University Minnesota

The 2016 4-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference is fast approaching on June 15-16 at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, Iowa. The conference will present the latest research on nutrition and management.

The program starts on June 15 with the Diamond V pre-conference symposium. Speakers will discuss new perspectives on salmonella control and improving immunity in dairy animals.

Four State conference speakers include Dave Mertens, Mertens Inovations, discussing how to use uNDF to predict performance and design rations. Lance Baumgard, Iowa State University will share his latest research on leaky gut contribution to inefficient nutrient utilization and University of Wisconsin nutritionist Randy Shaver will revisit the latest starch research.

Another session will focus on improving reproduction. Phil Cardoso, University of Illinois, will discuss his research on feeding amino acids and the affect on reproduction. Paul Fricke will show how to achieive high pregnancy rates along with high production. Don Niles, DVM and partner in Dairy Dreams dairy will discuss how their dairy implements practices to achieve high production and reproduction.

Select breakout topics include:


  • Advantage of using aNDFom
  • Heifer stocking density and performance
  • Keys to success with automatic calf feeders
  • Maintaining forage quality in organic systems
  • Using MUN as a nutritional and environmental management tool
  • Using cow behavior monitors for management
  • Forage value of cover crops


New this year is a post conference symposium sponsored by Balchem and focusing on milk protein. Speakers include Tom Overton, Cornell University, John Lucey, University of Wisconsin and Greg Bethard, Pagel's Ponderosa & Dairy Dreams dairy.

In addition to the educational program, there is a trade show with 50 companies exhibiting their latest products, evening receptions and plenty of time to network with other participants. ARPAS and veterinary CEU credits are available (contact your state veterinary certifying agency).

For more information and to register, visit www.z.umn.edu/4state or contact Wisconsin Agri-Service Association, 608-223-1111, or Jim Salfer at salfe001@umn.edu or 320-203-6093. The conference registration fee is $150 until May 31 and $175 after.

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6.01.2016