The CNC, first held in 1938, has grown into a premier international conference dedicated to advancing the field of animal nutrition. Attracting a diverse audience of feed manufacturers, nutritionists, consultants, researchers, and university faculty, the event showcases recent research and insights, primarily focused on dairy nutrition.
Attendees can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest trends and developments in animal nutrition, as well as practical insights and actionable advice that they can apply to their own work. Whether you are a seasoned industry veteran or just starting out in the field, the Cornell Nutrition Conference is an invaluable resource that can help you take your career to the next level.
2026 Pre-Conference Symposium proposals
The annual three-day educational event kicks off with a pre-conference symposium and reception on the first day. We welcome sponsorship of the pre-conference symposium from companies who have demonstrated support of the Conference’s mission.
Pre-conference proposals are now being accepted for the 2026 conference, to be held on October 20 - 22, 2026 at the Doubletree by Hilton, East Syracuse, New York. Proposals to sponsor the 2026 pre-conference symposium should be submitted by February 28, 2025. Proposals will be reviewed by the conference committee and a decision will be made by mid-April 2025.
2024 Conference Highlights
Over 450 dairy nutritionists, consultants and industry professionals from around the world gathered in East Syracuse, NY last week for the 86th Annual Cornell Nutrition Conference. Participants gained insight into the latest research and developments in animal nutrition, leaving with actionable practices to help their farmer clients feed the world. Attendees represented feed manufacturers, dairy nutritionists, consultants, industry suppliers, and university and extensions professionals. The conference has been coordinated and presented by Cornell Animal Science since 1938.
“We were excited to welcome another large domestic and international crowd to the Cornell Nutrition Conference,” said Dr. Tom Overton, Professor and Overall Conference Chair. “A robust agenda that features cutting edge research from Cornell and other leading faculty programs from around the country is a highlight for us.”
Leading researchers and industry experts highlighted recent animal nutrition advances. Conference sessions focused on dairy cattle nutrition, emphasizing the impact of nutritional strategies on muscle health, milk production, immune response, and nutrient efficiency. With a focus on greenhouse gas emissions of dairy farming and industry Net Zero commitments by 2050, researchers also introduced innovative methods to quantify greenhouse gas emissions and reduce a farm’s environmental footprint. Presentations discussed opportunities to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane to help nutritionists understand their potential role, and to empower dairy producers to adopt practices and implement practical tools that enhance sustainability without compromising productivity.
“We are at a pivotal moment in dairy farming where science and sustainability go hand in hand,” said Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, Professor and Conference Program Chair, Cornell University. “The findings shared at this conference provide practical solutions for allied industry to help dairy producers improve animal health, enhance production efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts.”
Dr. Jackie Boerman, Purdue University, presented recent research results related to amino acid supplementation, its impact on skeletal muscle, and the role of skeletal muscle on milk production.
A panel of Cornell experts (Lauren Ray, Oliver Godber, Kirsten Workman, & Mike Van Amburgh) discussed a range of potential solutions to assess and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on dairies.
Dr. Tom Overton, Cornell Animal Science, discussed how high oleic soybeans can best be used in lactating dairy cattle diets.
In a presentation sponsored by Selko, Lance Baumgard, Iowa State University, summarized healthy cows employed glucose-sparing mechanisms and how immune activation disrupted whole-body bioenergetics.
Dr. Mike Van Amburgh emphasized that achieving optimum amino acid balance is more about overall energetic efficiency than just nitrogen efficiency in his presentation on non-net amino acid needs.
Panelists from consumer packaged goods industry discussed their sustainable dairy plans to reduce livestock methane in the United States and globally.
Awards presented
Awards were presented to four graduate students to honor their graduate studies and research efforts:
- The Leonard A. Maynard Graduate Student Awards are given to Cornell University graduate students with outstanding performance in a nutrition-related program, in honor of Dr. Maynard, one of Cornell University’s most distinguished nutritionists. Fabian Gutierrez-Oviedo and Keith Ou received this award.
- The Danny G. Fox Graduate Fellowship recognizes Dr. Fox’s 35-year career at Cornell focused on development of data, methods, mathematical models, and computer software to more accurately predict cattle nutrient requirements and nutrients derived from feeds with wide variations in cattle type, environments, and feeds. Alexandria Benoit, Cornell University, received this fellowship.
- The Charlie Sniffen Graduate Student Award was established at the Cornell Nutrition Conference in 2016 by Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health in recognition of Dr. Sniffen’s dedication and enthusiasm for dairy nutrition research. The award honors students from Cornell University and University of Vermont/Miner Institute who exemplify Dr. Sniffen’s leadership in conducting and communicating impactful research. Gift Omoruyi, a PhD student at the University of Vermont/Miner Institute, received this award.
Fabian Gutierrez-Oviedo and Keith Ou received the Leonard A. Maynard Graduate Student Awards for outstanding performance in a nutrition-related program.
Alexandria Benoit, Cornell University, received the Danny G. Fox Graduate Fellowship which is awarded to honor Dr. Fox's work to more accurately predict cattle nutrient requirements.
Gift Omoruyi, a PhD student at the University of Vermont/Miner Institute, received the Charlie Sniffen Graduate Student Award, given to students conducting and communicating impactful research.
Thank you, sponsors!
The Department of Animal Science thanks the industry partners whose sponsorships help make this event possible. This year’s pre-conference symposium was presented by Phibro Animal Health Corporation. Breakfast presentations were sponsored by Novus International and Selko. Additional sponsors are recognized on the conference website.
Join us next year!
The next Cornell Nutrition Conference will be hosted on October 21 to 23, 2025. To join the mailing list and for more information, visit cals.cornell.edu/animal-science.
More Information
- (607) 255-4478
- hh96 [at] cornell.edu
Department Chair, Professor of Dairy Nutrition and Management
Animal Science
Program Director
PRO-DAIRY
- (607) 255-2878
- tro2 [at] cornell.edu
Conference Committee
- Tom Overton - Chair
- Heather Darrow - Conference Coordinator
- Larry Chase - Cornell University
- Heather Dann, Miner Institute
- Debbie Cherney, Cornell University
- Quirine Ketterings, Cornell University
- Xingen Lei, Cornell University
- Joseph McFadden, Cornell University
- Sarah Morrison, Miner Institute
- Kristan Reed, Cornell University
- Nathalie Trottier, Cornell University
- Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell University
Future Conference Dates
All conferences will be hosted at the Doubletree by Hilton, East Syracuse, NY
- October 21 - 23, 2025
- October 20 - 22, 2026
- October 19 - 21, 2027
- October 17 - 19, 2028