Michigan State University to participate in the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference, Feb. 2-3
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EmailThis year’s conference, in Mt. Pleasant, Mich., offers a variety of topics and enhanced networking opportunities to help dairy producers thrive.
Michigan State University (MSU) experts are scheduled to speak at the 21st annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC). The conference will take place Feb. 2-3, 2023, at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
“We are so excited to partner with the GLRDC to share valuable research and content with dairy producers,” said MSU’s Barry Bradford, Clint Meadows Chair in Dairy Management. “Producers must remain on the cutting edge and continue evolving as the industry fluctuates in order to remain profitable.”
Bradford will kick off the opening session of the conference by hosting Jacob Pieper from Phibro Animal Health on a session focused on using data to make better decisions on the farm – particularly around employee retention and performance. This presentation will be followed by Kevin Dhuyvetter, a technical consultant with Elanco, exploring the economics of heifer raising.
Later in the day doctoral students will offer short presentations about the latest research in dairy from MSU. Thainá Minela will present her research around exogenous manipulation of ovarian dynamics for improving fertility of lactating dairy cows, and Alycia Burch will present on harnessing the potential of a high oleic acid soybean to increase production responses in high producing dairy cows.
During the afternoon breakout sessions Bradford will join experts from Iowa State University and Elanco Animal Health to discuss key factors to ensure healthy transition cows.
On Thursday evening, Michigan State University Extension educators will help host a free session for herdspersons and other dairy managers. Beginning at 5 p.m. with a networking reception, the program will begin at 6 p.m. featuring strategies to maximize use of herd management software, best practices for transition cows, next generation dairy technology, and learning to lead in any role. The program will be offered in both English and Spanish.
MSU will also host an update and industry feedback session on Friday, Feb. 3 at 7 a.m. Producers and industry representatives are encouraged to join the session and share any ideas they have about how MSU can better support the industry.
This year’s conference features a new format offering a variety of topics and enhanced networking opportunities to help dairy producers thrive. A variety of technical and strategic information will be shared to help producers improve their bottom line.
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.
With extended break times, mealtimes and an evening reception all incorporated into the exhibit area, ample networking time is available for producers and industry representatives. The conference also features an ignite stage where short presentations by industry experts will be followed by open dialogue with attendees.
In addition to the MSU-related programs above, dairy producers can 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
- 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
- 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
The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) will be hosting an informal preconference session on Feb. 1 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.
