2026 course updates
New location
Due to renovations on campus, this year's course will be hosted at Greek Peak Mountain Resort, located just 20 minutes from Ithaca, NY. Greek Peak is conveniently located 2.5 miles from Route I-81 and less than an hour from Syracuse, Binghamton, and Ithaca.
Course Summary
The Dairy Nutrition Shortcourse and the Advanced Dairy Nutrition and Management Shortcourse are conducted in opposite years as a collaboration between Cornell University and Miner Institute with additional invited course faculty from other universities.
The Advanced Dairy Nutrition and Management Shortcourse provides an in-depth exposure to selected topics of emerging and continued interest relating to dairy cattle nutrition and management. The course is designed primarily for experienced nutritionists and allied industry professionals and is conducted in even calendar years near Cornell University.
June 8 - 11, 2026
Presented by
- Cornell Animal Science
- Miner Institute
Agenda
A high‑level, applied shortcourse for experienced nutritionists and industry professionals, focused on emerging science, advanced tools, and practical on-farm implementation. Instruction will be led by leading faculty and researchers from Cornell University and Miner Institute, along with invited experts from peer institutions.
Topics include:
- Transition cow biology, inflammation, and mineral regulation
- Calf, heifer, and high‑component nutrition strategies
- Microbiome science, silage intake optimization, and AI‑driven consulting
- Fiber characterization, feed chemistry, and CNCPS applications
Why you should attend:
- Learn from leaders actively shaping dairy nutrition research and practice
- Explore what’s changing now—and what’s coming next
- Strengthen your ability to interpret data and apply advanced tools on farms
- Network with peers facing similar high‑level challenges
Course agenda
12:00 PM
Registration opens
We recommend stopping for lunch in Ithaca, Dryden or Cortland prior to arriving
1:00 PM
Course welcome and overview of Session 1
Dr. Tom Overton, Cornell Animal Science
1:15 PM
Biology and management of hypocalcemia in transition cows
Dr. Jessica McArt, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine
2:30 PM
Break
3:00 PM
Nutritional strategies to manage hypocalcemia in transition cows
Dr. Tom Overton, Cornell Animal Science
4:00 PM
Inflammation and immune opportunities in transition cows
Dr. Tom Overton, Cornell Animal Science
4:45 PM
Adjourn
5:00 PM
Dinner at Hope Lake Lodge
Join us on Monday evening to kick off a week of engaging learning and networking. This scenic setting is just steps from Hope Lake Lodge, with a dinner buffet will provided as you relax and connect with fellow attendees.
7:00 AM
Breakfast at Trax
8:00 AM
Energy and protein nutrition of the dry and fresh cow
Dr. Heather Dann, Miner Institute
9:15 AM
Advances in calf nutrition and management
Dr. Marcos Marcondes, Miner Institute
10:15 AM
Break
10:45 AM
Advances in heifer nutrition and management
Dr. Marcos Marcondes, Miner Institute
11:45 AM
Lunch at Trax
12:45 PM
Advances in fiber chemistry and the role of BCVFA in fiber digestibility
Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell Animal Science
2:00 PM
Factors affecting starch digestibility and utilization
Dr. Heather Dann, Miner Institute
3:00 PM
Break
3:30 PM
New concepts in amino acid nutrition and improving N efficiency
Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell Animal Science
4:45 PM
Adjourn
5:00 PM
Evening shuttle pick-up
Depart by 5:15 PM for evening activities and dinner at Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards
Join us for a relaxed evening exploring the campus of one of the region's most iconic destinations, Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards. Round-trip transportation and a dinner buffet are provided as you unwind in the orchards after a day full of presentations.
7:00 AM
Breakfast at Trax
8:00 AM
Emerging opportunities in how we approach silage management
Dr. Heather Dann, Miner Institute
9:00 AM
Type I and Type II errors and dairy decision-making
Dr. Tom Overton, Cornell Animal Science
10:00 AM
Break
10:30 AM
Opportunities to modulate the rumen microbiome to increase rumen and overall feed efficiency
Dr. Hugo Monteiro, Cornell Animal Science
12:00 PM
Lunch at Trax
Session 1 adjourns
1:15 PM
Session 2 welcome and overview of CNCPS and session
Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell Animal Science
1:30 PM
CNCPS v7 demonstration and discussion
Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell Animal Science
3:00 PM
Comparisons of CNCPS 6.5 and NASEM
Dr. Tom Overton, Cornell Animal Science
3:30 PM
Break
4:00 PM
CNCPS application for dry and fresh cows
Dr. Tom Overton, Cornell Animal Science
4:45 PM
CNCPS application for lactating cows
Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell Animal Science
5:30 PM
Adjourn and dinner on your own
Enjoy an evening on your own to network with new colleagues and old friends. Check out Steak Night at Trax Pub & Grill right Greek Peak or venture into Ithaca or Cortland.
7:00 AM
Breakfast
8:00 AM
CNCPS application for calves and heifers
Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell Animal Science
8:45 AM
Comparisons of CNCPS predictions of version 6.5.5 with version 7
Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell Animal Science
9:30 AM
Break
10:00 AM
Overview of commercial versions of CNCPS
Dr. Mike Van Amburgh and license holders
10:30 AM
Concurrent sessions – use of AMTS, NDS, and Dalex
12:00 PM
Lunch and open discussion
2:00 PM
Adjourn
For More Information
- (607) 255-4478
- hh96 [at] cornell.edu
Previous course materials and recordings
The 2024 course is completed and electronic materials are available for purchase. Presentations with Q&A recordings and electronic materials from the virtual course hosted in 2020 are also available for purchase.
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