By Andi Anderson
The 24th annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference will be held on February 5 and 6, 2026, at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
This two-day event provides dairy producers with access to experts who share practical knowledge and current research to improve farm performance.
Over the two days, participants will learn about nutrition, forages, cow health and welfare, farm facilities, technology and automation, and milk marketing and processing. The conference also offers opportunities to meet industry partners and build connections with fellow producers.
“GLRDC plays a vital role in equipping dairy producers with the latest research and practical innovations, and MSU is proud to contribute to that mission,” Barry Bradford, MSU’s Clint Meadows Chair in Dairy Management said. “Producers who attend walk away with knowledge that supports better decisions, stronger management and, ultimately, improved profitability.”
Michigan State University will provide focused sessions that offer added depth to key topics. Experts will discuss high oleic soybeans and their role in improving efficiency and sustainability.
Research on planning dairy expansions will also be shared, along with information on how Extension training supports worker development. Additional sessions will explain how a new university dairy facility can support modern dairy needs.
Another session will explore fresh cow housing and the best timing for moving cows out of fresh pens, including the use of rumination monitoring tools. These sessions will help producers improve herd health and productivity.
A special Spanish-only program will be offered on February 6. This free program is designed for herdspersons and dairy managers and will focus on managing cows and calves, farm leadership, and cattle reproduction.
All sessions in this program will be delivered entirely in Spanish to better serve Spanish-speaking dairy workers.
The conference will also include sessions on hoof management, building strong farm teams, forage-based feeding innovations, crop outlook updates, and labor solutions such as visa programs.
“Dairy producers continue to navigate a demanding landscape, yet their resilience remains remarkable,” Bradford said. “GLRDC offers a chance to come together, hear from leading experts and gather the insights needed to move forward with confidence.”
Registration options are available for adults, students, and farms. Discounted rates are offered for producers, and registration closes on February 1, 2026, subject to availability.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Michigan, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle