Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference
Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference set for June 11 and 12
AMES, Iowa—Dairy farmers and industry professionals are invited to attend the 2025 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, which will be held on June 11 and 12 at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The conference will feature the latest insights to improve dairy producers’ productivity and profit.
“Dairy farmers can expect two days of timely topics and discussion,” said Gail Carpenter, assistant professor and extension dairy specialist at Iowa State University. “This is a great opportunity to learn more about topics ranging from dairy nutrition to reproduction, and to network with others in the industry.”
The Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition pre-conference symposium will focus on improving efficiency through better livestock health. Sangita Jalukar, Arm & Hammer, will cover calf immune system challenges. Joel Pankowski, Arm & Hammer, will touch on mycotoxin mitigation. Isaac Salfer, University of Minnesota, will discuss recent research developments in probiotics and Jesse Thompson, Arm & Hammer, will share suggestions for improved digestibility.
Four-State conference speakers include Alex Bach from the University of Lleida in Spain. He will discuss management and nutritional strategies for improving profitability. Jackie Boerman from Purdue University will talk about muscle composition changes throughout lactation. A panel will feature award-winning farmers sharing their successes in achieving high solids production.
The other general session will focus on advances in nutritional efficiency. It includes Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell University, who will present nitrogen efficiency strategies. Luiz Ferraretto, University of Wisconsin, will address corn silage management’s impact on efficiency, and Isaac Salfer, University of Minnesota, will offer practical approaches to improving feeding efficiency. Both sessions will include panel discussions with the speakers.
Select breakout topics
The role of amino acids in fatty acid synthesis
Maximizing dairy replacement performance
Using videos to enhance feeding management
Hidden costs of heat stress
Calcium and negative DCAD impacts on reproduction
The latest in dairy technology
Cocktail forage mix effects on cow production
Nutritional approaches to reduce calf stress
AI timing strategies using sexed and conventional semen based on increased activity and synchronization on fertility.
Graduate student presentations and networking
The conference will also host the third annual Three-Minute Student Thesis contest with a poster session. Graduate students from the partner universities will present their research in a fast-paced, engaging format.
In addition to the educational program, there will be a trade show featuring over 40 companies showcasing their latest products. Attendees can enjoy evening receptions and network with dairy professionals from across the region. Continuing education units are available.
Registration details
This conference is a collaborative effort of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, University of Illinois Extension, University of Minnesota Extension and University of Wisconsin-Extension.
Registration costs are $100 for university staff in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin; $50 for students; and $225 for regular attendees. Prices are set to increase after May 25.
Register online by visiting the Four-State Dairy website or contact your state dairy specialist.
For more information, contact in northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in east central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu; in Ames, Gail Carpenter, 515-294-9085 or ajcarpen@iastate.edu.
