Thursday  Schedule

9:00 a.m.

Registration opens

Pre-conference Session: 

On Farm Solar: NOT in field Solar

Learn about opportunities for individual on-farm solar, without utilizing fields. Explore tax credits, depreciation benefits, funding options and more to make on farm solar possible for you.

Sponsored Session: Solar by Alamo Valley Ag

9:30 a.m.

Exhibitor Showcase Begins

10:45 a.m.

Cow Health Strategies Panel
Rafael Neves, Purdue University
Rachelle Bennecke, DVM, Stoney Hills Veterinary Service, PLC
Greg Crosley, DVM, Countryside Veterinary Service P.C.

Experts will share the current state of understanding of transition cow calcium dynamics, hyperketonemia, and systemic inflammation, and other key factors for cow health, including real-world examples from experienced veterinarians.

Host: Mark Fox, DVM, Thumb Veterinary Services

12:30 p.m.

Lunch and Networking

1:30 p.m.

Dairy Market and Policy Outlook

Marin Bozic, University of Minnesota

2:30 p.m.

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

New Approaches in Labor Management
Luke Miller, Alltech
Esther Flores, Lakeview Farms
Juan Quezada, Milk Source, LLC

Labor is an essential component to many farming operations and finding and keeping good employees is critical. Hear from human resources specialists as they share new approaches to labor management, key factors of employee recruitment and retention, as well as practical tactics to improve your employee relations.

Host: Marin Western, Perdue Agribusiness

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. Hear 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.

Brian DeMann, Clearview Dairy, Martin, MI

Brett Feldpausch, Rich Ro Farms, St Johns, MI

Mike Halfman, T&H Dairy, Fowler, MI

Nelson Knobloch, John Deere Product & System Specialist, Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters

Colton Gregory, Product Specialist Hay & Forage, New Holland

Patrick Weitzel, Product Specialist, New Holland

 

Host: Dann Bolinger, Pioneer

Nutrition in the Future
Gonzalo Ferreira, Virginia Tech;
Jeff Firkins, Ohio State University

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.

Host: Barry Bradford, Michigan State University

3:50 p.m.

Break and Sponsor Networking

4:15 p.m.

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

New Approaches in Labor Management
Luke Miller, Alltech
Esther Flores, Lakeview Farms
Juan Quezada, Milk Source, LLC

Labor is an essential component to many farming operations and finding and keeping good employees is critical. Hear from human resources specialists as they share new approaches to labor management, key factors of employee recruitment and retention, as well as practical tactics to improve your employee relations.

Host: Marin Western, Perdue Agribusiness

 

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. Hear 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.

Brian DeMann, Clearview Dairy, Martin, MI

Brett Feldpausch, Rich Ro Farms, St Johns, MI

Mike Halfman, T&H Dairy, Fowler, MI

Nelson Knobloch, John Deere Product & System Specialist, Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters

Colton Gregory, Product Specialist Hay & Forage, New Holland

Patrick Weitzel, Product Specialist, New Holland

Host: Dann Bolinger, Pioneer

 

Nutrition in the Future
Gonzalo Ferreira, Virginia Tech;
Jeff Firkins, Ohio State University

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.

Host: Barry Bradford, Michigan State University

5:00 p.m.

GreenStone Farm Credit Services Networking Reception

Three Fires Room

5:30 p.m.

Reception and Sponsor Networking

5:45 p.m.

Ignite Session: Heifer Growth and Reproduction
Paul Fricke, University of Wisconsin

An in-depth look at dairy heifer growth targets for insemination eligibility and the subsequent impact on milk production in the first lactation as well as aggressive reproductive management strategies to get heifers pregnant.

6:30 p.m.

Ignite Session:The Future of Sustainability
Kaitlyn Briggs, DVM, MBA, Dairy Management Inc.

Sustainability is a constantly moving target, with requests from consumers and retailers continuing to change and the definition of sustainability varying amongst different groups. And, the models and measures by which dairy farmers are held accountable continue to evolve. Learn more about how much progress can be made and what levers farmers, processors, and other members of the value chain can use to make this progress

7:00 p.m.

Herdsperson Sessions

These technical English and Spanish sessions will focus on practical approaches to cattle movement, communication strategies and maternity care. In addition, it will provide a platform to share challenges and solutions with each other.

English – Host: Mark Fox, DVM, Thumb Veterinary Services

Spanish – Host: Angel Abuelo, DVM, Michigan State University 

7:00 p.m.

Michigan Dairy Industry Recognition Night Reception and Banquet Dinner