all aspects of their operation to ensure they are producing milk decades from now.

This year’s conference will feature extended break times, mealtimes and an evening reception all incorporated into the exhibit area to allow ample networking between producers and industry representatives. The conference also features a small ignite stage where short presentations by industry experts will be followed by open dialogue with attendees. Thursday evening will also feature a free bilingual herdsperson session covering transition cows, calves, leadership, and so much more.

In addition to the enhanced networking time, producers will have the opportunity to learn about the following topics throughout the two-day conference:

• the state of the industry with Sarina Sharp
• practical tips and tactics from producers around the great lakes
• strategies for becoming a better, more effective leader no matter your role on the farm
• the future of farming both from a technology and social aspect
• new perspectives on corn silage; a discussion of the 2022 growing season, plant health, compaction, manure, fertility management, alternative forages and more to help producers excel in 2023 and beyond
• key factors to ensure successful transition cows from leading experts at Iowa State University, Elanco Animal Health and Michigan State University
• approaches to improve efficiency and profitability through data
• the ins and outs of using TN visas to increase your available labor pool
• ways to improve manure utilization, conservation practices, and recovering energy
• research supported methods to prevent and manage scours in calves
• silage management safety
• and so much more

The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) will be hosting an informal preconference session for producers (including those not registered for the conference) to learn more about the organization’s dairy promotional activities. The pre-conference session is free and open to all.

Adult, student and farm registration options are available. Register by Jan. 23, 2023, to receive a discount of up to $25 a day. Online registration closes at midnight on Jan. 29, 2023. On-site registration is subject to availability.

For more information or to register online, visit www.glrdc.org. To register by phone, call 989-666-3773.

The 20th annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC) offers dairy producers the opportunity to learn new strategies and tools to help their farm thrive. Producers will hear about ways to increase their bottom line and updates on issues facing the dairy industry. The conference will take place Feb. 3-4, 2022 at the Bavarian Inn and Conference Center in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Dairy producers must constantly update and hone their skills in cow management, land and resource management, and people management. This year’s GLRDC offers sessions to help producers in all these management areas position their operation for success. GLRDC also is a unique opportunity for networking among producers and industry representatives.

Throughout the two-day conference, producers will learn:

• strategies to find the right balance between nutrition and economics.
• the latest in colostrum management and strategies to ensure healthy calves for the future from Tom Earleywine.
• how to position their dairy for success during this economic reset with David Kohl of AgriVisions LLC, who will share his expertise on the global and domestic economy, land values, cash rent, and more.
• recommendations for forage alternatives to reduce risk, improve soil health and increase feed quality with Thomas Kilcer from Advanced Ag Systems LLC.
• the latest technology for dairies and recommendations for deciding why, what and how technology should be incorporated into the farm from Trevor DeVries from the University of Guelph.
• fellow producer Lee Kinnard of Kinnard Farms sharing his view from the other side of the lake. He helps manage their 8,200 cows, 7,000 heifers and 10,750 acres with a focus on sustainability and profitability.
• strategies to recruit, retain and develop employees to grow with the dairy operation.
• how implementing sustainability strategies is critical to help achieve climate neutrality, better optimize water usage, and improve water quality from Sara Place of Elanco Animal Health.
• how to harness great leadership to thrive in the future from Bob Milligan with Dairy Strategies LLC.
• personal strategies from Thomas Kilcer and other producers on utilizing winter forages to increase profits and improve soil health, while overcoming double cropping challenges.
• the latest in heifer reproduction to meet age at conception goals and better manage feed costs associated with raising heifers with Joseph Dalton from the University of Idaho.

The conference also includes an exhibitor showcase; industry and producer networking reception; the Michigan Holstein Association annual meeting; the Michigan Dairy Industry Banquet and an energizing presentation, “If I can” from Chris Koch. Chris, born and raised on a farm in Alberta, was born without arms and legs and used this challenge to fuel his dreams. This motivational presentation is sure to leave attendees inspired to build the life they dream of. The conference also features an informal pre-conference session hosted by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM), who will share an overview of organization’s dairy promotional activities. The pre-conference session is free and open to anyone, including those not registered for the conference.

In addition to the exceptional educational sessions, attendees can connect with various agricultural companies, and purchase heifers and cows through Kreeger and Associates GLRDC All Breeds Online Exchange on Thursday and Friday.

Adult, student and farm registration options are available. Register by Jan. 23, 2022, to receive a discount of up to $25 a day. Online registration closes at midnight on Jan. 30, 2022. On-site registration is subject to availability.

For more information or to register online, visit www.glrdc.org. To register by phone, call 989-666-3773.

The 19^th annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC) is going virtual in 2021. The conference will take place Feb. 4-5, 2021. Experts will share strategies and projections to help producers and industry representatives make the most of the next year and beyond.

