Dr. Oral "Jug" Capps, Jr., Texas A&M University
Barb O'Brien, Dairy Management, Inc.

Greg Bethard, High Plains Dairy, Kansas
TJ Tuls, Tuls Dairy, Nebraska
Hank Hafliger, Cedar Ridge Dairy, Idaho

Andrew Rose, Ag Futurist, BIO-ISAC

Join us over lunch in celebrating and recognizing these outstanding producers. Find more information about the MILK Business awards here
Each producers story will be shared with outstanding video tributes.
 

Lunch Sponsored by:

MILK Business Awards Sponsored by:
    

Choose one breakout below to attend:
 

Join Case VanderMeulen from Coulee Flats Dairy and Chris Cunningham from Dairy Performance Network (DPN) as they share how IDEXX Alertys pregnancy testing is transforming dairy operations across the US. You’ll hear real-world insights on how this method streamlines workflow, enhances reproductive management, and boosts milk production. Whether you're looking to improve efficiency or explore the future of diagnostics, this session will give you valuable insight and inspiration to rethink what’s possible on your dairy.

Speakers:
Bonnie Carpio, IDEXX Livestock Diagnostic Specialist
Chris Cunningham , GM of Dairy Performance Network (DPN)
Case VanderMeulen, Owner of Coulee Flats Dairy 
 

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This session explores the latest technologies being adopted on dairies and how they are shaping real-time decision making. Speakers will share firsthand experiences from managing large herds and navigating recent health challenges, as well as strategies for improving productivity, financial stability, and environmental sustainability. The discussion will also highlight upcoming innovations designed to address bottlenecks in herd management and efficiency.

Speakers: 
Dr. Barb Petersen, President, Sunrise Veterinary Service 
Rurrd Veldhuis, Co-owner at Veldhuis Dairies 
Afimilk Representative 

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A new paradigm in dry cow management is emerging, where feed-based interventions and microbial communication science meet veterinary expertise to drive performance and resilience.
As the dairy sector embraces sustainability and antimicrobial stewardship, AHV highlights the vital role of Animal Health Advisors in guiding evidence-based dry cow strategies. This keynote introduces StopLac and AHV’s science-backed approach to Selective Dry Cow Therapy, inviting collaboration with U.S. veterinarians.

Speaker: 
Geoffrey Ackaert, DVM
Technical Director - AHV International

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Dairy producers face more technology choices than ever, but what truly matters is finding solutions that align with each farm's unique management style and bottom-line goals. This presentation dives into practical strategies for navigating today’s tech landscape—cutting through the noise, zeroing in on what fits, and empowering producers to select tools that enhance herd care, productivity, and profitability.

Speakers: 
Torie Little, Regional Commercial Lead
Paul Berdell, VP of Business Development

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In a world of unending volatility, this session will provide attendees with a better handle on supply and demand drivers critical to milk prices throughout 2026. From cheese production growth to milk supply outlook, attendees will build confidence in dairy markets to understand what’s coming next year.  

Speaker: 
Lucas Fuess, Senior Dairy Analyst at Rabobank                                                                                                                                                                            

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We will showcase the advanced features designed to enhance efficiency and precision in crop processing, along with improved operator comfort and technology integration. Attendees can look forward to exploring key innovations such as new engine options, upgraded cutting systems, and intelligent automation capabilities, all aimed at maximizing productivity and sustainability in forage harvesting.

Speakers: 
Shane Campbell, North American Forage Harvesting Product Manager
Matt Schleicher, Dairy and Livestock Production System Marketing Manager
 

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Dr. Gonzalo Ferreira will present his latest research on the use of alfalfa in dairy diets, focusing on its role from pre-partum to post-partum stages. He will also explore agronomic and sustainability benefits, followed by a Q&A session.

Speaker:
Dr. Gonzalo Ferreira,  Dairy Management Extension Specialist in the Department of Dairy Science at Virginia Tech
Moderator: 
Dr. Emily Meccage is the Director of Research and Development at Forage Genetics International

Session brought to you by: 

Calf raising can be a guessing game if you don’t always have trained eyes on them – one day a calf is fine, then the next day they refuse to get up. With SenseHub Dairy Youngstock monitoring ear tag, producers can raise calves with confidence. It is constantly analyzing calf behaviors to notify producers the instant a calf starts acting differently. Learn how SenseHub Dairy Youngstock monitoring is giving producers the confidence to raise healthier replacements, take action sooner and help each calf reach their lifetime potential.

Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Wilson, Dairy Monitoring Customer Success Specialist

Session brought to you by: 

Moderator: Karen Bohnert, Dairy Editorial Director, Farm Journal 
Leader in Technology - McCarty Family Farms, Colby, Kansas
Employee Excellence - Travis Ties, Holdgrafer Dairy, Bellevue, Iowa
Young Producer - Wybrand Vander Dussen - La Salle, Colorado

https://www.dairyherd.com/news/business/celebrating-excellence-dairy-2025-milk-business-award-recipients-announced 

Sponsored by:

Breakfast Sponsored by:

Krysta Harden, President & CEO, USDEC

Stephen Cain, National Milk Producers Federation

Paul Windemuller, Dream Winds Dairy, Michigan

Jason Anderson, Double A Dairy, Idaho
Brandon Beavers, Full Circle Jerseys, Texas
 

Rick Naerbout, Idaho Dairymen’s Association 
 

Host:  Tyne Morgan, U.S. Farm Report
Panelists:  
Phil Phord, EverAg Insights
Rick Naerbout, Idaho Dairymen's Association

Moderator: Clinton Griffiths, Host of AgDay
 

Tyne Morgan and Clinton Griffiths return with a live recording of their podcast featuring Mark Inkrott, former NFL athlete and founding partner of UpField Group, where he drives growth in sports, agriculture, and sustainability through strategy, partnerships, and commercialization.

What's a Dairy DARTY?  A Day Party! Join us for an afternoon of networking, games and fun. Meet other dairy producers while enjoying the beautiful Paris Hotel pool deck with food, drinks and sunshine!  

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