ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Come learn the latest in dairy nutrition and management at the La Crosse Center on June 3 and 4, 2026, during the annual Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference. This is a collaborative effort between the Extension services of Iowa State University, the University of Illinois, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin.
The conference begins on Wednesday, June 3, with a Pre-Conference Symposium sponsored by Diamond V. This session is designed to challenge current industry standards and provide insights into herd health and efficiency. Topics include:
Dr. Mark Thomas (Dairy Health Management Services) will present “Re-evaluating Transition Cow Dogmas, is the Nutritionist Really to Blame for the Problems?” Dr. Nigel Cook (University of Wisconsin) will discuss current trends in lameness management and Dr. Lance Baumgard (Iowa State University) will discuss how to translate science into practical farm implementation recommendations.
Following the symposium, the main conference plenary kicks off with a focus on “Finding the next 5 pounds of milk” with Dr. Barry Bradford (Michigan State University) and a data-driven look at feed efficiency with Dr. Francisco Penagaricano (University of Wisconsin).
A major highlight of the afternoon will be the High Component Awards, recognizing the highest three component herds in the four-state region. The top three winning farmers will participate in a featured panel discussion to share the management strategies behind their elite production levels.
The June 4 plenary session will focus on High-Oleic Soybeans (HO), featuring Paul Kononoff (University of Nebraska) presenting on how HO beans fit in ration models. Dr. Lynn Davis will discuss his thirty-five years of experience on quality control and roasting of soybeans. We will also have a panel of nutritionists to discuss their experiences in feeding HO beans.
Graduate students award winners of the Three-Minute Student Thesis (3MT) contest will be announced.
Breakout sessions include topics on leveraging tech in the field, practical applications of the CNCPS model designing feeding programs for profitability, optimizing reproductive efficiency of heifers and using cover crops in dairy cattle nutrition.
The Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference concludes on the afternoon of June 4 with a post-conference session sponsored by Forage Genetics International. The session features a panel of experts discussing strategies for getting the most out of alfalfa in rations. This will also feature a tour of the Forage Genetics International Research Center in West Salem to see firsthand the innovations driving alfalfa quality and performance.
In addition to the educational program, there is a trade show with over 40 companies exhibiting their latest products, enjoy evening receptions and network with dairy professional from across the region. CEU credits are available.
To register and learn more, visit fourstatedairy.org or contact your state dairy specialist. For questions contact Jim Salfer 612-360-4506 or [email protected].
— University of Minnesota Extension