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Learn the latest information in dairy nutrition and management by attending the 2019 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference on June 12 and 13 at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, Iowa. This premier conference will feature information on dealing with today’s economic environment and the newest research to improve profit.

Elanco animal health’s pre-conference symposium will focus on uncovering profit opportunities. Adam Moeser, Michigan State University will cover how stress impacts gut health in calves. Elanco‘s Dr. Mike Overton will talk about replacement heifers. How many, what kind and how do we manage them for profit. Dr. Michelle Calvo-Lorenze will be discussing how we can use welfare standards to improve profit. In addition, Dr. Mike Brouk, Kansas State, will help participants learn keys to maximize whole farm feed efficiency.

Four State conference speakers include Vita Plus’s Gary Sipiorski discussing how to survive in today’s economic situation. Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois will talk about feeding strategies with low milk prices and Albert De Vries, University of Florida will talk about the economics of raising the right heifers. Farmer’s Terry Van Maanen and Hunter Haven farm will address how they have managed costs on their farms.

Alex Bach from Spain will discuss their research on rearing youngstock for maximum performance and health. Paul Fricke, University of Wisconsin, will cover management strategies in the era of high pregnancy rates and Rick Grant, Miner Institute will talk about their latest forage research.

Select breakout topics include:

  • Feeding for success: What cows need in their feeding environment.
  • Successfully transitioning the dry cow to the beginning of lactation.
  • Can negative DCAD diets improve reproduction?
  • Feeding high fiber forages for heifers.
  • Economics of cow longevity.
  • Transition diseases and culling: Is lower really better?
  • The ins and outs of behavior wellbeing of dairy cows?
  • Helping dairy farmers to manage stress
  • Beyond lysine and methionine: What have we learned about histidine?

Enogen feed’s post-conference symposium includes Randy Shaver, University of Wisconsin talking about the latest research on Enogen corn silage and the tradeoff between corn silage quality and yield. Luiz Ferraretto, University of Florida will discuss new perspectives on fiber and starch digestibility of corn silage.

In addition to the educational program, there is a trade show with over 50 companies exhibiting their latest products, evening receptions and plenty of time to network with other participants. Advanced Dairy CE and ARPAS CEU credits are available.

This conference is a collaborative effort of Iowa State University Extension, University of Illinois Extension, University of Minnesota Extension and University of Wisconsin-Extension.

For more information and to register, visit http://fourstatedairy.org/ 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.