The 11th annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference is slated for Feb. 7-9 at the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Conference Center in Frankenmuth.
The conference is focused on making attendees aware of the tools and resources available for managing the challenges facing the dairy industry. It will touch on everything from the latest technological advancements and more efficient nutrition decisions to mastering the use of social media and promotion of farm products.
The first day of the conference will feature keynote speaker Dale Bauman, who is widely regarded by the industry as the godfather of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBst). He will discuss the impact that new technology has on the dairy industry and public perception of change.
Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference Is Feb. 7-9
Nutrition is the focus of the session "Feeding Cows in 2012-2013: What Has Been Learned, What Are We Still Learning and How Do Dairy Farmers Move Forward?" presented by Mike Hutjens, dairy Extension specialist from the University of Illinois, and Greg Zuver, dairy nutritionist with Caledonia Farmers Elevator.
A concurrent session by Tom Earleywine, director of nutritional services at Land O'Lakes, is titled "The Latest in Calf Nutrition." This session will explore the latest research findings for managing groups, using robotic calf feeders and meeting nutritional requirements for calves.
Rounding out the first day of the conference will be a producer panel featuring Nathan Elzinga, of Daybreak Dairy, Zeeland; Dr. Lou Neuder, D.V.M., Green Meadow Farms, Inc., Elsie; and Brian Schaap, Visser Calf Ranch, Strathmore, Calif. They will share their views and experiences related to optimizing newborn calf care and health.
The evening's dinner program will provide an inside look at the innovative partnership built between Domino's and the dairy industry.
Friday morning's lineup features Tom Overton, associate professor of dairy nutrition at Cornell University, who will discuss how producers can achieve peak performance from their fresh cows by addressing their specific nutritional needs. Dr. Ron Erskine, Michigan State University (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Roger Thompson, D.V.M., Team Management Concepts, will offer advice on how prevention is preferable to using drugs as a cure-all. Their session will also offer tips for avoiding drug residue when treatment is the only option.