Friday Schedule

7:30 a.m.

Registration and Exhibitor Showcase Open

9:30 a.m.

Breakout Sessions

Cool Cows, Better Performance: Tackling Heat Stress
Geoff Dahl, Ph.D., University of Florida
Heat stress reduces intake and milk yield in lactating cattle, but it also has dramatic effects in cows during late gestation. Dry cows that experience heat stress have lower yields, poorer health and reduced reproductive performance in the next lactation. In addition, their calves are born at a lower bodyweight, have lower passive transfer from colostrum, and altered behavior. As they mature, calves that were heat stressed in utero have lower reproductive performance and reduced milk yields through the first three lactations relative to herdmates born to cooled dams. These effects compound and drive lower longevity of calves that experienced in utero heat stress, and this is also observed in calves born in summer versus winter. The objectives of this session are to document the impact of late gestation heat stress on dam and daughter, describe approaches to cool cows effectively in late gestation, and estimate the economic returns of heat stress abatement of dry cows.

Optimizing Dairy Forages: Proven Strategies for Success
Isaac Salfer, Ph.D., University of Minnesota
Maximizing forage quality is the #1 key to development of successful dairy rations. In this session we will discuss the latest trends and developments in the production of high-quality forages for dairy rations, including alternatives to BMR, low-lignin alfalfa and cover crop forages. Furthermore, we will discuss ideal metrics to consider when evaluating forages and formulating dairy cow rations. Objectives include:

1. Discuss major agronomic factors affecting the quality of forages
2. Discuss the outlook for forage options for dairy producers in the upper Midwest
3. Discuss the current best metrics for determination of forage quality

Reproduction Success Through Automation: Tools for Today’s Dairy
Julio Giordano, Ph.D., Cornell University
Adoption of data-driven technologies by dairy farms creates opportunities for improving herd performance and management practices through precision management. In this presentation, Dr. Giordano will cover the latest research and practical application of targeted reproductive programs incorporating data from automated monitoring systems, genomics, and other readily available data on dairy farms. Special emphasis will be placed on the practical and herd performance implications of integrating multiple data-driven tools for herd management. In this presentation we will discuss the latest concepts on reproductive biology and management of dairy cattle as well as the implications of reproductive performance on herd profitability. The implementation of reproductive management strategies for dairy farms with different management philosophies and resources will be discussed. Special emphasis will be placed on targeted reproductive management strategies integrating synchronization of estrus and ovulation, technologies for detection of estrus, sexed semen, and genomics. Objectives include:

1. Describe the latest advancements in the understanding of dairy cattle reproductive physiology through data-driven technologies including automated monitoring systems, genomics, and other readily available cow-data.
2. Design programs that optimize reproductive performance and profitability of dairy cows through targeted reproductive management programs.
3. Determine the benefits and drawbacks for herd management and performance of recently developed data-driven targeted reproductive management strategies for dairy farms.
4. Design reproductive management programs that match management preferences and resources available to dairy farms through the integration of technology and cow physiology.

10:50 a.m.

Breakout Sessions

Cool Cows, Better Performance: Tackling Heat Stress
Geoff Dahl, Ph.D., University of Florida
Heat stress reduces intake and milk yield in lactating cattle, but it also has dramatic effects in cows during late gestation. Dry cows that experience heat stress have lower yields, poorer health and reduced reproductive performance in the next lactation. In addition, their calves are born at a lower bodyweight, have lower passive transfer from colostrum, and altered behavior. As they mature, calves that were heat stressed in utero have lower reproductive performance and reduced milk yields through the first three lactations relative to herdmates born to cooled dams. These effects compound and drive lower longevity of calves that experienced in utero heat stress, and this is also observed in calves born in summer versus winter. The objectives of this session are to document the impact of late gestation heat stress on dam and daughter, describe approaches to cool cows effectively in late gestation, and estimate the economic returns of heat stress abatement of dry cows.

Creating Teams for Success
Jason Reid, IBA Inc.
Running a dairy isn’t just about cows, feed, and milk—it’s about people. In this practical, hands-on session, Jason Reid, IBA Consultant, shows dairy owners and managers how to lead in a way that prioritizes vulnerable leadership, inclusion, and creating a sense of belonging, while also helping them navigate the unique challenges of family dynamics and multi-generational teams. Jason shares real-world strategies for getting whole teams on the same page: making sure everyone knows what to do, why it matters, and where their work fits into the bigger picture. Attendees will learn how to build trust, set clear expectations, develop leaders from within, and create a culture where employees—family or not—feel valued and motivated to help the farm succeed.

Move In, Move Out: What’s Best for Fresh Cows?
Barry Bradford, Ph.D., Michigan State University
For several decades, fresh cow pens have been a focal point for dairy managers. However, the traditional approach of keep fresh cows separated for 3 weeks is quickly losing favor. This talk will explore the evidence around fresh cow housing and ask what the optimal timing is for “graduation” from the fresh pen, particularly in the era of rumination monitoring.