Herd Health and Nutrition Conference

March 10, 2027
East Syracuse, NY

In conjunction with Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance Annual Meeting on March 9.

2027 conference update

Together, the NEAFA Annual Meeting and Herd Health and Nutrition Conference create a forum for learning, collaboration and industry connections.

The NEAFA Annual Meeting on March 8 features timely, topical seminars, engaging panel discussions, agricultural markets and policy insights and excellent networking opportunities with industry leaders.

The following day, the Herd Health and Nutrition Conference on March 9 delivers research-driven insights through presentations by leading scientists, industry experts, and progressive producers, providing practical strategies to enhance herd health, optimize nutrition, improve operational efficiency and strengthen long-term sustainability.

Thank you, sponsors!

PRO-DAIRY and NEAFA thank the industry sponsors whose contributions helps make this event possible.

Presented by

2026 conference highlights

Nearly 150 dairy industry professionals gathered in East Syracuse, NY to hear from industry experts about the latest trends and research related to dairy herd health and nutrition.

“The Herd Health and Nutrition Conference is a great venue to network while also hearing the latest research around dairy nutrition, management and sustainability,” said Charlie Elrod, NEAFA Board President. “The Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance is proud to collaborate with Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY to provide a program of research-backed solutions that can be implemented on dairy farms immediately. In addition, the opportunity to network with our colleagues across the agriculture supply chain in one place helps us all continue to learn, grow and improve our industry.”

Participants gained insights into how the modern dairy cow is advancing and how management must adapt alongside her. Presentations addressed a range of timely topics impacting today’s dairy operations, including automated milking systems, component-based milk production, forage management, economics, and nutritional strategies for the future dairy cow.

“We were excited to have our industry professionals join us in Syracuse once again for this conference. We greatly appreciate the continued partnership with NEAFA.” said Tom Overton, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY Director.

By bringing together experts and dairy professionals from across the region, the conference reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and evidence‑based management in supporting the future of the dairy industry.

Panel discussion at 2026 Herd Health and Nutrition Conference

Michelle Chang-Der Bedrosian presents during 2026 Herd Health and Nutrition Conference

Trevor DeVries presents during 2026 Herd Health and Nutrition Conference

Chuck Nicholson presents during 2026 Herd Health and Nutrition Conference

A panel of leading researchers and on‑farm experts discussed how to feed and manage cows for higher milk fat and protein in today’s rapidly advancing herds.

In her presentation, Michelle Chang-Der Bedrosian, Animix, highlighted cutting-edge silage science and outlined conversations advisors and producers should be having before silage season begins.

Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph, highlighted how behavioral individuality in dairy cows presents both challenges and opportunities in automated milking systems.

Chuck Nicholson, Penn State University, provided insight into the market forces and industry conditions that are shaping component values today and how these shifts influence overall farm income.

For More Information

Heather Darrow

Conference Coordinator

Animal Science

PRO-DAIRY

Heather Darrow

(607) 255-4478
hh96 [at] cornell.edu

Previous events recordings available

Missed a previous event? Session recordings and electronic presentation materials are available from the 2020, 2021, and 2022 events. Use the link below to register to receive links.

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