Dairy producers have navigated unprecedented challenges for the past five years and the novel corona virus only added to these difficult and challenging times. This year’s conference is designed to hit these challenges head on and provide producers with important updates and information to help them stay competitive and improve their operation. The conference will feature three, two-hour sessions and one bonus session hosted by Michigan State University Extension.

“While we are incredibility disappointed that we are not able to gather for our annual meeting face to face, we are excited to share three specific sessions with producers and industry representatives,” said Brian Troyer, Committee Chair. “The sessions will provide attendees with both the 30,000-foot level perspective of the industry and more detailed sessions to enhance practical applications on the farm.”

The first session will take place on Feb. 4 at 10:30 a.m. featuring Mary Ledman, Global Dairy Strategist with Rabobank. Ledman is a thought leader who has extensive knowledge of domestic and international dairy markets, policy and has more than thirty years of experience in production agriculture, food processing, government service, agricultural policy, dairy risk management, market information and dissemination, and milk and dairy product price forecasting. In addition to her global experience, she is very familiar with the Midwest and unique financial challenges presented in Michigan. She will provide recommendations to help your business thrive in 2021 and beyond.

The second session will start at 7 p.m. on Feb. 4, featuring Tangaroa Walker, a dairy producer and social media influencer from Southland, New Zealand. He will provide a virtual tour of his operation, discuss the challenges and successes of operating in New Zealand and share his perspective on the global dairy market. In addition, he will discuss his journey into social media and how that has helped enhance his operation.

The last formal conference session will take place on Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. with a focus on Raising the Perfect Calf: Your Future Herd Profit Center with Dr. Sandra Godden, DVM, DVSc from the University of Minnesota. Godden will discuss current recommendations for key management areas for care of the pre-weaned calf, including goals for monitoring health and growth, transfer of passive immunity, newborn care, colostrum management, nutritional management, and pros and cons of individual versus group housing systems.  Learning to manage the newborn calves will help ensure a lifetime of performance and profitability.

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension is hosting a bonus session with a focus on how strategic planning can change the dairy and is scheduled for Feb. 5 from 2-3:30 p.m. MSU Extension experts Melissa McKendree, Stan Moore, Corey Clark, Jonathan LaPorte, and Barry Bradford along with a panel of producers will discuss strategic business planning for dairies. The producers will share how they have gone through significant changes in their own dairy businesses.

The conference will also feature a short informational presentation hosted by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) as a part of each session where you will hear an overview of the organization’s dairy promotional activities.

In addition to the exceptional educational sessions, attendees can connect with various agricultural companies by visiting our website sponsor page or joining the networking session. In addition, producers will have the opportunity to purchase heifers and cows through Kreeger and Associates GLRDC All Breeds Online Exchange on Thursday evening.

The registration fee for the full conference is only $35 and attendees are asked to register by Feb. 3, 2021. For more information about the conference or to register online, visit www.glrdc.org. To register by phone, call 517-884-7089.

I used to hear about the old days. I never really understood that, but I’m starting to now. I saw my grandparents operate a dairy farm by growing their hay and silage, by milking and breeding their cows, and by selling their milk. Although I don’t remember when my grandparents pasteurized their own milk, I do remember going up north and getting pasteurized, but not homogenized, milk from Shetler’s Dairy. The milk from Shetler’s Dairy came in glass bottles and was not homogenized; meaning, the cream rose to the top of the bottle creating two inches of cream on top of the milk.

Dairy farming is labor intensive and hard work. The work is hard but you know your animals and they know you. It has become increasingly difficult to find quality, dedicated, and willing workers to work on a dairy farm.  In addition, fewer people are willing to do the kind of hard work dairy farming requires.

Shetler’s Dairy Farm closed in August. Nationwide in 2018 more than 2,700 dairy farms have closed across the country. Michigan has 1500 dairy farms, 97 percent being family owned.  Only 1.7 percent of the U. S. population produces the food for our world. What does this mean for Michigan dairy farmers?

I am concerned about the future of dairy farming and the future of our dairy food supply.  What will we do when our dairy farms are few in number? What will happen to the iconic farms we as a community are used to seeing in our rural landscape? What will happen to the fabric of our rural communities as our small farms, often the backbone of their communities, diminish in number? How do we continue to generate demand for the nutrient rich white milk only dairy cows can provide?  What will we have to pay for milk? Will we have enough milk to meet society’s demand?  Will we end up being forced to drink white vegetable juice someone wants us to believe is an acceptable alternative to real dairy milk, which contains nine essential nutrients?   As the number of dairy producers decrease, how is our production going to be maintained?

Query:  How can we better support dairy farmers in their businesses, how do we attract employees for dairy farms, and how do we maintain supply of such a basic staple of our nutritional needs?  What do you think? I think I am concerned and I am missing the good old days already.